Be blessed, all of you.
Do you remember, not long ago, when we spoke about what it means to be “among our own”?
Joshua wanted to know whether the man standing before him was one of ours or one of our enemies.
The apostle John brings up the same theme, connected to what it means to be “of us.” He mentions that all those who remained together constitute this work, this unity, accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
Those who depart from this unity and fellowship, which the Spirit has brought about, prove themselves to not truly be “of us.”
Of course, when I speak of “ours,” I am referring to those who belong to the family of Partners in International Evangelism. Yet this does not exclude other brothers and sisters across the earth who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. I am referring to “ours” in the sense that we have chosen together to labor for the glory of God, the salvation of people, and to be co-workers with God in every good work He desires to accomplish—especially for those who are saved.
This time, I would like to introduce you to Brother Traian Chilău, a missionary and worker for many years in the southern part of Romania, especially around the city of Curtea de Argeș and its surroundings.
When we speak of Curtea de Argeș, we think of its long history, being once the capital of Wallachia, a city of more than 20,000 inhabitants. It is home to churches of different confessions, predominantly Orthodox, but where evangelicals also make their presence known, laboring together in the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
Curtea de Argeș is not only a contemporary city but also a place of rich history and tradition—the burial site of Romania’s kings. It is a beautiful place, worth visiting, and one that should also be carried in prayer.
As with every place in this country where PIEI missionaries labor, striving to be pleasing to the Lord, living according to Scripture, and seeking to leave behind people who know God and walk in His commandments, Curtea de Argeș too is a field ripe for the Gospel.
After his conversion, Brother Traian showed a deep desire and strong involvement in the salvation of souls, their return to God, and the planting of churches. He himself became an example for his wife and children. This makes his family glad to follow in his footsteps and to rejoice in having such a testimony within their home.
When speaking with him, he shared that one of the most important aspects of his life is prayer. Every evening from 9:00 to 10:00, he prays for all the localities where he serves, for his family, for missionaries, and especially for the raising up of new workers in the harvest field.
His mornings are also sacred, as he spends them with God’s Word, seeking to understand from beginning to end what the Lord has to say through the Scriptures. He prepares his sermons carefully, asking questions and desiring to know what God is speaking to him today.
In particular, he labors to “remain small in his own eyes,” striving for humility and walking in this attitude before the Lord.
He also fulfills his duty toward his family, especially his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and requires constant care. When he travels for ministry, one of his daughters comes to stay with her so that he can visit the five churches he has planted and also attend other services where he is invited.
It is fitting, dear reader, that you pray for him—that the Lord may give him strength for both his ministry to his family and to the work of the Gospel.
We rejoice and thank the Lord for all of you who remember Brother Traian in your prayers, as well as for us all who serve the Lord in Romania.
Though the years pass and the outer man grows weaker, when you talk with him you see great enthusiasm and a strong desire for involvement. He is a man with plans, which he faithfully brings before the Lord, asking for His favor and help in fulfilling them. One of his deepest desires is to see and contribute to the raising up of new workers and disciples in the mission points he has established, where local churches are striving to fulfill God’s mandate.
This is another important prayer request—that the Lord may raise up young workers for His ministry.
Beyond preaching and visiting local churches and believers’ homes, he has also taken part in another project, mobilizing brothers, sisters, and even churches to build a small house for a widow. He is deeply grateful that those he spoke with understood the need to support the poor, the suffering, the widows, and the orphans. Through their contributions, the house is now about 80% complete.
When I asked if he desired further help, he replied: “I would rather see this project finished through our own personal efforts.”
I rejoiced at his answer, and I am waiting to see the result, while praying—and encouraging you also to pray—for the completion of this project.
From our conversation, several reasons for thanksgiving emerged. First of all, to God—for keeping him alive. Although doctors did not give him much time, the Lord has sustained him and continues to use him for His glory. He is thankful to God for his family, for his brothers and sisters, for being part of PIEI, and for all those who throughout the years have supported him and, especially, the ministry PIEI carries out in Romania through national workers.
He also continues his regular intercessory prayers every evening for his family, that all his loved ones may one day reach heaven. He prays for all the mission points and the brothers and sisters there—that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and that Jesus Christ would be their model of life. His heart also carries a deep burden for God to raise up workers from the churches that have been formed.
He joyfully testifies that PIEI missionaries in Romania, the Mission Committee in both Romania and the United States, as well as other missionaries from different countries who work alongside PIEI, are all on his prayer list—for God’s protection, help, and blessing over them. With special respect, he brings before the Lord not only those he knows but also those he does not personally know who support God’s work, whether in his ministry or elsewhere in Romania. If you are one of them, know that you are carried daily in prayer by our brother and fellow worker and soldier, Traian Chilău.
As National Director, I also want to thank you—together with my fellow co-laborers—for all who have been, are, and will be involved in one way or another: through prayer, financial support, or by being part of a short-term mission team.
We wish you God’s blessing, and we encourage you to continue supporting every good work where the Lord places it upon your heart. Remain active and involved, for the time is short, and a great reward awaits us all if we hold firmly to the end our unwavering faith in the One who gave His life for each of us—so that through faith we might be saved.
His Name is Jesus Christ, the Blessed Lord—may He be praised forever! Amen.
Stinea Timotei - PIEI Romania National Director
