Arrival in Pitesti

It is Tuesday morning and we are preparing for the day. Ben is in the kitchen and I am at the computer trying to get an update to this blog before we make a visit to Florena Predescu for Bible studies. I am looking forward to this week and the one that will follow. Some may ask why we are in Pitesti. That is a fair question.

When I lived in Romania (1995-1999) I worked with a church in Bucuresti. However, every Sunday we would travel to a small village named Falfani to have worship in the home of the Tanase family. Pitesti was ”in between” Bucuresti and Pitesti and we passed by it every Sunday on our way to the village. Even though there is already an institutional church in Pitesti, it has always been my hope to establish a sound work there. Some may object to that idea thinking there is already a church of Christ in Pitesti, but such is not a problem with which I care to occupy myself. My aim is simply to preach Christ and make disciples that will hold to the pattern of sound words.

There is already one Christian here, a lady named Florena Predescu. I have had Bible studies before in her home and she is a good example of zeal in evangelism. We are here in this visit at her invitation. If we are able to restore some soul to God during these next two weeks, then perhaps she will not be alone in her faith here in this place. In any event, we will work hard these next two weeks and see if the Lord will give an increase.

With regard to the work in Constanta, I am not sure how much I want to say. I could just simply say that the few brethren that remain in that city are struggling. But, that would not begin to tell the story of how the work in Constanta has degraded to the state that it is in now. Without some serious help and encouragement, it is my opinion that the work in Constanta is on the verge of disappearing. Even if the Badara family and Doru can hold onto their faith, the work there is in danger.

Of the many who were converted in Constanta, most have either moved away, fallen away, or simply gone over to the Baptist church. I spoke at length Sunday night with Vali, a man who had been in the church of Christ almost since the very beginning of the work there. He spoke of his discouragement with the church and even mentioned the influence Bogdan is having to lead people out of the church of Christ into the Baptist church. It seems that this would confirm my previous opinion concerning the evil influence Bogdan is having among the brethren. Even though Bogdan was recently put out of the Baptist church (for the second time, no less) and has no intention of returning to the Baptists, he has worked hard to bring members from the church of Christ to the Baptists - most of this before he was recently cast out by them.

Perhaps this summer with the coming of other workers, George and Rodica, together with Iulian and Doru will find the encouragement and help they need to continue on in their faith. It is difficult for me to see the church in Constanta at such a low level after having known of earlier times when zeal and faithfulness was so much in abundance. Who would have ever thought that things could change so much, so fast - but, change they have and what remains needs a big boost to help them get back on track.

As for the work in Pitesti, there really is not anything here to speak of beyond the one soul that has been converted. But, even as I write this I am mindful of the huge difference in attitude between Florena (in Pitesti) and those in Constanta. Even though she is the only Christian here, her outlook is positive and optimistic. She looks forward to a time when there might be Christians here with whom she can worship - without having to travel all the way to Bucuresti (or Falfani). I also look to a time when there will be a church in Pitesti where the Christians here can be a light to the rest of the world.

Until then, I will try to keep you posted.

IN HIM, alan (with Ben and Liviu)

And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest. - Luke 10 vs. 2