Discussions in Constanta

It is late Friday night here in Constanta. For the last two evenings Ben and I have been in discussions with the few Christians here. George and Rodica, with Iulian (their son) and Doru have met with Ben and me to talk about things - and to study the Bible. We have done both. We have talked about a number of different subjects and we have studied the Bible. It is hard sometimes to evaluate what has been said.

The church here in Constanta faces many challenges. They are few in number. They are somewhat discouraged. They are not altogether in agreement on some matters of judgment. Perhaps even in some areas of doctrine they are struggling to find common ground. It will take some time to sort things out here. I am not sure I will be able to do it before I leave next week for Pitesti. But, then again it is not my place to take their decisions for them. I can advise, instruct, even "coach" if that is what they want. But, in the end it will be their responsibility to determine their own direction.

Tomorrow I have been invited to have a discussion with a man who wants to be a part of the church here in Constanta. He was baptized in the Baptist church some years ago. He was put out of the Baptist church here in Constanta recently. However his wife and daughters still attend there. He made an effort to return to the Baptist church after they put him out, but they refused to receive him back. Now he wants to be with us. Perhaps tomorrow I will learn what is the difference between this man... and a Baptist... and ask him how he can be in fellowship with us when his family and his recent past have been and are so closely linked with the Baptist church. I am looking forward to hearing how he justifies this change, or even if he has really "changed" his beliefs.

Preparations have already been made for a work in Pitesti. Next week we will begin there. This weekend we will remain here in Constanta and do what we can to encourage and build up the saints here.

In Him,
alan