Over the last few months since we last communicated with you much has happened. We first wanted to introduce you to a special couple. Earlier this spring Emeka and Constanta came to the leadership of the church and expressed their desire to be married. They asked if we would be willing to unite them in marriage at the church. We told them the only way we would consider this is if they agreed to attend premarital counseling. They agreed and we worked with them from March until June. During this period of time we learned that Constanta did not have a relationship with Christ. It was truly a joy to lead her to the Savior in their 2nd session with us. Over the following weeks they both made tremendous strides in their relationship with Jesus Christ as they prepared for marriage. Sunday, July 1st it was a joy to baptize Constanta as our new sister in Christ. On Sunday the 15th everyone at the International Church celebrated they were united in marriage after worship that Sunday. As you think of this couple please keep them in your prayers. Pray that the Lord will continue to help them to grow in their relationship with him and with each other.
Take a moment and listen to Constanta's testimony
Constanta's baptism on the 1st of July
Emeka and Constanta's wedding on the 15th of July
The beginning of the summer marked an
important landmark in the history of the International Church. For the
first time in the church's history we had the privilege of sending out
our first missionary who had spent over five years at IBC preparing for
ministry. Stuart Harrison, from the United Kingdom, had taught school
at an international school in Bucharest up till this time. Yet during
this time God had been laying on his heart to move to northern Romania
to a small town with very little evangelical influence to start a work
there. After much prayer, training and counsel the church sent him out
to do this work the beginning of June this year. Please pray that God
will bless the work he has led Stuart to and that God will produce much
fruit through him for his glory.
Stuart Harrison - IBC missionary to Balan, Romania
Many of you have been praying for Naty's dad over this last few months as well. As you know he has been suffering from the degenerative effects of Hepatitis C. We all have been praying that the Lord would allow him to receive a new liver from a liver transplant to extend his life. Since the last time we reported to you the Lord has done what only he could have. Approximately three weeks ago we received a phone call from her dad in Italy that informed us that he was on the way to the hospital. The reason, a liver had become available and the doctors where preparing to have him come so the procedure could be done. We are happy to report that the surgery went very well and he has been recovering comfortably since. We would ask you to continue to pray for two things. First, please pray for his complete total recovery. There are still many months of recovery in front of Naty's dad. He will have to remain in Italy over this next year as the doctors continue to work with him during this time of recovery. Next, please pray that God will continue to provide every financial resource necessary for Andrei while he remains in Italy. It will cost him approximately 1,000 euro each month that he is there. This is quite expensive for him, so please pray that God will work in the hearts of his people to give to help him with this great need.
Naty and her dad prior to his surgery in Italy
Naty with her dad the day after the transplant surgery
Naty with her dad as he continues to recovery from the transplant
We are continuing to work alongside the Deo Gloria Baptist Church here in Bucharest. As you have heard, we have been working alongside this Romanian church to help and assist them as they grow to become a fully established and functioning local church. Recently we were asked to come and participate with them as they celebrated the baptism of two new sisters in Christ. They continue to make good progress in reaching out to the local community. So please continue to pray for this church that the Lord will help them become well established.
Bill participating in baptism service with Deo Gloria Baptist Church
