I’ve just returned to Romania after spending the last 11 weeks in the US. My experiences there were very positive and encouraging for me. Here are a few highlights of my time in the US.
Ordination
The primary purpose for such an extended stay in the US was to coincide with my ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. I returned at the end of February to meet with the Mid-Atlantic District Board of Ministry. The ordination service occurred as part of the district assembly in April. Click here to read more about my ordination.
District Tours
I used the opportunity of being in the US to speak in several churches about what God is doing in and through the Church of the Nazarene in Romania. I’ve been overwhelmed with the warm welcome I’ve received in each place I've been. Click here to read some of the highlights from these tours.
Podcast: If you weren’t able to attend one of the services where I was speaking, you can click here to watch the video online.
Financial Gifts: I have been blessed with generous financial gifts to support me as I continue ministering in Romania. Recent donations given to my Mission Corps account will cover a year's worth of ministry-related expenses. Additionally, generous donors who have given to me directly have provided the means for me to pay off my remaining college loans.
Q&A Blog Series
While I was meeting many new people in the US, I found out that many people had a great interest in learning about Romania. As way to respond, I have begun answering the questions I’ve been asked about Romania in a series of “Q&A” blog posts. Each Monday throughout the summer I will add a new blog post to this series. You can already read the first three posts:
Receiving Updates
Blog posts: In addition to my personal blog (www.jepjon.com), don’t forget to check out RomaniaNazarene.blogspot.com for updates about the Church of the Nazarene in Romania. You can now subscribe to receive email updates any time either of these blogs are updated. Just follow the instructions in the right sidebar on the blogs.
Facebook: I’ve recently revamped my Facebook page “Joining God’s Mission in Romania” with pictures and more frequent updates. Like this page to receive more frequent updates from me in Romania.Printable newsletter: Each quarter I prepare a printable version of my newsletter, designed especially with those in mind who do not have Internet and e-mail access. Click here to download and print the spring edition of my newsletter.
Family Milestones
In April, two of my close family members passed away. Just before Easter, my grandmother’s aunt, Doris Flinchbaugh, who was like a grandmother to me, passed away after a lengthy illness. Just a few short weeks later, my grandmother, Romaine Phillips, passed away. They will both be very missed. I’m thankful that I was in the US at this crucial time and that I was able to spend time with both of them in the days prior to their passing. Please continue to remember my family in prayer.
Praying for What’s Next
Please pray with me that I’ll soon be able to get back into a normal routine here in Romania. There are always more opportunities for ministry than I have time to pursue, so I ask for your prayers to help me discern which specific direction to take. Click here to view specific prayer requests.
You may remember that I had been leading a men's discipleship group in Tigmandru. We finished our survey of the Old Testament back in February and will be beginning a new study in a few weeks. In case you haven't seen it yet, click here to read an article I wrote about the men's discipleship group in Tigmandru.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you've given during the past 3 months.
Jonathan Phillips
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