|
Celebrating a decade of miracles
Recently, Bible League International celebrated ten years of ministry
in the country of Romania. The Director of Ministry writes, “These
have been years of openness and opportunity—years when
God has done wonderful things.”
In those ten years, nearly 400,000 Romanians graduated from
Bible studies,
each earning their own precious copy of the Scriptures. What’s
more, each one of them has at least a basic understanding of
the Gospel message contained in its pages. By intentionally
linking evangelism and discipleship, Bible League International trains
people to study the Bible and share it with others—implementing
a proven model of ministry that is reaping results around the
world.
The challenge at hand
Ministry in Romania has not always been easy—Romanians
are often resistant to accepting the Bible’s salvation
plan. Many are deeply tied to religions based on rituals rather
than a relationship with God. Others fear that accepting Christ
will bring on physical and emotional endangerment.
This fear for persecution is not at all unfounded. Christians
have experienced extreme torment in the past—damage to
personal property, refusal by religious leaders to bury loved
ones, and death threats. Even school children have encountered
beatings for participating in Bible studies.
Modern-day Pentecost
In the midst of this, God continues to reach the hearts of
His beloved Romanian children. The Director of Ministry in
Romania writes about a recent baptism ceremony in which he
preached.
“It was something quite amazing,” he writes, “almost
bringing us back to the times of the first century church.
There were more than 300 people dressed in white and now waiting
for their baptism. All ages, all occupations were there—brothers
and sisters—all of them committing their lives to follow
the Lord…More than 2,000 people attended. It required
a group of 12 pastors to baptize all 300 people.”
In the months prior to the baptism, each person had completed
a Bible study. Now each graduate wanted to publicly confess
faith in Jesus Christ. After the ceremony, they all received
Bibles as a reward for their graduation and to remember the
day of their baptism.
Power through Prayer
Through God’s grace, Bible League International has experienced
countless salvation miracles in Romania over those first ten
years. Join us in praying for Romanians, that many more will
come to know the love of Christ in the years to come.
Pray also for the protection of both workers trained by Bible League International and the people to which they minister. Pray that they
will be able to live out their faith, free from physical and
emotional persecution.
|
“I found real peace and freedom in Christ, knowing
He had forgiven me of my crimes …” read more
To learn about church planting in Romania, click here
To help provide Bibles for Christians around the world, click
here
|
Romania
