Greetings
Grace and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! We greet you with brotherly love and express our deep gratitude for standing with us on the path of faith and ministry. We would like to begin this report by thanking you wholeheartedly for your constant prayers, unconditional support, and sacrificial love, which sustain us day by day in the ministry within our community.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” — Philippians 1:3–5
Looking back at the period since our last report, we clearly see how the Lord’s faithfulness has guided every step and how every missionary effort has been sealed by His leading. The transition into the spring months brought special opportunities to strengthen the vision, open new bridges toward the community, and deepen brotherly relationships both locally and internationally.
Spiritual Ministry and Church Activities
Recent months have been full of momentum, marked by events that broadened the horizon of our ministry and brought spiritual refreshment within the church:
• Regional fellowship and connection: At the beginning of March, we had the privilege of participating in the General Assembly of the Baptist churches of the Sibiu Community. It was a strategic time of evaluation, collective prayer, and spiritual alignment alongside fellow ministers from the region.
• Cross-border ministry: We gladly responded to the invitation to visit a Romanian community in Germany, where I was actively involved in an evangelistic program throughout an entire weekend. It was an intense time in which the Word of the Lord touched hearts and brought comfort to those living far from home.
• Women’s ministry: Diana, my wife, together with a group of sisters from Maranata Church, participated in a women’s breakfast event organized in Mediaș. The event gathered approximately 500 participants and served as an extraordinary setting for spiritual encouragement, Christian testimony, and mutual strengthening.
• Visit from our brothers from Sweden: In the period leading up to Easter, we were honored and deeply encouraged by the visit of two brothers from GRINDTORPSKYRKAN Church in Sweden. This is a partner church with whom I have personally collaborated for over 10 years. Their presence among us was a true catalyst of joy and a reaffirmation of the strong relationships God has built over time.
• Easter celebration and the Lord’s Supper: Celebrating the resurrection of the Lord represented a major spiritual milestone, being the first fully observed Easter since the complete resumption of church services. The highlight came on Thursday, when we gathered in the evening for Communion. Although we initially had concerns regarding attendance due to the weekday schedule, the Lord surprised us wonderfully: every single person who regularly attends Sunday services was present. At this moment, we rejoice in a stable and dedicated core group of 20–25 people consistently involved in church life.
• Mentorship and vision: Recently, we had brother Rodney, one of my spiritual mentors from England, as our guest. Fellowship with him was exactly what we needed — a time of deep counsel, refreshing, and encouragement to move forward boldly in the vision and calling the Lord has entrusted to us in Bazna.
• Catechism, baptism, and membership: On the administrative-spiritual side, we are experiencing a season of harvest. For several weeks I have been leading catechism meetings with two individuals, and just this week a third person enrolled in preparation classes for New Testament baptism. In addition, we currently have 5 new membership applications, a clear sign of growth and integration that fills our hearts with gratitude.
Educational Projects and Children’s Ministry
Ministry to the next generation remains an absolute priority and a major point of impact within the Bazna community:
• Afterschool Program: As anticipated in previous reports, we officially launched the Afterschool program, which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday. We currently have 18 children enrolled, ranging from first grade through eighth grade. Physical attendance remains consistent, with 10 to 12 children present at each session. We openly acknowledge that managing this ministry is a major and demanding challenge, as at this moment Diana and I are the only ones directly involved. The need for dedicated volunteers is urgent.
• Saturday Children’s Club: At the same time, we continue our weekly Saturday meetings at 11:00 AM as part of the Children’s Club. This project was strategically designed as a long-term continuation of the impact generated through VBS (Vacation Bible School) programs, providing children with continuity in biblical study and educational activities.
• Special June 1st Event: On Children’s Day, we will organise a special event at Maranatha that will bring together the children from the Afterschool program and the Saturday Club. It will be essentially a mini-VBS held over the course of 2.5 hours, filled with energy and joy. The program included welcoming and orientation time, dynamic worship through songs, an interactive Bible lesson, practical craft workshops, team games, and outdoor competitions. At the end, we organized a raffle where, by the grace of God, every child will be declared a winner and go home with a small prize and a smile on their face.
Family Life and Health Challenges
In the midst of ministry, God continues to care for us as a family, giving us reasons for praise while also allowing small trials that draw us closer to Him:
• Academic success (Diana): Diana recently passed an important examination related to her professional/educational activity, passing with excellence and receiving outstanding praise from the entire examination committee and the inspectors present. We thank the Lord for the wisdom and strength given to her.
• Ionatan Junior’s progress: Our son, Ionatan Junior, is doing remarkably well in college. We are happy to report that he has achieved excellent grades so far and has adapted very well to the demands of university life.
• Personal medical situation: For quite some time, I have been struggling with a persistent allergic condition localized in my left nostril. Following an ENT consultation, doctors discovered a local obstruction. In order to establish a precise diagnosis and determine the next steps, an MRI examination has been recommended in the near future. We trust the Lord for a favorable outcome.
• Mathew’s minor accident: Our youngest son, Matei, suffered a bicycle fall that required his arm to be immobilized in a cast. Doctors assured us that it is not a severe or complicated fracture, but for the next two weeks it will represent discomfort and inconvenience in his daily activities.
V. Future Plans and Infrastructure Development
We look toward the summer season with great faith and are actively preparing for a series of significant projects:
• Baptist Community Camp: During the first week of August, some of our youth will participate in the Baptist Community Camp, an essential time for strengthening relationships among young people and families in the region.
• Regional VBS Project: Immediately after the camp, we will launch an intensive evangelistic project for children: a 3-day VBS held here in Bazna, followed by a similar mission day in the village of Blăjel. This project will be carried out in close partnership with a missionary team arriving from England, who will also visit Betel Church in Mediaș.
• Church property improvements: On the administrative side, we have begun work on developing the church courtyard. At present, we are pouring a perimeter sidewalk alongside the main building in order to facilitate clean and safe access to the annex area (barn and shed). This sidewalk is only the first step in a much broader plan.
Conclusion and Prayer Requests
Once again, thank you for being part of everything God is doing in Bazna. We ask you to remain united with us in prayer, interceding before the Throne of Grace for the following specific needs:
• Health and recovery: Please pray for the MRI investigation I must undergo, that the doctor would receive wisdom and that the obstruction would be easy to treat. Please also pray for Matei’s quick and complete recovery.
• Resources for the Afterschool and Club ministries: Ask the Lord to raise up volunteers who will join Diana and me in caring for the 18 children in the Afterschool program and the Saturday activities. We also pray for daily material resources.
• Preparation for baptism: Pray for the 3 individuals currently attending catechism classes, that the discipleship process would deepen their faith. We also pray that the 5 membership applications would bring stability and involvement within the church.
• Funds for property restoration: We continue to bring before the Lord the need for major funding required for the complete restoration of the church property. We desire the completion of the buildings and the development of outdoor spaces: a playground for children and a campfire area for youth and families.
• August projects (Camp and VBS): Please pray for protection, resources, efficient coordination with the team from England and with Betel Church Mediaș, and above all for open hearts among the children and parents from Bazna and Blăjel.
May the Lord of Hosts richly reward every sacrifice and remain glorified in everything we do together!
With appreciation and love in Christ,
Jonathan Moldovan - PIEI Romania Missionary
