October 2026 | Maranata Baptist Church – Bazna, Romania
Dear PIEI Team,
Warm greetings from Bazna, Romania!
As we share this month's update, we want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful partnership. It is a blessing to know that we are part of a team united by a common desire to serve the Lord and invest in the lives of others. Thank you for standing alongside us as we continue serving our church, our families, and our community.
Life and Ministry in Bazna
October has been a month filled with fellowship, spiritual encouragement, and new opportunities to serve and invest in others.
On October 11, we celebrated our Harvest Thanksgiving Service. It was a special time to praise God for His provision and faithfulness. As we reflected on His many blessings, we were reminded that everything we have comes from Him and that we always have reasons to give thanks.
On October 18, we had the joy of welcoming Brother Derege and his wife. We appreciated the opportunity to spend time together, enjoy Christian fellowship, and encourage one another in the ministry God has entrusted to us.
Diana, together with two sisters from our church, also had the opportunity to attend the women's conference at the PIEI campus in Alba Iulia. They returned encouraged and grateful for the meaningful time of fellowship and spiritual encouragement. They especially appreciated the ministry of Sister Gaby and her team.
From October 22–24, I had the opportunity to participate in a conference with several fellow pastors. The theme was "The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit." We were reminded of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in salvation, sanctification, and empowering believers for ministry. It was an encouraging and challenging time that reminded us of our need to depend fully on the Holy Spirit, both in our personal walk with God and in our service to others.
Investing in the Next Generation
We are continually looking for practical ways to connect with children and young people and create opportunities for them to learn, grow, and discover the gifts God has given them.
This month, we began guitar lessons with five children. Although this is a small beginning, we are excited about this new opportunity to invest in their lives. Beyond learning to play an instrument, we hope these lessons will help us build meaningful relationships, encourage creativity, develop new skills, and provide a positive environment where children feel welcomed and valued.
We continue to recognize the importance of being present in the lives of children and families in our community. Our desire is for ministry to be about more than organizing activities. We want to build lasting relationships and create an environment where people feel accepted, encouraged, and cared for.
We are thankful for every opportunity God gives us to take another step in reaching and serving the next generation.
Family News
Our family is also adjusting to a new season of life. Junior has started university and has settled back into dormitory life. We are thankful for this new chapter and pray that God will guide him in his studies, relationships, and spiritual growth.
This week, children from kindergarten through high school are enjoying their school holiday. Diana is also taking a few days away from her work at the kindergarten. After the usual rhythm of school, work, and ministry, it is a blessing to have some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy being together as a family.
We are grateful for God's continued care and provision in both our family life and ministry.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 25 Years of Maranata Church!
One of our main focuses in the coming days is the celebration of 25 years of Maranata Baptist Church, which will take place on November 8.
This is a significant milestone for our congregation and an opportunity to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout the years. We want to remember with gratitude those who have faithfully served the Lord, celebrate what He has accomplished through this church, and recognize the work He continues to do among us today.
As we prepare for this special celebration, we are also looking toward the future. Our desire is for Maranata to continue being a place where people encounter Christ, relationships are strengthened, and children, young people, and families have opportunities to grow in their faith.
Please keep this special celebration in your prayers. Our desire is that it will be more than simply looking back at our history; may it renew our vision, strengthen our faith, and encourage us to continue faithfully serving the Lord in the years ahead.
A Final Word of Gratitude
As we look back on October, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the opportunities God has given us: meaningful times of fellowship, spiritual encouragement, new beginnings through the guitar lessons, and precious moments of rest with our family.
Not every step in ministry is a big one, but we believe that faithfulness in the small things matters. Whether through a church gathering, a conversation, a music lesson, or a personal visit, we want to remain faithful in serving others and making ourselves available for whatever God places before us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support mean so much to our family and to the ministry here in Bazna. We are grateful for your partnership and for the privilege of serving together in God's Kingdom.
May the Lord continue to strengthen you, bless your ministry, and give each of us wisdom, grace, and faithfulness as we serve Him.
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)
With gratitude and warm greetings from Bazna, Romania,
PIEI-Missionaries Ionatan and Diana Moldovan
Maranata Baptist Church
Bazna, Romania
