January/February Update

Click here for a printable version of this newsletter.

The Seasons are Changing. The winter snow has melted and given way to several warm spring-like days, increasing anticipation for what is to come.

The seasons are changing. The Lenten season has begun, a time when we as Christians prepare our hearts by focusing on the death of Jesus.

The seasons are changing. These past 2 months have been a season of transition for me from my full-time language study into a season of ministry.

Just as I don’t know if the spring-like weather in February will last until spring officially arrives, and just as I don’t know what lessons God will teach during this time of Lent, so I don’t know all of the ways He will minister through me in Romania. The seasons are changing. I’m ready for the change.


Ministry Highlights

• EuNC Leadership Conference. In January I had the opportunity to attend the annual leadership conference and all-faculty meeting at European Nazarene College in Switzerland. Click here to read more about what I did.
• First Sermon in Romanian. In January, I preached in each of the churches on the district about the call on each of our lives to be disciples of Christ. It was the first time I preached in Romanian. You can click here to read more.
• Ministries in Sighișoara. Since I’ve returned from Switzerland, I’ve been able to help in the development of 2 emerging ministries in Sighișoara, children's church and adult small group study. Click here to continue reading.
  

Life in Romania
Milestones. February 7 marked the 9th anniversary since I first came to Romania as a student. Also, February marked 2 years of cumulative time I've spent in Romania.

Culture Corner: A Glimpse Into Romanian History

• Alba Iulia. After World War I, the region of Transylvania was joined to the kingdom of Romania. I was recently in Alba Iulia, where the historic events of Romanian unification took place. Click here to read more.

Join the Mission: Ways to Partner in Mission

Pray.

• Please pray for the new discipleship ministries in Sighișoara: an adult small group ministry, a growing children’s Sunday school, and a youth group. Please also pray for me as I support and train the Romanians who lead these and ministries in other locations. Click here for more ways you can pray.

Give.

• Tents in Haiti. The congregation of the Sighișoara Church of the Nazarene and the staff of Veritas recently gave money to purchase tents for the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. Click here to read more and to find out how you can give.

Engage.

• 12 Ways You Can Engage in Mission Without Ever Leaving Your Neighborhood. Ever find it hard to get ideas for how you can engage in God’s mission where you are? Click here for a list help you get started. You can also check out “Modeling a Lifestyle of Service” to see some practical ways parents (and other adults) shape their children’s concepts of mission.

Blessings!
Jonathan