Update from Romania

I am back in Sighisoara, after spending the majority of June in the United States – in the Boston, Massachusetts, and York, Pennsylvania, areas. It was just a short visit to the US this year – only 3 ½ weeks. Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending time with my family, reconnecting with friends, and meeting new friends.

Fundraising Update
One of the major purposes for returning to the US each year is to raise financial support for the coming year. Each of the churches where I spoke was very generous in its offerings to support me in continuing ministry. However, spending only 3 weeks in the US means that I was only to raise about 20% of the funds I need to raise each year. That isn't as bad as it may sound; it just means that the remainder of funds need to be raised from individuals’ monthly or one-time gifts. My goal is to raise half of my funds through ongoing monthly giving, which means receiving $500 a month in donations. Right now I am receiving $285/month from faithful supporters. If you would like to donate, either a one-time gift or a monthly donation, please click here for more information.

Spring 2012 Schedule
My next trip to the United States will be during the months of March-May 2012. If you would like to partner with me by having me share with your church or small group, please email me at jep_jon@yahoo.com. You can view my up-to-date schedule of availability by clicking here.

Prayer Update
I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in the US. Although I traveled a good deal to raise money, I was able to find time for some much-needed rest. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends.

Please pray with me for the following:

• For my extended family members who are experiencing serious health complications. I was able to visit them while I was in the US, but it’s difficult being far from them now.
• For the ongoing development of lay training & discipleship ministries in Romania, specifically for guidance as I plan how I will spend my time in the next few months.
• For the theological education course I’ll be teaching in September through European Nazarene College right here in Romania. This is the first course I’ve taught through EuNC, so I feel like I have a lot I need to prepare!
  

Recent Blog Posts & Other News:

• Jet Lag & Culture Shock – After spending the majority of the last 2 years in Romania, there were a few American cultural norms to which I had to readjust.
  
• A Wide Perspective – As I was preparing to come back to the US, I realized just how very wide my experiences in Romania have become. I am blessed to be in regular interaction with a very different groups of people.
• Printable Newsletter – You can download a printable PDF copy of my Spring (March-May) 2011 Newsletter for your church bulletin board or for someone who doesn’t have access to the Internet.
  

Regional & Field News Impacting Romania:

• EuNC is Coming Home – European Nazarene College has recently made the decision to close its residential campus in Buesingen, Switzerland, and focus all of its energy on developing the learning centers throughout Europe, including the one in Romania.
  
• Southeastern Europe Field is Expanded and Renamed the Central Europe Field – European Fields have recently been realigned, adding Hungary, Poland, and Scandinavia to what was previously known as the Southeastern Europe Field.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership with me. Blessings to you.
Jonathan Phillips

PS - After seeing many of the sights throughout Romania, I thought it was rather silly that I had never visited the Haines Shoe House in Hellam, PA, just 1 ½ miles from my parents' house (at least, not since I was 4 years old), so I was sure to take a tour while I was in the neighborhood!