December Update

Warm greetings to you this Advent season. In just a few days, I'll be joining my family in Pennsylvania to celebrate the Christmas and New Year's holidays. I've taken a break from packing my suitcase to share this brief update with you. Please note that you can also click here to access my printable end-of-the-year newsletter in PDF format. 

Nazarene Essentials
At the beginning of this year, the Board of General Superintendents released Nazarene Essentials, a resource explaining the Church of the Nazarene's history, beliefs, and organization in plain language. This summer we started the translation process into Romanian. Editing and proofreading became the priority in the fall, and it was printed just in time to be distributed at our district assembly in the middle of November. We hope this will be a useful resource for pastors as they explain our church in membership classes.

Eurasia Regional Conference
At the beginning of November, 640 Nazarenes from across the Eurasia region gathered for the quadrennial regional conference. There were about 15 of us in attendance from Romania. Throughout the 4 days of the conference, we attended worship services and workshops, and heard reports of how God is working in and through the Church of the Nazarene throughout our diverse region, which includes the countries in Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and South Asia. Click here to read a NCN news article about the conference.

Prayer for Central Europe
The Central Europe Field (which includes Romania) was recently featured on NMI's Prayer Mobilization Line. Click here to read specific ways you can be praying for this part of the world.

Giving Opportunity
You may remember that back in March I announced that my status had changed from "Mission Corps" to "Specialized Assignment" missionary. Among other changes, I now must raise additional funds to cover a salary and taxes. In the past, the majority of my funding has come from the offerings given when I have spoken in churches. However, to meet my new budget, I now must rely more on individuals and churches to support me on an ongoing basis.

I'm off to a good start; I have 8 monthly donors that contribute a combined $545/month. However, that's only just over half way to my goal of $1000/month. Would you consider either making an end-of-the year financial contribution, or beginning the new year by supporting me on monthly basis? All donations are tax-deductible and qualify for missions giving in the Church of the Nazarene. Click here to give online.

Wherever you celebrate this Christmas, may you know the joy and peace that comes with Emmanuel's birth.