One of the most surprising areas in which God has chosen to use me is the planting and pastoring of churches.  Although I am an ordained minister, I never thought to be involved in this work.  It began when I discovered a group of Gypsies living in the city dump around Christmas in 1997.  I went in to the dump on Christmas Eve to take food packages to all living there, give fruit and candy to the children, and to give each family a bible.  One of the ladies returned the book to me with the statement, “Lady, none of us can read”.  I told the group that I was willing come back, without food or aid, but would be glad to tell them what was in that book.  Thus began the preaching of the gospel in the city dump.

The churches in Vinga and Sanicolaul Mic are growing!  In Vinga we have about 35 children for Sunday school each week. In both churches we have a diverse group in attendance. This group includes those who have never attended church before, Orthodox, Baptists, Pentacostals and a couple of Charismatics. I am not sure whether we would be classified as non-denominational or multi-denominational!  I prefer the classification of just Christian.

The church in Galos Petreu has been integrated in to another one in that village. I was unable to travel there as often as was required to fully support them.  I continue to work with them and provide aid as often as it is available.  

My biggest challenge now is  finding those to who the Lord has called to be leaders. I do have 3 wonderful ladies: Nina; Irene; and Kerri,  who are doing the children's programs in the Arad area.

                                                                           JULY 2007