Giving Thanks

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." 

- Psalm 136:1

The past several months have been full of special events and have passed by so incredibly quickly that I haven't had a chance to share what's been happening, except for occasional posts on my Facebook page. So, on this Thanksgiving Day, let me share with you the highlights from this fall by giving thanks for each of them.

EuNC Romania
This summer and fall, we've offered several courses through European Nazarene College: "Foundations for Biblical Studies," "Introduction to the Old Testament," "Practicum," "Christian Ethics," and "Interpersonal Communication." Ten students have taken at least one of these courses, and an additional 3 have participated in class sessions. Thanks be to God that we are now able to offer courses on a regular basis here in Romania.

The "Interpersonal Communications" course was taught
by Sarah Thibault at the beginning of November

The week after the Interpersonal Communication course, renovations began to update our classroom in Sighisoara. I'll post photos on my Facebook page when they are complete. Thanks be to God that we have a suitable learning environment for our students -- and that the cost of the renovations is nearly completely covered by the proceeds from when I sold Romanian handcrafts on home assignment!

Our library continues to expand. In addition to the budgeted funds we receive from EuNC to purchase books in Romanian, we have also received many donated English books for our library. We currently have just over 1,600 books, with more on the way. Thanks be to God that we are able to provide resources for our students and pastors.

These are all new books (in English & Romanian) that
were purchased or donated in the first half of 2019.

Two Romanian students graduated from EuNC with the Qualification in Spiritual Formation. The certificates were presented at the Romania District Assembly on November 23. Both students are continuing their studies to complete the Diploma in Christian Ministry. We anticipate that graduations will become a normal part of our district assemblies, as we expect that at least 2 students will graduate in each of the next 3 years. Thanks be to God that students are completing their studies.

2019 Romanian Graduates of EuNC's Spiritual Formation Programme

Ministerial Preparation  
Theological education (through EuNC) is just one part of ministerial preparation. At the beginning of October, I was part of the team to interview Romanian candidates for the renewal of district ministerial licenses. Later in October, I went to Budapest, Hungary, for Board of Ministry meetings, where we evaluated ministerial candidates from the districts across the Central Europe Field and discussed plans to assist them in their preparation as ministers of the Gospel. At the Romania District Assembly in November, five Romanians had their minister's licenses renewed. Thanks be to God that He is raising up church leaders in Central Europe and providing ways for them to be prepared for ministry.

Licensed Ministers on the Romania District, 2019

Regional Conference
In November, over 500 participants from across the Eurasia Region, representing 40 nationalities, took part in the Eurasia regional conference. There was a group of over 20 from Romania who attended. The conference included worship services, workshops, many meals together, a theology conference, and meetings for missionaries. It was nice to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in a few years. Thanks be to God for what He is doing throughout the Eurasia Region!

"Group Photo" of the Regional Conference participants

New Church Roof
For 3 weeks this summer, members and friends of the Sighisoara church worked to replace the roof of the building, which had been leaking for the past couple years. Thanks be to God not only that the roof was replaced, but also that it was an experience which drew people together. (Click here to view more photos.)

The newly-completed church roof, August 2019

Veritas 
In September, I was asked to lead the weekly devotions for the Veritas staff this fall. We have been going through the book Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado. The format of the book lends itself well to group discussions on each chapter. In October, I was invited to continue this book study at the annual Veritas staff retreat, in the mountains about 2 hours from Sighisoara. Thanks be to God for the ways He is working in the lives of the Veritas staff members as they minister to the needs of the Sighisoara community!

Veritas Staff Retreat, October 2019

Thanksgiving
On Wednesday evening of this week, I celebrated Thanksgiving with American, German, British, and Romanian friends. One noteworthy item for which we give thanks is for the health of the little boy seen in the picture below. Less than a month ago, he fell out of a window and could have had life-threatening injuries. But yesterday he was at the doctor's for a follow-up visit and was cleared for normal activities! Thanks be to God!

Thanksgiving 2019

Thanks be to God that I am part of a team serving the Lord here in Sighisoara.

Looking ahead...
Since the past few months have been so busy, and in order to use up some vacation days before the end of the year, I will be taking some time off in December. Thanks be to God for this long-overdue and much-needed time of rest.

Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving Day, and during the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.