Around Romania

Labor Day Picnic

The 1st of May is Labor Day in Romania and we had a picnic with our youth group out in the woods at the edge of Bucharest. We had about 70 people come--it was a great day. We grilled, we sang songs, we played games like volleyball and ultimate frisbee (above), and simply enjoyed the nice spring weather and great fellowship. Thank you God for such a nice day!

Seussical Musical

My colleagues who teach missionary kids at Bucharest Christian Academy played an integral role in producing and directing the Seussical musical this past weekend with many of the kids at the school. They did a fabulous job. For such a small school, the production was quite impressive. They rented a small theater in a city park and put on a few perfomances after months of planning. I'm sure the kids had a blast. I especially loved the Seuss hair-do's :)

Resurrection Sunday Dance

On April 4, 2010 (Easter Sunday), over 1,300 young people, members of Faith Church celebrated Resurrection Sunday in Budapest, Hungary. Our youth group here in Bucharest enjoyed this video. I have been to this square many times, but have yet to see this!

Making its way to Romania

By now you probably have all heard about the volcanic eruption in Iceland that has disrupted air traffic across Europe. Today I read that the clouds will enter Romanian air space so Bucharest's two international airports have canceled flights. Romania has a very efficient code alert system and will monitor air quality and make announcements if it is code red, yellow, orange, etc. Many Romanians returning form Easter vacations have been stranded at airports across Europe. The volcano is still spewing out ash.

Salt Mine at Turda

While in Târgu Mureş, I got to visit a salt mine with friends near the city of Turda. It was INCREDIBLE! You have to climb down lots of stairs and two large elevators to a huge cave complete with a small lake. I felt like I was in the Phantom of the Opera's laire. They have invested millions of euros in the project and it shows. Here are some pictures. All the more evidence that Romania is really a hidden treasure. SOOO many cool things to see.

Photos courtesy of ropedia.ro

National Youth Conference Peniel

This past weekend I participated in the national youth conference "Peniel" in my favorite city Târgu Mureş. The theme was "transformation." I went with several friends and helped a youth pastor put together a workshop on moving from spectator to participant. In addition, I helped find housing for youth that came from other regions of Romania, because I have many friends and contacts here in this beautiful city. Many Romanian youth have come to form a relationship with God through these conferences. May God continue to bring transformation to the lives of Romanian youth so that they would live each and every day for HIM!

Spring is Here!

Spring has certainly arrived in Bucureşti and I cannot tell you enough how excited I get to see foliage! Leaves on trees, flowers, I just love it! Hence, my favorite color is green!

Paşte Fericit!

Christ is Risen! Let us rejoice.

"But HE was pierced for our transgressions, HE was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM, and by HIS wounds we are healed" Isaiah 53:5 Some things seen in Romanian households over Easter: handpainted eggs, and lots and lots of lamb

Youth involved in Missions

Youth at our church have taken the initiative to reach out and help families in need throughout Bucureşti. Each week various groups of youth (and a few people a bit up there in age as well) have been visiting families with all sorts of needs, handing out food, baby supplies, clothing, blankets, etc. The families identified are all people that our church has connections with--be it neighbors, colleagues, etc. We have been able to sit down and talk with the families about their struggles, needs, hopes, and fears. In addition, it has been a great opportunity for our church to be a presence in community in reaching out a helping hand. We have invited people to our church and some have even had the opportunity to pray with and for the specific families, ultimately sharing their faith. I am so proud of the youth at our church who have really initiated this outreach and do it with such passion and dedication. It is neat to see the ongoing effort to find and meet needs and to be a witness in this dark and lost city. Please pray that through our visits and material gifts, the love of Christ would be proclaimed.

Spring at Last!

We finally turned the corner and spring has arrived in Bucharest. Have already been in shorts too :) Everyone and their brother was out and about in the parks this past weekend. I am eager for foliage, flowers, and the beautful crab-apple trees that are all over the city to start blossoming. I love spring!
One of the parks in Bucharest has a bubble-ball that you can roll down the hill in--it's fun! They are also going to begin construction soon in building one of the largest waterparks in Europe in Bucharest. We'll see how it turns out!

Bible Club Outreach

This past fall and winter I helped out in a Saturday morning Bible club in a village about an hour-and-a-half north of Bucharest in Baicoi. The club consists of Bible lessons, songs, games, crafts, etc. Here are some pictures. Please pray for these kids, that they will grow to know and love the Lord.

Writing Bible Lessons

I have been quite busy as of late writing numerous Bible lessons suited for adolescents. Several churches in the city of Iaşi that I partner with have asked me to help them with their curriculum. It is a lot of work, but something I enjoy and I am glad to help. Pray that the lessons will draw the youth to a greater knowledge of who God is and ultimately a greater love for God.

What was that about Global Warming?

Winter just won't go away in Bucharest this year and people's patience is waning. Last week we thought spring had arrived, only to be bombarded with more snow and high temperatures below freezing. The weather experts say Bucharest has not had a winter like this in over 10-15 years. Usually we only have 2-3 days of snow, but this year winter has truly reared its ugly head. Come on spring!

Moving Ceiling in Metrou

Recently the city of Bucharest has been sprucing up metrou stops. This is the newly remodeled passageway between two major metrou lines in the center of the city in Piaţa Unirii. It certainly grabs your attention.

Bible Study with the Guys

On Saturday mornings, I have been leading a Bible Study with teenage orphan boys at a foundation in northern Bucharest. There are 30 guys all -together. They are quite sharp for their age and ask profound questions about truth, morality, the early church, etc. Recently we looked at some of the Nooma videos by Rob Bell. Please pray for me as I interact with this group of boys and try to lead them to a deep relationship with Christ.

Still One Big Slushy Mess

It continues to snow, melt, snow, freeze....and well, you get the picture of this winter in Bucureşti. It is pretty hard to walk around and the streets look like the street above--unplowed, making for a lot of slidding. We are all eager for spring!

DECEAN - Mă Închin

Here is a song I have been listening to lately from one of my favorite groups and thought I would share. A quick translation: I worship in your presence, where the angels sing, where power flows, where the Holy Spirit is shown and brings hope...yes for us it brings hope

Seară de Tineret (Youth Meeting-Night)

We have been having an excellent turnout for our youth meetings at church this semester. We are currently studying the book of proverbs--breaking the book up by topics. We started at looking at the difference between wisdom and craziness and last Saturday discussed what makes a wise man. Some conclusions: 1) A wise man is one who fears the Lord 2) The wisdom and ways of the world are craziness--and those who seek craziness will only live a life of craziness 3) A wise man who seeks the Lord receives divine advice through the Holy Spirit and God's Word 4) A wise man runs as far away from evil and worldly pleasures as possible and 5) A wise man lets God drive the car--gives up himself, and surrenders to God's control. Deep stuff! After our youth meeting we play games (phase 10, rummikub, Settlers of Catan, Risk) until we have to catch the last train on the metro system at night. It has proven to be an excellent mode to further deepen relationships and integrate new youth into our church and family. Please pray for our youth group as we study the book of Proverbs, that we would all seek God's face and the wisdom that only HE can provide!

As Seen in RO

Here is a sample of what many of our roads in Romania will look like this spring after a rough winter, lots of salt, and simple ware and tare. The European Union is pressuring Romania to improve its roads and quickly. Much transport gets clogged down passsing through Romania because of poor roads and few autostradas.
Would not want to live here!