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OPPORTUNITIES
We have been surprised at the effectiveness of this type of
ministry. Medical clinics tear down cultural barriers and add
validity to the message of small evangelical churches. One local
minister reported that 93% of his members came in contact with the
Church first through a medical clinic.
We expect this aspect of our ministry to continue to grow.
Patients came in wagons and on tractors; they stood in long lines
waiting for the free medical care offered by their church. Many
were expecting a miracle.
All the registration cards were turned over to the local ministers
who will follow up with a home visit and Bible studies in the
homes of those patients requesting them. This is an exciting way
to grow a church.
New Church
Plants
The major thrust of MISSION CONNECT continues to be the
planting of new churches through partnerships with national
evangelists and American churches. Since September 2002,
seven new
churches have been started and are being supported by
American partners. We are seeking new partnerships in the coming
year for two new churches. We have young
evangelists waiting for sponsorship. Their salary starts at $300.
per month. This is a three year partnership-commitment. Many
opportunities are available for Churches here to participate
actively in Romania. Developing “sister-church” relationships is
a wonderful stimulus for growth here.
Raul (r.) started a new church in Cluj-Napoca. Blount Chr.
Church in Maryville TN sponsored this work. |
Ohaba Lunga is the sister church to Lilburn
Christian & Hamilton Mills Churches in Atlanta. iThis
remote church has immersed into Christ many older people. |
Mihi
and Legia Kollar
worked with three villages. Mihai also authored a
commentary on the N.T. book of James for Romanian pastors. |
This man was a former Orthodox priest. Through the
invitation of a Christian dentist friend, he began studying the
Bible on his own. Both he and his wife were immersed into
Christ in Surduc Reservoir after attending a Precepts Conference
on 'covenants with God'. The State Orthodox leadership
excommunicated them and kicked them out of the parsonage.
Since then, this couple has been encouraging and preaching in
remote village churches and showing them how wonderful it is to
share Christ with neighbors. Mission Connect tries to give
some support to young preachers like this to reach into the
remote parts of Romania. |
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