Report from Pitesti and Craiova, Romania - April, 2003
I. A one to one teaching campaign has just concluded in the congregations. Harvey Tipton, the only U.S. Bible teacher working in Pitesti, did an excellent job teaching and leading a group of 5 Romanian teachers from the Church there in the campaign. The group taught 165 one to one Bible studies! The Craiova group, with Paul Morphis being the only U.S. teacher,taught 142 studies. There were four Romanian Christians teaching in Craiova. This is a great step for the churches there and another "Romanian teachers" campaign is planned for March,2004. Of course, a number of competent U.S.Bible teachers will always be needed from time to time in the work and they are thankful that the U.S. teachers come.II. The BBC response forms continue to come every day. As of now, six weeks after the mail-out,the number received each day has varied from 18 to 96 and the total requests to study the Bible is now right at 9,000! Already some 3,500 students have returned lessons one and two and wait for lessons three and four. The teams, about 15 Romanian Christians, for the three districts are now back at work answering all requests, grading lessons and sending Bibles to those who do not have them. Our deepest appreciation to the Syacamore Church for this work. We are glad to be "foot soldiers" in this effort to get the Gospel to all. The second 8 lesson course has been ordered at the printers, along with the many thousands of diplomas which will be awarded at the end of the courses. The Moldova BCC continues to grow and the students are asking when someone is coming inperson to teach. Vernon Starling and Marc Curfman, along with translators plan to work there in early May.
III. The Ladies Quilt project includes both Pitesti and Craiova. Pat works closely with Cristina Vasile to keep the ladies supplied with the necessary materials and to encourage them in this great work. As of March 31, the ladies had made 67 full size quilts in three months! So many have so little and truly are blessed to receive one of the beautiful handmade quilts.
IV. All three congregations need larger facilities in which to worship, teach and serve. We are working and praying about all three places and will let you know when the "doors open" and how you can help.
V. In the past 15 months 26 souls have become Christians in Pitesti alone. Last week we conducted a special class for the 26 Men and Women. Only five were absent, two of these because of work. We work diligently with strong Romanian Christians to try to develope and mature the new Christians. Some have been lost but we continue to work and pray to keep each one close to the Lord.
Related pages:
By Harvey and Pat Starling | EUROPE | Romania | Statistics
