As we began a new school year at the International Church we witnessed the Lord bless in new and unexpected ways. In September the church trusted the Lord to bless an all new endevour. Over the years, we have hosted as a church a barbeque or picnic to welcome members of the church who have been traveling back to the city. Additionally, this event gives us a great opportunity to welcome new arrivals to the church. This year we took this idea to a whole new level. Not knowing how God would bless our efforts, we trusted the Lord and partnered with a local international school to create an Autumn festival for expat families all throughout the city. We called it, 'Family Fun Day.' What a day it was as over 100 individuals and families from all around the city participated. Take a moment, watch the clip below to learn all about what God did as we began the new school year.
A review of the Family Fun Day
Early in October we had our initial meeting of the men of the church. We hosted a breakfast for the men where we spent a wonderful time in prayer, as well as, accomplished some needed house keeping items around the church building. It was a wonderful time of encouragement by all those who participated. We are so grateful for each of these men.
The men of the church enjoying a traditional Scottish breakfast
As the Fall continued we began to dig deep into the book of Hebrews. During these months we have made our way through a series in the book called, "Jesus Is Better." It has been a good time of challenge and encouragement by all who have participated. Our prayer is that it will help compele the members of the church to grow in love for Christ and in response, seek to make Him known.
Sunday studying through the book of Hebrews
As we entered into the month of November, Naty and I were asked to participate with a local charity in their efforts to raise resources to run the organization throughout this year; they do this through a fund raising ball hosted by a hotel in the center of the city. This relationship between us and 'Light Into Europe' has been growing through the years. It is such a unique opportunity to bless the work they are doing amongst those society has forgotten; the blind and deaf. It's also a great opportunity to continue to develop an on going relationships with those in the greater expat community of the city. We are so grateful for this opportunity that has been extended to us through our friends at Light Into Europe. We pray as these relationships develop that doors will be opened for the gospel.
Naty and I at Light Into Europe's ball to raise funds
The week of the charity ball, the church hosted its annual thanksgiving celebration. Part of our partnership with Light Into Europe is their agreement to participate in our time of thanksgiving. Each year a team of musicians from Scottland make their way to Romania to help lead a time of Scottish dancing for the fund raising ball. Additionally, the week of the ball they come to church during our thanksgiving celebration and lead the church in a time of Scottish dancing as well. This evening has proven to be a wonderful time of thanksgiving to God for all His blessings, as well as, a fun time of celebration as our guests participate in the Scottish dancing.
The thanksgiving meal this year
Scottish dancing during our Thanksgiving Celebration
Throughout the fall in conjunction with our series on Sunday mornings called, "Jesus Is Better", we've been studying in our home group through the book of Hebrews as well. A few weeks back as the autumn term of the school year has began to wind down, we hosted a Christmas party in our home for those who have been participating in our group. These special people have been such a blessing to our family. We do pray that God will continue the good work that He is doing in each of their lives throughout the New Year to come.
Our home group Christmas party this year
A week ago, the church hosted it's annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. We did so in partnership with the International British School of Bucharest. The school brought their choir to the church to sing carols for all in attendance. This resulted in many guests attending that evening. During the evening, our children shared the story of Chirstmas through a small skit and in song; they were a blessing to all. We concluded our celebration by sharing the good news about Christ with all in attendance. It was wonderful evening for all those in attendance. We pray that God will use the seed of the gospel that was planted that evening to cause those in attendance who are seeking to find the greatest gift of all this Christmas.
The Christmas Celebration at the International Church
The children of the church sharing the Christmas story
Our friends from the International British School sharing
Listen to our children this Christmas
Naty and I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your partnership in the gospel all throughout 2018. You have been a tremendous blessing to our family and the lives of each that we have privilege of ministering to each day. We pray as 2019 will soon be upon us that God will continue His blessing upon you and yours and that this New Year will be your most fruitful year yet. May God bless each of you richly.
