Thanksgiving Celebration | Holy Trinity Baptist Church – Sohodol, Romania
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." — Deuteronomy 6:5
Dear Partners in Evangelism,
This verse was the foundation of the message preached during the Thanksgiving Celebration at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Sohodol.
The church was filled with believers, local visitors who do not yet know the Lord, and special guests from America. We were blessed to welcome Pastor Cornel Stef, President of PIEI, his wife, Gabi Stef, and a group of sisters from America: Rodica, Laura, Amanda, Andrea, and Olivia.
It was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement. We enjoyed beautiful congregational singing, followed by special testimonies that deeply touched the hearts of those present. Laura shared her musical gift by playing the guitar, and Sister Gabi offered meaningful words of encouragement from Scripture to everyone listening.
Pastor Cornel Stef brought a powerful message, challenging everyone present to love God with all their strength. Our Heavenly Father is worthy of our praise, honor, and devotion because of His immeasurable love for all people.
As John 3:16 reminds us:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Hearts Being Touched by God's Word
Among those attending were Avram and Rodica, a couple from our community who do not yet know the Lord. They were deeply touched by the message and later shared these encouraging words with me:
"We were so happy to accept your invitation, and we want to learn more about the Bible."
I promised them that I would visit their home so we could study the Holy Scriptures together. We are thankful for this open door and pray that God will continue working in their hearts.
Another visitor, Mr. Nicu, also from Sohodol, shared his appreciation after the celebration. He told me that he had come with an open heart, hoping to hear the teachings of God's Word, and that his desire had been fully satisfied.
For some time, Magda, our church family in Sohodol, and I have been praying for Nicu and his wife, as well as their children. We are encouraged to see their growing interest in the Scriptures and ask you to join us in praying that God will draw this entire family to Himself.
These moments remind us why we continue serving in these communities: every invitation is an opportunity, every message can touch a heart, and every open door can become the beginning of a changed life through Jesus Christ.
Fellowship Around the Table
Following the service, everyone gathered for a special time of Christian fellowship and a meal lovingly prepared by the sisters of Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Sohodol.
The table was filled with sandwiches, doughnuts, pizza, homemade cakes, fruit, and refreshments. It was a beautiful expression of love, hospitality, and unity.
Just like the worship service, this time of fellowship brought special joy to everyone present. We thank the ladies of our church for their love, hard work, and willingness to serve.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to stand with us in prayer for the following needs:
For our sisters who were unable to attend: Please pray for Sister Vetuța, Lidia, and Viorica, who wanted to participate in the Thanksgiving celebration but were unable to come because of illness. Pray for their recovery and renewed strength.
For those who are seeking the Lord: Please pray for the unbelieving visitors who have attended our church in Sohodol throughout this year, some of them several times: Avram, Rodica, Nicu, Lenuța, Benone, Lili, Eleonora, Nelu, and Vasile. Pray that God will continue working in their hearts, that they will come to faith in Jesus Christ, and that their families will also be reached with the Gospel.
For follow-up and Bible study: Pray especially for Avram and Rodica, and for Nicu and his family, that God will give us opportunities to visit them, open the Scriptures together, and help them take steps toward a personal relationship with Christ.
A Special Reason to Give Thanks!
We also have a very special reason to praise the Lord as a family!
My daughter, Ana Maria, successfully passed her written specialty examination in Intensive Care Medicine (ICU), receiving the highest possible grade.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during this important time. We are deeply grateful for your support. Truly, our God is great and good!
Thank You for Standing With Us!
Please receive our warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithful spiritual and financial support. Your partnership encourages us and helps us continue sharing the Gospel and serving people in the communities where God has placed us.
You are in our prayers every evening, and we thank God for each one of you.
May the Lord multiply His grace and peace in your lives!
"In Him,"
Florin Botar
PIEI Missionary
Holy Trinity Baptist Church – Sohodol
Romania
