Update from Romania

September 1 marked the 3-year anniversary since I arrived in Romania to begin this Mission Corps assignment. The time has passed so quickly. In fact, I’ve had to double-check my math a few times to make sure that it really has been 3 years and not only 2! On this occasion, I’d like to thank you, my ministry partners, for the impact you've made this year.

Thank you for your commitment to pray for me and for the Church of the Nazarene in Romania. God hears and is answering your prayers.
Thank you for inviting me into your churches and homes when I’m in the US to share what God is doing in Romania.
Thank you for allowing God to use your faithful giving to provide the financial means for me to remain in Romania.
Thank you for the cards, emails, and even comments on blog posts to let me know you’re thinking of me and praying for me.

Manual Work
There’s a difference between doing “manual work” and doing “Manual work.” The former demands physical activity such as construction or heavy lifting; the latter involves sitting at a computer all day. Click here to read about our plans to finish translating the Church of the Nazarene’s Manual into Romanian and my part in the project.

No Easy Button 
This summer there have been many new challenges to ministry, from people facing economic hardship their family and health issues. I’ve often wished for an “Easy Button” that could make the problems disappear.  Click here to read what I’m learning from these situations.

Printable Newsletter Available
A printable PDF version of my summer 2012 newsletter can be downloaded here. I provide this option for those who wish to publish my newsletters on bulletin boards or to share with those without Internet access.

Answers to Prayer
I'd like to share with you 3 answers to prayer -- all having to do with receiving paperwork.

1. For almost 2 years, the Church of the Nazarene in Tigmandru has been working to establish an organization which will allow for the development of small businesses that will provide employment for people in the village and help support the church. The final paperwork was approved last month, so the first steps of the newly-formed organization can now begin.
2. The Church of the Nazarene in Sighisoara has been planning a building project for the past few years. Work & Witness teams came this summer to help with the building project. Unfortunately, the necessary approvals were delayed. They were finally granted the day the last team was leaving. However, the summer teams were able to help with other projects at the church. Now that the church has the building permit, Romanian workers can get started on the project this fall. 
3. I've turned in all my paperwork to renew my visa to stay in Romania. For the first time, I've been approved to receive a 2-year visa, meaning I won't have to go through the renewal process next year. It's been quite an adventure getting my visa renewed this year. You can read about it in these 2 blog posts: How to Pay 120 Euros and Never As Simple As It Seems.

Prayer Requests

1. The new Veritas Center in Sighisoara is continuing its renovations. Right now preparations are underway to prepare for the kindergarten and the domestic violence services to move to  the new center this fall.
2. Pray for the restart of various discipleship ministries which are returning from a short summer break. 
3. This summer the church in Romania has been bombarded with many big issues, from people facing economic hardship to family and health issues. Pray for God to work in each of these situations and for us leaders to be granted wisdom for how to respond best.

Thank you for your prayers.