December Update

It's been a week since I returned to Sighisoara after spending a month in the US. Here is a quick end-of-the-year update.

First Thanksgiving with my family since 2001.

A month in the US:
This last month went by really quickly. I flew to the US on November 4, and returned to Romania on December 6. Each Sunday I spoke in churches within driving distance of my parents’ home. The rest of my time was spent trying to make the most of every moment – from routine visits to the doctor (I'm healthy), dentist (no cavities), and optometrist (new glasses), to buying supplies to take back to Romania, to eating my mom’s delicious home cooking, to working on various projects, to visiting friends in the area, to simply relaxing with my family.

Financial Update:
While in the US, I raised $2700 toward my Mission Corps fund. This doubled what had been given since the beginning of the year (now $5400 to date). Nevertheless, I still rely on the regular giving of individuals so I can continue meeting my expenses of $12,000 per year.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support me in ministry, you may do so online at http://web.nazarene.org/goto/jepjon. If you write a check, make it payable to “General Treasurer.” Be sure to include “Jonathan Phillips – Romania – Mission Corps” on the memo line, and send it to Church of the Nazarene; PO Box 843116; Kansas City, MO 64184-3116. Thank you for your support!

Ministry Highlights:

Distribution of "Power of One"
materials at district assembly

In case you missed my last blog post, my last week before coming to the US was a full one which included the Romania District Assembly and the distribution of the Power of One books (the translation project that I’ve been coordinating). You can read that post here: http://www.jepjon.com/2013/11/quick-update.html.

While I was in the US, a lot happened in Romania.
Magda Cini was officially installed as pastor of the Tigmandru Church of the Nazarene. You can read about Magda here: http://romanianazarene.blogspot.ro/2013/09/woman-on-mission.html.

Wesleyan Covenant Discipleship
Seminar Participants

Romanian ministry leaders gathered for a seminar on Wesleyan covenant discipleship. You can read about that here: http://romanianazarene.blogspot.ro/2013/12/covenant-discipleship-in-romania.html

What’s Ahead…
As I’m getting back into a normal routine here in Romania, I’m looking forward to several projects that will begin to take shape early in 2014, especially in the areas of discipleship and literature translation. Thank you for your prayers as I coordinate these projects.

Next Trip to the US will be next summer. I’ll be back in the US in August and September 2014. I’m currently looking for churches in the greater Boston area to complete my schedule there in September. I am also hoping to visit other districts in August. Please contact me if you are interested in having me share with your church or small group.

Printable newsletter:
My newest printable PDF newsletter which summarizes the highlights of 2013 is available by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to print it for church bulletin boards or for people who do not have internet access.

Have a blessed Christmas!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)