It is exactly 25 years since the local assembly in Cheshunt commended us to the grace of God for work in Eastern Europe. We have been living and serving the Risen Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus, in Romania amongst the many local assemblies since May 1996. We are extremely grateful for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day [October 1992] until now. It is quite remarkable how our Sovereign God has helped, guided and protected us in a former Communist country and how He has wonderfully opened up for us different ministries amongst the many assemblies that gather to the Precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is His work, for His glory, and we areIt is exactly 25 years since the local assembly in Cheshunt commended us to the grace of God for work in Eastern Europe. We have been living and serving the Risen Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus, in Romania amongst the many local assemblies since May 1996. We are extremely grateful for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day [October 1992] until now. It is quite remarkable how our Sovereign God has helped, guided and protected us in a former Communist country and how He has wonderfully opened up for us different ministries amongst the many assemblies that gather to the Precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is His work, for His glory, and we are "laborers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9). Romania, as a country, has experienced huge changes during the last 21 years, but our responsibility is to continue to serve our generation like David. Truly, we can say with the apostle Paul: "Having, therefore, obtained the help of God, I continue unto this day" (Acts 26:22).
ROMANIAN BIBLE EXHIBITION - We have just returned from a profitable weekend in the city of Ia?i, N. E. Romania. Permission was granted to set up the Bible Exhibition [18 panels and five display tables] in a very large shopping mall for two days. A good number of believers, especially younger believers, gave valuable help in a variety of ways. It was an excellent opportunity to make contact with hundreds of people from a variety of backgrounds and to engage in conversations with people from different countries, especially students returning to university. For some, it was a new experience, and they found the panels captivating and informative. Many visitors said that the Exhibition had given them the interest to read the Scriptures. Please pray with us that there will be much spiritual fruit to God's glory.
BIBLE STUDY BOOKS - It is a delight to see believers encouraged by the study books and using them to build up local assemblies spiritually. Requests for literature (gospel and Bible teaching) are regularly received from Romania, Romanian believers living in Europe and from time to time, the U.K. Requests are also received for Bible study notes to be sent in electronic format. Recently 1,000 copies of Jack Hay's book "Tell me more about the Holy Spirit" were sent to believers in the County of Vaslui.
VISITS TO ROMANIAN ASSEMBLIES IN EUROPE - In October 2016 we were able to visit the Romanian speaking assembly in Vienna, Austria, to encourage the believers. In March 2017 we were invited to the large Romanian speaking assembly in Rome, Italy, for a series of ministry meetings. It was a most encouraging time with a very good interest in the teaching of the Word.
DISTRIBUTION OF 2017 CALENDARS - Last December it was a real joy to spend four days delivering 80,000 calendars to key centers throughout the country. From these places, calendars with Bible verses were distributed to believers, evangelists, gospel tent workers and local assemblies as they reach out with the gospel. God willing, we will receive 80,000 Revival calendars from N. Ireland in November.
CONSECUTIVE BIBLE TEACHING - This long-term ministry largely takes place during the autumn, winter and early spring months. It involves all-day Bible studies, series of ministry meetings (two sessions each evening), invitations to special occasions like baptisms, and regularly ministering the Word in assemblies in our home County of Prahova. We continue to see a good interest in the teaching of the Word.
THE GOSPEL TENT WORK - This ministry began in May 2008, using one tent, and brings many new opportunities each summer. As we look back over the last 9 years we have much to thank the Lord of the harvest for the wonderful provision of 14 tents of different sizes [13 in Romania and one tent in use in the Republic of Moldova]; large quantities of gospel literature; dedicated tent workers; people saved, baptised and in assembly fellowship. As we travel extensively throughout Romania prayer would be valued for safety on the congested roads.
During the 10th summer of this gospel outreach, tents have so far been used in 137 villages and small towns [in 21 Counties] with at least 360 people professing faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; over 15,600 children and over 20,000 young people and adults [believers and unbelievers] have attended these tent meetings.Not everyone wants to come inside the tent. In some places, good numbers of people stop and listen at the side of the road, in their homes or their gardens, as the gospel is preached through the loudspeaker system.
PRINTING OF GOSPEL LITERATURE - This important ministry keeps us busy all year round. Believers throughout the country are very grateful for good quality and sound Biblical gospel literature. This year the following gospel literature has been printed with the Lord's help:
25,000 copies of a gospel booklet "The heart of man".
75,000 copies of a gospel tract "Christ is Risen" by C. Glendinning.
Reprinting two gospel tracts: "Jesus Christ the Saviour" and "The forgiveness of sins" (100,000 of each).
Printing two new gospel tracts: "4 things God wants you to know" and "The secret to life's meaning" (200,000 of each).
50,000 copies of Genesis 1:1 (A4 format with an explanation of the verse and about creation on the back).
Autumn 2017 Written by Paul and Sue William - ROMANIA paulandsue99@yahoo.co.uk