Since our last update much has happened and we have much to share with you. The end of October we made our annual trip to join our brothers and sisters who co-labor along with us in the International Baptist Convention at the annual meeting for the convention in Berlin, Germany. While we were there we were very encouraged to learn more about how God is using the cooperation that is taking place amongst the churches of the convention to take the gospel to places all around the world. Over the last six years Naty and I have had the privilege to serve in this effort in a small way. Naty was asked to coordinate the Women's Ministry of the convention a little over a year ago. In addition, I have been serving by coordinating the Mission Team's efforts over the last three years as well. Now we are experiencing an even greater joy in partnership with the IBC as it has forged a new relationship between itself and the Baptist Union of Moldova. Ultimately, our direct relationship with Moldova has given us the privilege of assisting the IBC by coordinating this new relationship. We are thrilled by each opportunity to serve, but we ask you to please pray that God will help us balance all our responsibilities well. Pray that we will be able to be faithful with our responsibilities within the work at the International Church of Bucharest, within our efforts to coordinate the different responsibilities in the convention and within our continued work in the Republic of Moldova.
Bill updating the IBC on the work of the mission team
Praying for two new IBC churches - one of which is in Romania
Bill & Naty with many of the pastors and leaders of the IBC
As Naty and I returned home from our time with our brothers and sister of the IBC we had a chance to go through Wittenburg, Germany. This is where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in 1517. This is the place where many believe the protestant reformation began. For both Naty and I it was a good opportunity to be able to take a moment and thank God for what he began there in Wittenburg almost 500 years ago.
Standing in front of the door where Luther nailed his 95 theses
The first of November at the International Church we had the chance to celebrate the baptism of three young people within our fellowship. Daniel from Nigeria, Hashaa from Mongolia and Carmen from Romania. Recently Daniel has approached the leadership of the church expressing the desire to be trained for greater work in the ministry. Soon we plan to begin this work with him. We are thrilled by the work that God is doing in their lives and we trust that God will enable them to fulfill the purpose he has for each of their lives. As you think of Daniel, Hashaa and Carmen, please keep them in your prayers.
Bill leading the congregation in the ordinance of baptism
Bill baptizing Daniel from Nigeria
A week ago the men of the International Church once again took their annual trek to the Olympic Training Center of Romania. We have been going there with the men of the church for a retreat that is focused on just the men. Once again this year many of the men of the church participated and many shared by the end of the weekend just how big a blessing it was for them. One of the testimonies we heard that encouraged us the most was in response to the question, "What is the best thing God has done in your life in Romania?" Many got a good chuckle from me sharing about God providing me a wife here in Romania. Yet, I was most encouraged by a few brothers that shared that the church was a real answer to prayer for them. They shared how when they first arrived in Romania they really desired to find a place to worship, but where unable to do so till they found the International Church. They continued to share how it has not only met a need in their lives, but how the church has really helped them take steps of growth spiritually in their lives as well.
Our times of worship at the church's men's retreat
Many of the men joined in some great fellowship at the retreat
as we played indoor soccer together
As always Naty and I have so much to be grateful for and each of you would be included in our list of blessings. We know these days are difficult for so many. Yet many of you continue to make generous sacrifices on behalf of the work here. We thank you for the sacrifices you make to unable this work here to continue. During this holiday season we pray that our Lord will richly bless you and your families for love and generosity you have shown toward so many here in Romania and Moldova.
