Ministry Reflections from the Bans

I remember the first paper I wrote in college back in the fall of 1991. The Old Testament professor gave us the assignment to write a 3-page essay on a verse of our choice. I chose Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He makes everything beautiful in His time.” Now after more than ten years I would have to go back to my files and find the paper to see what the verse had to say to me then. Looking at our lives and ministry, however, we gain a new perspective.

Like all the young people who return to their homelands, we came with lots of enthusiasm, head knowledge and new ideas for ministry in Oradea. We thought we knew the context really well, not to mention the language and culture. When we sent out yearly reports to our sponsoring churches and organizations, we always thought we had little to say about “feeling at home” and “understanding the culture.” Well, the Lord in His time knew better. In reality it took us the last five years to understand why people in the church say “no” to a new idea, learn to be sensitive to their situation, and present a new ministry in a way that is not challenging. Romanians are still fighting the hard battle of suspicion, a legacy of the former regime. At every level people want to know “why this?,” “what’s the hidden agenda?,” and “who is sponsoring this?” We are still learning how to deal with it every week.

As you see in the brochure our ministry in the church is now geared towards young people. Adrian is coordinating the Sunday school for Children (ages 1-14). These past months he focused on getting to know the teachers and children better. One thing which amaze him was how long children—especially those of younger ages—are required to sit on their chairs and listen to the lesson. We pray the Lord will continue to give us patience to see changes, even if in smaller steps. Another thing he notices was that the teachers do not really know each other very well (we have about 60 teachers), so this spring he initiated several meetings. We pray they will be conducive to learning and deepening of relationships. They will study the Bible together and learn about issues in children education and child psychology.

On the first and third Wednesday of the month we meet with the Young Couples Fellowship. If we had a long and busy day, or the children kept us awake the night before, we feel like staying home. . . The moment we step in the room, however, we are refreshed to see these couples, listen to their battles and victories, and we come home with a thankful heart. Please allow us to share two stories of answ3reed prayer. Miha and Vasi have been married for two years. Since last fall they have p[rayed the Lord would bless them with a child. About tow months ago another couple in the group prayed e3specially for their request. Last week she shared with us she is five weeks pregnant – they were encouraged by the answered prayer. Dani and Ioanna were able to settle a lawsuit over the purchase of an apartment after a session of fervent prayer. At the beginning Dani was reluctant to share with us what was going on, but after he did you could see his face lighten up. Imagine their big smile when, two weeks after, they told the group how the Lord answered prayers!

You may look at the brochure and wonder when we have time for ourselves. It’s not easy. Again the Lord knew what we needed most, so these past months we had the opportunity to translate a book on “Ten Choices You can make to Strengthen Your Marriage.” Each chapter challenged us to look at the choices we can and have to make for an enriched, healthy and growing marriage. We pray the book will have a great impact on its Romanian readers! Also, this June we will celebrate our 10th anniversary and we are grateful for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on our marriage.

On the home front, the boys keep us alert and active. Andi (8) is in second grade and reads and writes well. We also discovered he has great talent at drawing, and he now attends special art classes in weekends. Eduard (3) goes to preschool twice a week, wand enjoys singing. He is also good at sports, but some days are tougher because of the disease in his legs *(the inside cartilage around his knees does not develop at the same speed as the outer one). He complains of pain, and falls quite easily. Tommy (almost 2) will celebrate his birthday next month. He goes to “Grandma’s School for little grandsons” and enjoys lining up cars and playing “hide and seek” (he hides, they seek) with Grandma’s and Grandpa’s glasses.

As we shared with you, while leading the Pre-Marital Class last year, we felt out marriage was under attack from the evil one. Many times we had to battle feelings and thoughts of inadequacy. Well this year the battle is on a different front: on the outside. Our extended family here is going through some turmoil., and we pray the Lord will bring healing. Also, the words “stretches budget” got a new meaning for us. It’s amazing how much you can do with little funds and a big faith and heart for the ministry! God is so good, and we know that in His time He will provide!

This year we will celebrate East at the same time. We pray the Lord will bless you and your family during this special season of joy and hope. May you taste of His goodness and faithfulness, and trust Him for the future He gives!

Adrian, Ema, Andi, Eduard and Tommy
Oradea, Romania