This update has been a joy to write - to reflect and appreciate what the Lord has done over the past two months through Eternal Truth Ministries has been a blessing. In September, Vali (the president of ETM) and I traveled to Romania to train local pastors through ETM's Models for Disciple-Makers (pictured above). Vali began this training with the pastors when he was in Romania in the spring, and their desire for the Word and for training was evident on this trip.
With Vali as my interpreter, I was able to teach two models to the pastors, while Vali also taught two during my time there. In addition to discipleship training, we were invited to speak at a local church on Sunday where Vali had formerly pastored. Vali gave the sermon, which focused on how God had provided for this church through the years, and I spoke briefly on Christ's Vision for the Church out of Ephesians 4. Worshiping alongside these Romanian brothers and sisters was a blessing for both of us. In addition to speaking and teaching, multiple families invited us into their homes for dinner and we were blessed by Romnian hospitality.
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from this trip was realizing the long term role ETM can have in Romania. There is a great need in Romania for pastors, and because there is a shortage of pastors, those who do serve are often overstretched and burned out. They often pastor multiple congregations and yet are almost always bivocational due to financial need. These pastors voice a desire for further training - both for themselves and future pastors - as well as an urgent need to disciple those in their congregations. These are the very reasons ETM exists, and with Vali's connections in Romania and vision for the country, it is exciting to think about how we could partner with the Lord to serve His Church in Romania.
This potential goes further than Romania, with the potential to reach all of Europe. While I was only in Romania for a week, Vali's mission lasted 3 weeks, and in addition to Romania, he met with Christian leaders in Albania and Macedonia, establishing connections which we will follow up on in the months ahead. Please pray with us that God would continue to open doors in Europe and give us wisdom in how to proceed.
Once back in Robbinsville, the youth leaders and I held our fall event for the teens at Robbinsville First Baptist Church. Sarah and the other ladies hosted a paint party for the girls, while the guys did a strenuous hike to a peak called The Hangover. We were treated to a panaromic view of the fall colors all around us.
In addition, I was given the opportunity to speak twice at RFBC on Sunday mornings over September and October. In September, I spoke from Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8 as part of RFBC's sermon series in Ecclesiastes. You can watch it here. Then in October, as part of RFBC's Vision series, I shared the vision for the youth group - to train a kingdom of priests, based on 1 Peter 2:9. That sermon is available to watch here.
As the Lord opens doors for ETM in Europe, Sarah and I are reminded once again that none of this would be possible without your generous support. Your partnership with us in this ministry financially enabled me to travel to Romania and meet with these pastors, and we are thankful to God for your sacrifice. It is a blessing to see how God allows us all to partner with Him in different ways all to build up His Kingdom here and now. If there are ways we can be praying for you specifically, please send us a message or give us a call.
Below are a few more pictures from Romania and the youth events:
Vali teaching the Models for Disciple-Makers to the group of local pastors.
View of Oradea, Romania, from my Air BnB.
Enjoying good food and good people at a friend's home in Romania.
CRAGS teens lady's paint party, featuring Baby Jane and Sarah's sister Ashley
The views atop Hangover, one of my favorite places in Graham County.
