Inste Class!

During the lockdown, the Inste class did not meet here in Gherla.  The meeting for Lesson 6 of the second book had to be cancelled the day before we were scheduled to meet.  The class had been going great and we were disappointed that we could not gather due to Covid 19 restrictions.  But those restrictions have been lifted and we met again on Monday to resume our studies. 

We maintained good social distance, but got closer long enough to take the picture.

How wonderful it was to be together again discussing God's Word, praying and caring for each other.  We are asking the Lord to help us to complete this course quickly and well.  Thank you for praying for us!

I Was Glad When They Said To Me...

"I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord." (Psalm 122:1) Sunday was an exciting day.  For the first time in three months, churches in Romania were permitted to hold services in their sanctuaries.  Of course, there were a few restrictions.  Temperatures were taken at the door, we were required to wear face masks and people sat at least one and a half meters apart with family groups allowed to sit together.  Those requirements made things a little strange, but the atmosphere was light because we were all very happy to be together again.

The entire worship team and the tech team were back

The best part was being together in the presence of the Lord, worshiping our Father and hearing a challenging message from Mike in person.  Even though we could not give each other hugs, handshakes or kisses, it was encouraging just to be in the same room again. 

God is good.  We look forward to the wonderful things he has planned for the Open Bible Church and for all of Gherla, Romania.

Outdoor Worship Together

Praise God!  He stopped the rain so we could gather to worship together outside on Sunday!  It was wonderful to be able worship God and to fellowship with several people we know and love!

Worshiping together in the street

The congregation of the Open Bible Church of Gherla had not met together to worship since March 15 due to the COVID-19 restrictions.  A few weeks ago, the government allowed outdoor worship services with social distancing measures.  The problem was, it has been very rainy and it rained every Sunday so we were not able to meet.  We thank all of you who prayed for clear weather and we thank the Lord for answered prayers. 

Pastor Simi preaching on the front steps

The notice that there would be service outside on Sunday was sent out only two hours before worship time so only a few people were able to make it, but those who did were very happy to be there.  The church has no outdoor space of its own, so chairs were set up in the parking spaces and on the sidewalk in front of the church.  A few people stood across the street to listen.  Special thanks goes to Francis and Violeta Fulop who set up the sound system and instruments so that everything could be heard clearly even when cars and trucks passed by. 

Please keep praying for clear weather for our next services on Thursday evening and Sunday morning.  God is bigger than a stormy forecast!

Summer is Here!

Summer arrived this week.  May was rainy and cool, but warmer weather arrived Thursday. The roses love the heat.

It is still a bit rainy, so we have had to continue with just online church services, but we look forward to having church together soon.  Will you pray with us that God will either keep the rain away on Thursdays and Sundays so we can hold outdoor services or that we will be allowed to hold services in the sanctuary very soon?  Our God is Lord over the wind and the rain and we are asking for him to help us meet together.

Car Business

The church service on the front steps was rained out again this week, so services were held online.  Please keep praying that we will have clear skies for our next church services.  We miss being together as a community of believers and we are not yet permitted to have services in the sanctuary.

Our license plate with the new inspection sticker.

 In the meantime, we have been getting necessary work done on the car.  Mike took it to a mechanic to have it serviced and he did an oil change, installed a new battery and new windshield wipers and did a few other small things.  Last Friday, Mike took the car in to have the annual inspection done as required by law. Today we paid the road use tax for another year and our car insurance will be paid soon also. 
Fulfilling legal requirements of any kind is a challenge which becomes even more nerve-racking in a foreign country.  We certainly appreciate the help Pastor Simi Hosu and his wife Gabi gave us, making the appointments and helping us through the process. 
This car has served us well for over eleven years and we trust it will continue to run well for some time yet.  We thank everyone who donated funds for us to buy the car and for all of you who pray faithfully for safety for us and for our vehicle.