All biblical verses used are taken from the King James Version Holy Bible Blessed Hope International Mission - Chaplains for Christ International Mission www.BlessedHopeMission.org Mission Trip to RomaniaSeptember 6 th –19 th , 2011Dear mission partners and friends,Again I say Praise the Lord. I want to giv e you an update of o ur mission trip to Romania. Excitement filled our hearts when I met Pastor Nathaniel Barkat two years ago in Pakistan where the Lord used him to m ake a great impact. I felt the same excitement wh en I met Pastor Clifton Charles White this year in Sri Lanka. They both had something in common; both of them showed great interest to minister in Romania. God prepared the month of September for Pastor Clifton, Pastor Nathaniel, Pavel Sav and I together with my son Tiberiu to have the privilege to minister to the people of Rom ania. We ministered to jails, p risons, churches and families throu ghout Romania. The saving of soul s is in great demand in Romania. Every day we hear the present Macedon ian cry, “Come and help us, we‟re dying, we‟re sick, we‟re oppressed, we ‟re prisoners, we are hopeless!” To accomplish God‟s purpose, He needs faithful ministers that know to redeem the time: “Redeeming the time, because the day s are evil.”Ephesians 5:16. A lot of things, thoughts , deeds and activities take our time in this time to redeem. We also have so many needs that want to take our time but there is a practical step that honors our God and it is to be an active part of soul deliverance, salvation, healing, rescuing orphans, starving children, helping widows, and to give Hope for a good life to those even at the margin of so ciety. Some people have a n egative attitude towards prison m inistry. Even though inm ates are convicted crim inals, they don‟t have to spend eternity where they deserve. God granted every sou l a chance to repen t in this life. This is why prison ministry is s o compelling to us. It is good to never pray for justice instead, on ly pray for mercy. We are set free from the eternal consequences of ou r sin. We need to share the g ift of Salvation with othe rs because as miserable incarceration is; an eternity completely without God is indescribably wo rse. We need to extend the mercy of God everywhere. Remember the warning we are given in the book of James; “And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” James 2:3. It is our job as Christians to carry the message of eternal mercy. Mercy does not mean we ignore sin and pretend it is somehow ok. It does mean we recognize that being in prison doesn‟t make a person any less in need of hearing the message of God‟s grace. What good is ministering to only those we deem „good enough‟ for God‟s grace? We cannot limit the powe r of the cross. It is amazing how receptiv e inmates can be to the Mes sage of the Gospel. There are people who often realize more than most how much they need God‟s mercy and they are so grateful for it. After a long flight we arrived in Bucharest and from the airport we began our mission in Jilava Prison where we ministered to about 60 inmates who were already waiting for us. The message proclaimed by Pastor Nathaniel and Pasto r Clifton‟s testimony was so encouraging and inspired th e inmates to a Holy life and a life of dedication to Jesus Christ. Some of them surrendered their liv es to Jesus Christ. Even thoug h we were very exhausted , we were filled with joy to see those lives transformed. That same nig ht we stopped in Urziceni where the church of Urziceni was helping the poo r with hot meals and we help ed paid for some of them. We were hosted by Pastor Constantin Gramada and his wife and we spent the night in their home. Early in the morning we drove toward Suceava and arrive in the afternoon. At night, we ministered at a church in Balcauti. The church in Romania wa s so happy to meet a Past or from Pakistan for the first time. We ministered to about 50 inmates in a prison in Bo tosani the nex t day. Portop Vasile from „New Life‟ accompanied us a nd made arrangements for approval and entrance to prisons throughout. We gave hyg ienic gifts to the inmates an d prayed for them . Some of them surrendered their life to Jesus Christ while others that I‟ve met before in previous trips and they are faithful to the gospel and growing in faith. After the prisons we went to the Patria Orph anage and visited th e children and Director Mircea Boldea. We also visited an old fr iend Daniel Turcoman and his family. From there we went to Radauti, Bucovina where they were hosting an ordination service where Brother Ghita Cras nean was orda ined as a deacon exhorter. After the ordin ation there was an extended night of p rayer. We helped a few poor families in that regio n. Later, we met again with Mihaiuc, a brother that was diagnosed with severe leukemia in August 2006 and had no chance of living within months according to
All biblical verses used are taken from the King James Version Holy Bible
Blessed Hope International Mission - Chaplains for Christ International Missiwww.B l e s s e dHopeM i s s i o n . o r g
Mission Trip to Romania September 6
th – 19
th , 2011
Dear mission partners and friends,
Again I say Praise the Lord. I want to give you an update of our mission trip to Ro
Excitement filled our hearts when I met Pastor Nathaniel Barkat two years ago in Pakistan whe
Lord used him to make a great impact. I felt the same excitement when I met Pastor Clifton C
White this year in Sri Lanka. They both had something in common; both of them showed
interest to minister in Romania. God prepared the month of September for Pastor Clifton,
Nathaniel, Pavel Sav and I together with my son Tiberiu to have the privilege to minister
people of Romania. We ministered to jails, prisons, churches and families throughout Romani
saving of souls is in great demand in Romania. Every day we hear the present Macedonia
“Come and help us, we‟re dying, we‟re sick, we‟re oppressed, we‟re prisoners, we are hopeless
accomplish God‟s purpose, He needs faithful ministers that know to redeem the time: “Redeem
e, because the day s are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. A lot of things, thoughts, deeds and activities take our time in this time to redeem. W
ve so many needs that want to take our time but there is a practical step that honors our God and it is to be an active part o
iverance, salvation, healing, rescuing orphans, starving children, helping widows, and to give Hope for a good life to those e
margin of society. Some people have a negative attitude towards prison ministry. Even though inmates are convicted crim
y don‟t have to spend eternity where they deserve. God granted every soul a chance to repent in this life. This is why
nistry is so compelling to us. It is good to never pray for justice instead, only pray for mercy. We are set free from the
nsequences of our sin. We need to share the gift of Salvation with others because as miserable incarceration is; an e
mpletely without God is indescribably worse. We need to extend the mercy of God everywhere. Remember the warning
en in the book of James; “And ye have respect to him that weareth t he gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; a
he poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” James 2:3. It is our job as Christians to carry the message of eternal
ercy does not mean we ignore sin and pretend it is somehow ok. It does mean we recognize that being in prison doesn‟t m
rson any less in need of hearing the message of God‟s grace. What good is ministering to only those we deem „good enou
d‟s grace? We cannot limit the power of the cross. It is amazing how receptive inmates can be to the Message of the Gere are people who often realize more than most how much they need God‟s mercy and they are so grateful for it.
ter a long flight we arrived in Bucharest and from the airport we began our mission in Jilava Prison where we ministered to
inmates who were already waiting for us. The message proclaimed by Pastor Nathaniel and Pastor Clifton‟s testimony w
couraging and inspired the inmates to a Holy life and a life of dedication to Jesus Christ. Some of them surrendered their l
us Christ. Even though we were very exhausted, we were filled with joy to see those lives transformed. That same ni
pped in Urziceni where the church of Urziceni was helping the poor with hot meals and we helped paid for some of them. W
sted by Pastor Constantin Gramada and his wife and we spent the night in their home.
Early in the morning we drove toward Suceava and arrive in the afternoon. At night, we min
at a church in Balcauti. The church in Romania was so happy to meet a Pastor from Pakistan
first time. We ministered to about 50 inmates in a prison in Botosani the next day. Portop
from „New Life‟ accompanied us and made arrangements for approval and entrance to p
oughout. We gave hygienic gifts to the inmates and prayed for them. Some of them surrendered
ir life to Jesus Christ while others that I‟ve met before in previous trips and they are faithful to the
spel and growing in faith. After the prisons we went to the Patria Orphanage and visited the
ldren and Director Mircea Boldea. We also visited an old friend Daniel Turcoman and his family.
om there we went to Radauti, Bucovina where they were hosting an ordination service where
other Ghita Crasnean was ordained as a deacon exhorter. After the ordination there was an
ended night of prayer. We helped a few poor families in that region. Later, we met again with
haiuc, a brother that was diagnosed with severe leukemia in August 2006 and had no chance of living within months accord
doctors (when I first met him in London and prayed for him in the hospital). God healed him
he was in London and he is now married with two children and lives in Adelaide, Australia!
Saturday morning we went to Piatra Neamt where Pastor Liviu Axinte organized
a youth conference where over 1800 youth from the region attended. The
purpose of the conference was to teach the youth to walk in the integrity of God.
After the conference, Pastor Liviu gave us a tour to a site in Dumbrava Rosie
where they are building a center for children and elders. We donated to a few
families in need there. We also visited the church in Piatra Neamt that afternoon.
At night we ministered to the church in Voitinel. Pastor Clifton White from
Good News Church in Wisconsin had a message to the church to walk in the narrow way people stay in the presence of God. After the service, we went back to Suceava and arrived
midnight.
Sunday morning, we ministered to Maranata Church in Radauti. Pastor Nathaniel Barka
Pakistan had a message, “Be attentive to the cry of the people” because there are people all o
perate need of help and their inner being cries for help and there aren‟t many that help them and
we have to be like good Samaritans to show the mercy of Jesus to them. Through Jesus Christ,
void of the human heart is filled with God‟s presence and your life is fulfilled and all your needs
met. We prayed for the people at the end of the service and the presence of the Lord filled and
isfied their hunger. The young leader, Florin Mitric, gave us a tour to the new church
nstruction project and we asked for God‟s blessing in fulfilling his plan. We also helped themh some money for the project. We had lunch at my mother-in-law‟s house and we met with all
other members of the family from my wife‟s side. In the afternoon, I visited the village of my
thplace and helped a few widows and families in need. At night, we ministered to Betel Church in Radauti.
onday morning, I met with the overseer of Moldova and discussed a report of the churches in Falticeni, Olniceni, Boroa
rniceni that our mission supported years ago. Aurel Soltuz presented the condition of some of the churches in Piriu
harau, Comanesti, Radauti, Plut, Mitoc and others. Pastor Soltuz invited us to preach at his church to the youth. All three of
message for them to make choices involving God‟s will that will help them build a life with a solid foundation with the teachi
us Christ.
esday morning on our way to Radauti, we stopped in Slobozia where we were called to pray for aend named Sorohan who then gave his life to Jesus Christ. In Radauti we stopped at our relatives
d friends‟ houses; Petru and Otelia Moloceniuc, Catalin Sireagu our affiliates and partners in the
mission field in Romania. After lunch we headed toward Putna – a
legendary village with monasteries and historical sights. We had a
prayer meeting there at a family‟s house. On the way back to
Suceava, we stopped in Radauti where the Suceava Chief of Police
who is born again came to meet us and exchanged badges with
Pastor Clifton also a Chaplain for the Police of Beloit, Wisconsin.
Afterward we stopped in Satu Mare where my parent‟s home was
donated
to „Nadejdea Binecuvantata‟ with a purpose to develop aplan to build an elderly home because we see the need of the
elderly people that were neglected in that village. We have to pray
for God‟s will to be done in this matter also.
Wednesday morning, our driver Danut Mazareanu (a police officer
that gave his life to Christ), drove us from Suceava to Timisoara
with another team which was on their way to Italy. We stopped at
mpulung Moldovenesc and prayed for and helped Negriuc Garafina and a few other families that
re in great need of help. Other stops were made in the afternoon was in Campia Turzi where my
other-in-law‟s mother lives whom was diagnosed with cancer. Five other women were there that
me for a special prayer and anointing with oil. God in his mercy touched a few of them and they were healed instantly. W
at God we serve who is a leader, deliverer, provider and much more! Through us, He also
ovided them with some monetary help. The road was with some obstacles and dangers but the
rd protected us and we arrived safely Thursday morning in Timisoara where brother Pavel was
iting for us. During the day a police officer from the area came to us and asked to pray for
mily. After the Revolution, a lot of officers repented and turned to Christ.
Thursday night, we ministered to the church in Timisoara on
Romulus Street. It was a very blessed night with the presence of
the Lord and mighty manifestation of the Holy Spirit that melted the cold hearts of people
tears. Some of them were convicted of their sin and confessed it to receive forgiveness and
peace with God. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh theve mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. After the church service on the street, we visited a memorial site where the Romanian Revolution be
cember 1989.
day morning, we visited the jail from Timisoara located on Popa Sapca Street . In this prison,
about 55 inmates responded to the Gospel of Jesus Christ presented
by us to their hearts. Some of them were already believers who
committed their life to Jesus Christ during our previous mission
trips there. We rejoiced to see them in their serious walk in faith and not easy going. Good
offered to them and prayed for them. Friday night, we had a service at Maranata Church in G
where we preached the Word of God and prayed for the people.
Saturday morning, we visited Casa Betania a center built for the orphan children of the stree
elderly. In the afternoon we went to Village of Comlusu Mare where we held a church service where we enjoyed the prese
d once again. We prayed for the sick people there helped with the new construction project of the new church. We arrived
y late that night at Pastor Liviu‟s house in Ghiroda.
nday morning and night, we ministered again at Maranata Church and the messages were so
werful and the hearts of people were opened. Pastor Nathaniel Barkat spoke of “A sleepless
urch”; encouraging the church to be awake and not sleepy which was a revival message and
reshed the first love for Jesus Christ. “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of
ven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and
wed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” Matthew 13:24-25.
e prayed for the people and anointed the sick with oil. I spoke about “..for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. At
stor Clifton and I preached the Word of God on the topic “Words have power” encouraging the people to be careful of what
y choose to speak.
eath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
ow in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found
reon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20. An
disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21. Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unt
have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou remov
thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:18-22
Monday morning, we departed from Timisoara and headed back home. Our faith is the heartb
this ministry which is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, working with the poo
oppressed, to promote human transformation and bear witnessed to the Good News of the Kin
of God and hope because many people are without hope and without God in the world. A
Romania and around the world this year, we are proclaiming hope in Jesus Christ and lives are
anged. We are not only called to promote humanitarian aid but we are called to share the gospel. As the Apostle Paul wrote
urch of Corinth, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becom
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconc
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto
rd of reconciliation. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's steaonciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.
