Special Days

Friday was a special day in Romania.  In addition to International Women's Day, Romanians  celebrate Mother's Day on March 8.  The streets were filled with people selling flowers for mothers and other women and the atmosphere was filled with a happy excitement.

The youth band singing "Mama, mama, mama mea" for the mothers at church

 In recognition of Women's Day and Mother's Day, the Baptist Church in Gherla invited the women from the other churches in town for a special meeting on Saturday evening.  There was worship, two beautiful songs by a ladies' choir, a special speaker, door prizes and of course snacks afterwards.  We all enjoyed our time together.

What is a special meeting without snacks?

 Later Saturday evening, the Open Bible Church board met. Mike was asked to become a member of the board which he gladly accepted.  Then Sunday morning after the service, Pastor Teo Bulzan led the annual church business meeting.

Pastor Teo Bulzan enjoying a light moment at the board meeting.

 We thank God for Pastor Teo, a great and humble man of God who has poured himself into the Gherla Open Bible Church to bring them to health.  Even though he is from another denomination and pastors a large church three hours from Gherla, he has ministered faithfully overseeing the church for several years.  May God bless him richly.  He has also been instrumental in arranging for necessary papers for our residence permit in Romania.

The Cluj County Immigration office.

Monday we began what we hope are the final steps to receiving our residence permit.  We will write more about that later.  Please pray everything goes smoothly.