Recently, leadership from CMERI (Center for Missions and Evangelism to the Roma International) visited Church of God International Headquarters at the invitation of First Assistant General Overseer Timothy Hill. CMERI is a federation of over 100 Roma congregations in more than 50 nations of the world. Bishop Hill extended the invitation upon learning from Church of God World Mission’s Regional Superintendent Jonathan Augustine of their vision and partnership in planting Church of God churches among the Roma people group in both Poland and the Ukraine.
During their weeklong visit to the U.S., CMERI representatives attended the Black Ministries conference in Atlanta, and while in Cleveland, Tenn., took part in Sunday services at both South Cleveland Church of God and Mt. Olive Ministries and participated in services at the T.L. Lowery Center. They also met with Director of World Missions Douglas Leroy, as well as Dr. G. Dennis McGuire, director of Multi-Cultural Ministries. There were tours of the international offices, Lee University and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
On behalf of the delegation, CMERI President Lulu Demeter expressed deep appreciation for the honor and kindness shown by the Church of God during their visit. He added that CMERI is committed to furthering its partnership with the Church of God to reach the millions of Roma scattered across the globe without a country, most of who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Demeter expressed his desire for ongoing partnership and relationship building through mutual visits and participation in conferences over the next many months.
Please continue to pray about this partnership. We believe that it will have an immense significance in reaching the Roma people around the world.
Jonathan and Daniela Augustine
Regional Superintendent
Hungary/Czech Republic/Poland/Slovakia
Project Number 0600094
© 2009 Church of God World Missions