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, five new
churches have been started and are being supported by four
American partners. We are seeking new partnerships in the coming
year for five more new churches. We already have two young
evangelists waiting for sponsorship. Their salary starts at $200.
per month. This is a five- 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.) has started a new church in Cluj. Blount Chr.
Church in Maryville TN sponsors this work.
This little church in
OhabaLunga is the sister church to Lilburn
Christian Church in Atlanta. They have partnered in
purchasing a parsonage.
Mihi
and Legia Kollar need a church
to sponsors them starting inSeptember. He works with two village churches; he also
continues his seminary education through extension courses.
This man is a former Orthodox priest. He started studying the
Bible through the invitation of a local evangelical minister.
Both he and his wife were immersed after attending a Precepts
Conference. When the Orthodox hierarchy found about this, they
excommunicated him and kicked him off the church property. This
couple will be starting a new Bible-believing church in
Caras-Severin. He will also be publishing and distributing his
testimony throughout Romania. We are looking for a church to
partner with this powerful young minister.
