We pray that this letter finds you walking closely with the Lord and experiencing His faithfulness each day. Thank you once again for your faithful prayers, generous support, and partnership in the work of the Gospel. Your encouragement means more to us than words can express. Through your giving and your prayers, you are sharing in what God is doing here in Romania.
"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..." (Philippians 1:3-5)
Please know that we continue to pray for you as well. We ask the Lord to strengthen you, bless your families, and go before you in everything you do. May He give you wisdom, peace, and joy as you faithfully serve Him wherever He has placed you.
Ministry Update
As many of you already know, on June 1st, we held a special Children's Day event. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend meaningful time with the children through games, fellowship, and sharing God's love with them.
Before the school year ended and the children began their summer vacation, we concluded our Afterschool Program with a special celebration. We enjoyed pizza together and had a fun party to recognize the children's hard work throughout the school year. It was a joyful way to end another successful season of ministry.
Continuing with our children's ministry, our Saturday Kids Club was blessed by a small mission team from the United States—two young women and one young man—from Partners in Evangelism International. They led activities, games, and Bible-based programs that the children greatly enjoyed. We are thankful for their willingness to serve and invest in the lives of our young people.
Our catechism classes continue each week as we prepare three baptism candidates. We are planning to hold the baptism service in August, after Claudiu's civil marriage ceremony, which will allow him to be baptized as well. It has been a great joy to witness the spiritual growth taking place in their lives. We can clearly see God working in their hearts, transforming them and helping them mature in their walk with Christ.
Our Sunday morning worship services continue faithfully each week. During the last several weeks we have experienced extremely high temperatures, often reaching 38°C (100°F) almost every day. Despite the heat, we continue serving with joy.
Around the church property we have also spent time cleaning the yard and removing the remaining construction debris. There was so much material that we had to hire someone with a tractor and trailer to haul it away. We are grateful to see the church grounds becoming cleaner and more welcoming.
Family Update
Our children have now begun their summer vacation and will return to school in early September. Diana is also on summer break, although she still has one more week of work to complete during the summer.
Today is Ionatan Junior's final day of university exams. Tomorrow we will travel to Sibiu to help him move out of his dormitory, where he has lived throughout this academic year. During the summer he plans to work in Austria with my sister Carmen, who owns a cleaning company. We pray this will be a valuable opportunity for him both personally and spiritually.
As for me, I have continued to struggle with my ongoing nasal health issue. Because of the cyst in my left nostril, I have often had a constantly blocked nose and a sore throat, making it difficult to lead worship and preach. I now need to schedule surgery to remove the cyst under general anesthesia. The main challenge at this point is the significant financial cost of the procedure. We would appreciate your prayers that God would provide every need and guide us through this process. Apart from this, we are all doing well and are grateful for the Lord's sustaining grace.
Looking Ahead
We are already preparing for our Vacation Bible School (VBS) in August together with Betel Church in Mediaș. The program will include three days in Bazna, one day in Blăjel, and two days in Șeica Mare, a village near Mediaș.
A mission team from England will be joining us, and in addition to the children's ministry we will also be involved in evangelistic outreach and practical ministry through home visits and conversations with people in the community. Please pray that many hearts will be open to the Gospel and that God will use this outreach to draw people to Himself.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
Thank you again for standing with us in prayer and support. Your partnership allows us to continue serving where God has called us. We are deeply grateful for each one of you and pray that the Lord will richly bless you and your families.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
With love in Christ,
Ionatan Moldovan - PIEI Romania Missionary
