International Ministries Training Conference Held in Romania
The Church of God International Youth and Christian Education department recently sponsored an event designed to provide practical training and resources for youth leaders and pastors in Romania.
Mix together one US Romanian pastor from Nashville, two Romanian American youth leaders from Chicago, a Liberty University Professor and an American pastor from Virginia and two international YCE coordinators with 12,000 miles of travel, five training sessions, hundreds of participants, multiple church visits, and two conferences in Arad and Carnsabes, and you have the Romanian Ministries Training event. Led by Tony Lane, Coordinator of Discipleship and Children’s Ministries for the Church of God International Department of Youth and Christian Education and Randall Parris, Urban Ministries and Leadership Development Coordinator, the trip was designed to provide practical training and resources for youth leaders and pastors in Romania.
The event was the result of a call from Pastor Randy Wooden, of the Great Bridge Church of God in Virginia, inquiring if the YCE department could partner with him in providing training in Romania. He saw the need for youth ministry and training and felt that the YCE department could offer some assistance. As a result of his call, Director Tom Madden responded affirmatively and plans began for this training adventure. The department invested finances in the event, with the assistance of Gideon’s 300, providing for training of 120 youth leaders at the Bethania Church in Arad. One of the uniquenesses of the trip was the fact that the ministry team consisted primarily of Romanians. At the invitation of Tony Lane, three former ETS students joined the team. Florin Plesa, an assistant pastor in Austria, Gabhi Tilea, a worship leader in Spain, and Florentin Ghita, a children’s ministry leader among the poor children in Romania. Joining the team were three Romanian team members from the US, Iulian Costea, a pastor in Nashville, along with Daniel and Ligia Amarei, youth leaders from Chicago. It was truly an international team that God aligned!
A highlight of the experience was visiting the first Pentecostal church in Romania in the village of Păuliş. Standing there in that room, with Dr. Pavel Tipei, the President of the Pentecostal Union in Romania, the team encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit. That Pentecostal experience given in 1923 has been the solidifying source of strength for the church while enduring the many hardships of communism. After visiting the memorial for those who died in the revolution in Timisoara, the team was reminded once again of the price that was paid for freedom in Romania.
Following the youth leaders conference on Saturday, a regional youth rally was held at the Bethania church. Hundreds of youth gathered for the service. After a challenge by Tony Lane to consider the cost of following Christ, the altar was filled with youth, crying as they offered themselves available to the cause of Christ. Only God knows what their individual costs might be. 25% of the population of Romania is between the ages of 13 and 30 years. There are 6 million youth in Romania. The door is open and it is imperative that we reach the next generation!
Another highlight was the opportunity to visit three different orphanages. To see the care and facilities provided for children in need was an encouragement indeed! All kids like candy and the team had no shortage of American candy to distribute to wide-open hands!
Missionary Roy Olsen and his wife Melania operate Apa Vie, a retreat and conference center in a village in Romania. The team had the opportunity to visit and tour the facilities built there for the purpose of offering pastors and youth groups an opportunity to get away and enjoy a time of relaxation and spiritual nourishment. The Great Bridge Church of God in Chesapeake, Virginia, has been very instrumental in supporting this ministry through sending people to work on the facilities, providing finances for the construction, and for supporting the Olsens in their ministry in the Romanian church. To see more information about Apa Vie, go to www.apavie.net.
The trip was life-changing for all who participated. Daniel Amarei, upon his return home, wrote, We are so amazed at the opportunity we had in Romania, to bring God the most glory He is so worthy of! Romania turned out perfect! God is faithful as you know and He answered my prayers for this mission. This was a true mission for the Kingdom of God, servants just responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit! We are so thankful to God and especially to you!!!For the future, I am at God’s disposal and eager to serve.
Throughout the week, the team ministered in many churches, both small and large, in villages and in cities. Hundreds received prayer for healing and other needs. At the conclusion of the week, Dr. Tipei reached out his hand and expressed sincere gratitude for everything that was done. He stated that the department has an open invitation to return and be involved in ministry. An October date is being set for a 2010 training and ministry event.
This trip is part of the international training expeditions coordinated by the International Department of Youth and Christian Education. Two additional trips are planned for 2010, including a trip to the Philippines in February and Central Europe in March. Team members are being recruited now. Pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors/leaders, worship/music pastors, discipleship pastors are encouraged to join one of the teams.
For information about the 2010 Romania Ministry Training Event, or other International Training Event Trips, contact the International Department of Youth and Christian Education, 423-478-7229 or e-mail trip coordinator Tony Lane at tlane@churchofgod.org.
Who will go? Here am I Lord, send me.
(Source: Church of God International Youth and Christian Education Department)
