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| Youth Group Boys in Tigmandru June 2004 |
A year after my seminary graduation, God opened the door for me to once again serve in Romania -- this time better equipped to serve. Fast forward to the present, and I now have the privilege to coordinate the theological education program for Romanians preparing for ministry.
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| "Language & Written Expression" course May 2019 |
Romanians preparing for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene take courses through European Nazarene College’s Romania Learning Center. This year, 12 students have taken courses in Romania – including 2 brand new students. By the close of the current school year (at the end of August), we will have offered 6 regular courses this year, plus a practicum and an online introductory course for new students.
It takes a lot of effort to run a learning center, and I’m grateful for the support I receive from the EuNC administration and from the Central Europe Field office. Even so, during the past 2+ years, I’ve found that I can’t keep up with all the demands, and that I’m constantly behind schedule or neglecting other responsibilities. So, after reviewing the budget, we decided that we could hire a part-time administrator for the Romania Learning Center. In May, Oana Cristurean (the wife of the pastor in Sighisoara) started in this role. I’m already breathing more easily, knowing that Oana is taking care of administrative tasks like enrolling students in courses and keeping track of finances!
Giving Thanks and Requesting Prayer
Join me in thanking God for all that He is doing in the EuNC Romania Learning Center – that students are nearing the completion of their studies required for ordination, that young Romanians are enrolling in courses to help them be better prepared for ministry, and that Oana is now serving as Learning Center administrator.
Please pray for the students as they take courses this summer, especially as they balance their studies with work, church, and family responsibilities. Pray for me as I teach “Introduction to the Old Testament” and co-teach “Foundations for Biblical Studies” this summer.
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| Speaking on Home Assignment 2019 |
This spring, I spent 6 weeks in the U.S. on home assignment. In each deputation service, I shared examples of how Romanian EuNC students are making a difference in their churches and communities. (If you didn’t get to see me in person, click here to watch my deputation message.)
I am happy to announce that my fundraising goals for home assignment have been met. Deputation offerings totaled just over $7,000. Additionally, several individuals have committed to supporting me on an ongoing basis, bringing the total up to $780/month. (Together with support from my home church and annual/one-time donations from individuals, I am on track to meet my goal of $25,000 for the year.) Beyond deputation offerings, over $2,000 was given to support ministries in Romania. Thank you for giving! Join me in praising God for His provision!
While I was in the U.S., new LINKS assignments were announced. For the past 3 years, I have enjoyed being one of the LINKS missionaries for the Canada Central District. I am especially grateful for the warm welcome I received last fall when I was able to visit several of my LINKS churches in Ontario. My new LINKS district is my home district – the Mid-Atlantic District. I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with the churches on my home district in these next 3 years.
Stay Connected:
Did you know that you can enter your email address in the box on the right sidebar to receive an email every time I update this blog? You can do the same for the Romania Nazarene ministry blog (romanianazarene.blogspot.com). That way, you'll never miss an update!
You can also “like” my Facebook page (“Jonathan Phillips in Romania” – www.facebook.com/jepjonRomania) where I post at least one update per week.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and words of encouragement! I am so blessed!
Jonathan
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