I have just returned from a week of conferences and other events in Romania. The Chaplains Commission has chosen Romania as our site for a multi-purpose medical and chaplaincy facility, RAFA. This new state of the arts center will be finished and dedicated June 2008. This five story beautiful building will house medical clinics, a pharmacy, chaplaincy training offices, a conference center and offices for care and benevolence outreach ministry. We are grateful for those who have already donated close to $500,000 for a facility that will provide ministries to some of Romania’s most destitute individuals and families.
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Dr. Turle, National Senator and Romanian Chaplaincy Director and Dr. Crick, Director, Chaplains Commission. |
While in Romania, we had a one day chaplaincy conference for some 100 pastors and other leaders. Speakers for the conference included Dr. Bob Crick, Dr. Radu Tirle, our Romanian Chaplaincy Director and a National Senator and Rev. John Moldovan, the First Assistant Overseer for the Romanian Pentecostal Church. One of the highlights of the conference came when we celebrated the recent arrival of some 40,000 lbs of food for the poor. This shipment was made possible by individual donations; as well as, Operation Compassion and International Assist. These two care organizations will help us send additional shipments of food and other needed items regularly. All these goods will be processed through RAFA Medical/Chaplain Care Center, under the directorship of Dr. Tirle.
Another highlight of this trip came with the dedication of the new Oradea Regional Offices/Building. Present for the Saturday afternoon dedication were: General Overseer Dennis McGuire; Rev. Roland Vaughn, World Mission’s International Director; Dr. Pavel Tipei, Romanian Pentecostal Church Overseer; Rev. John Moldovan, First Asst Overseer; Rev. Jolta Illie, Oradea Regional Overseer; Oradea Mayor Petru Filip; Rev. Jake Popejoy, Missions Superintendent for Romania; Senator and Chaplaincy Coordinator Radu Tirle; Rev. Johnny Buie, Romanian pastor from Detroit, MI; other elected Senators and Representatives; as well as the Governor for this Region. Most of the pastors from the Region were also present. Dr. McGuire and Rev. Vaughn cut the ribbon for this beautiful multi-purpose Regional facility. Several speakers gave honor to those who worked so hard to make this new ministry building a reality.
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Romanian multi-purpose medical and chaplaincy facility |
The trip would not be complete without the opportunity to be in worship with Romanian pastors and laity. The church leaders who came for the chaplaincy conference and the dedication of the Regional Offices were spread out among some 15 different churches. I was given the privilege of going to a village church for an open air baptismal worship/service. The Mayor of that Region was present for the service. She was raised in this village church; and, was still much in grief over the loss of her dear Mother just three weeks ago. She and many others in that highly anointed service dedicated or re-dedicated their lives to the Lord. Most of the residents of that village came to the service. Following the service, we made our rounds to several family dinners; all part of this Romanian family culture. As we went from home to home it was apparent that we were experiencing a tradition with deep family and spiritual roots.
During our visit, the Romanian Church was enjoying their largest ever Youth Event. Thousands of young people gathered for a week of camping, Bible studies and dynamic worship. Dr. McGuire gave a powerful message to these young people and many came to the Lord and were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
God is moving in Romania in a powerful way and this why the Chaplains Commission believes that the key for reaching all of Europe with our chaplaincy programs must be centered in this country. During the 50 years of domination by the Soviet Union, the Pentecostal Church of Romania not only survived, but multiplied in numbers and spiritual depth. Out of our RAFA Medical/Chaplaincy Center, we hope to be a chaplaincy lighthouse to both Eastern and Western Europe. As you have often heard me say, to “go beyond the gates” with an unconditional message of care for this wounded world, we must first have a deep and firm foundation. Our Romanian partners represent such depth.
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission Chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com [1].