When a short-term group (like a Work & Witness team) comes, it’s easy for them to write daily summaries to send to their supporters of everything new that they are experiencing. In my first year or so here, I posted a lot of those new experiences. But after nearly 10 years, I sometimes find it difficult to know what to write about. I still find joy in what I do and experience, but these days, there's a lot more of the "ordinary" than of the "new."
How much of my ordinary day-to-day life do you really want to read about? I do want to keep supporters updated with what is happening here, but how do I find the nuggets that are worth sharing when it often seems like “I’m still working on Project X” is all I have to report?
Well, with that introduction out of the way, here are a few highlights from the past few months.
Theological Education
Well, with that introduction out of the way, here are a few highlights from the past few months.
Theological Education
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| In November, I cataloged over 100 books that had been recently purchased for or donated to our library |
Most of my time has been spent with theological education. I'm sure you don't want to read the details about buying and cataloging books for our library, translating paperwork to be compliant with the new European Union regulation on data protection, or any of the other "ordinary" tasks that take up most of any given day. There's also not a lot to report when it comes to preparations for upcoming courses which will take place this spring and summer: “Language and Written Expression,” “Foundations for Biblical Studies,” and possibly also “Introduction to the Old Testament.”
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| Christopher J. H. Wright signing my copy of The Mission of God. |
It is worth noting, however, that 8 students just completed the course "Church History 1," and 9 students are now taking the course "Church History 2." I've been encouraged as I have witnessed students making connections between our denomination and other churches, as they learn about the development of the Church universal, including the Church Fathers and ecumenical councils.
I've recently had 2 opportunities to travel, both trips related to theological education. In January, I went to Arad, Romania (a 5-hour drive west of Sighisoara), to attend lectures given by Christopher J. H. Wright, the author of The Mission of God and The Mission of God’s People -- two of the books I use when I teach the course “God's Mission and the Church.” A week later, I went to the EuNC Faculty Assembly, the annual gathering of teachers and administrators from European Nazarene College's learning centers throughout Europe and the former Soviet Union, which was held in the Netherlands this year.
There are a few exciting new developments in the works regarding theological education that I hope to be able to share more about in an upcoming newsletter.
There are a few exciting new developments in the works regarding theological education that I hope to be able to share more about in an upcoming newsletter.
Please pray for theological education in Romania: for the students as they are being equipped for ministry, and for those of us who teach and prepare resources, that we may do so in effective ways.
Other Ministry Developments
While I was in the U.S. in the fall, the Sighisoara Church started a youth group. For years, the church has struggled to find ways to connect with teenagers in the community. There are now over 20 teens who regularly attend the Wednesday evening group, and a few that also come on Tuesday evenings for a youth Bible study. Please pray for these teens, as they grow in their relationship with Christ and find their place in the life of the church.
In November was our annual district assembly. Joshua Herndon was appointed district superintendent. The Herndons have been serving in Romania since August 2017. Josh replaces Roberta Bustin as district superintendent, who has filled the role since 2016 when the Hudson family returned to Canada. Please pray for Josh as he leads the Romania District in the years to come.
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| Five Romanians received a district minister's license at this year's assembly |
In just over 2 weeks, I will again be returning to the U.S., this time for 6 weeks. (I won’t share here the long story about why my 2 trips were scheduled so close to one another.) For most of my home assignment, I will be on the Mid-Atlantic District, although I also have one weekend scheduled in Virginia, and I’ll be in Kansas City for a week for meetings. Click here to view my complete home assignment schedule. Since I will be based in Pennsylvania for most of the time, I hope to visit with people I haven't connected with in a while. I hope I get to see you! Please pray that my home assignment will be a good time to reconnect with friends and to share what is happening in Romania with supporters.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Jonathan
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