Romania Mission Trip Report

I just returned from leading a WorldReach mission team to Romania. We have been working in the northwest area of the country for eight years. Our partner in ministry is Jibou Baptist Church. Their pastor, Teofil Mihoc, seeks after God’s own heart.

Eight years ago there were seven churches in the area. Now there are seventeen. This church body has a strategy that focuses on evangelism, discipleship and church planting. The entire body of believers is used by God to execute it. Of course, all are involved through prayer. Others travel into the villages to lead bible studies, sing songs of praise, make ministry visits in the village homes, and preach the gospel. It is also great to see how the youth are actively involved in this process. Their involvement locally has resulted in many continuing to be used by God to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches when they leave Jibou and go into the larger cities for college and careers.

It has been a blessing to be used by God in this church planting movement. I have also learned much about walking by faith. The Romanian brothers and sisters have experienced God through many trials and tribulations. Undoubtedly, the older people had their faith forged in the fires of persecution during the communist years following World War II and ending in the revolution of 1989. Their children and grandchildren have been a first hand witness of the faith of their mothers and fathers, and have come to own it for themselves.

On Saturday, a group of more than 300 young people gathered in Jibou. They came from churches located in villages and towns throughout the county. It was the first gathering of its kind in the history of the Baptist Union in this area. Throughout the day there were times of praise, testimonies, other group activities, and a large evangelistic gathering that evening. By the time I stood to share the gospel, the Spirit of God was powerful in that place. He brought many into the kingdom.

It was also eight years ago that we first partnered with Emanuel University and Seminary. This is the largest conservative, evangelical university and seminary on the European continent. Their graduates are planting churches and ministering throughout Europe and into Asia.

Three of our team members taught at the university, interacted with local professionals, and spoke at a Christian high school. All of us then gathered in Jibou to be part of the evangelism and discipleship meetings that are an ongoing part of the ministry by Jibou Baptist Church.

As part of this trip, Bill Ricketts, pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia, led a retreat for this year’s Pastoral Theology senior class. During the week, a ceremony was held at the university to announce the establishment of the William H. Ricketts Chair of Pastoral Theology. Brother Bill, as he is most often called, has a tremendous impact on these “young preacher boys” as he calls them, and the university established the chair in recognition of how God has used Him to help develop their character and encourage them to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Many of you were part of this mission trip through praying and giving, and we thank you for blessing many in this way. Perhaps some of you want to join us on one of our many mission opportunities. Just check us out on the World Wide Web at worldreach.us.