You see everything in Romania ;)

I just love life in Romania! Never boring :)

Fall Retreat in Bucegi Mountains

Just got back from a great weekend with our youth group up in the beautiful Carpathian mountains (Bucegi mountain range) a few hours to the north of Bucharest. We got on the early train at the crowing of the rouster. We enjoyed hiking, laughing, singing, and looking at God's word. It was absolutely beautiful up in the mountains and the fellowship even better. I led a Bible Study on Phillipians and several people pitched in with the guitar. It was a great time had by all. I love being up in the mountains in the fresh air and I love being on the train in Romania: always a truly cultural experience! This time was no different: we played games, sang Christmas carols (I know, but the snow got us all in the Christmas spirit), and laughed over a lot of jokes. Most of all we were able to make some new friends and share Christ with friends and non-Christians. A great weekend!..

New to Bucharest

Cinnabon is the latest thing to hit Bucureşti and I'm excited. If you have ever walked by a Cinnabon restaurant and smelled those fresh rolls coming out of the oven, you know you can't resist! I also hear a rumor that Taco Bell is coming (something I have prayed a long time for). Nice to have a few comfort foods once in a while:)

What I'm listening to:

Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture....I love this song! Great way to start out the morning.

Youth Group Up & Running

The fall season is up and running and our youth group has grown leaps and bounds. At our first couple of meetings we have had over 60 youth. This fall season our theme is "Authentic Christians or False Christians." We are looking at what it means to be the body of Christ in our community, how to apply the word of God in our daily lives and to be men and women who don't just talk about the Gospel, but LIVE the Gospel. Please pray for our efforts as we lead our flock to grow deeper and deeper in their relationships with Christ and with one another.

With my parents in Romania!

I have been blessed to share time with my dear parents in Romania this month. It was great spending time together and having an opportunity to talk. I truly feel that I have the best parents in the world! We got to go spend time in Târgu Mureș and eat the wonderful food of Cristina Florea--a longtime friend. Just take a look at the plate above. I was drooling over the food it was SOOO good.

Me with the Florea's (Cristina is next to me) including my friend Calin and his girlfriend Ioana
My parents at lunch with my Romanian parents, the Tamaș'

We invited some of my friends from Church over for dinner and game night!

A new beginning and challenge!

Today was our first Sunday in our new location as a church at a movie theatre up the street from where we have held church services for 10 years. Our church, Bunavestire (The Good News) has decided that it's time to move to a bigger space since we have seen our church grow a lot over the year. The new theatre (Scala) is much bigger than our old location and already we filled up the main level (500 seats) and started to use the over-flow space in the balcony (another 300 seats). Praise the Lord! Our pastor has challenged us to go out from our comfort zones to be a prescence in society, our city, and spheres of influence. We are a church that wants to be an authentic, Christ-centered community. We have time for socializing built into the service and each Sunday night we meet in over 25 small groups throughout the city for Bible Study, prayer, and fellowship. We inaugurated our new space together with Adi Gliga, a prominent Romanian praise and worship singer. We pray and hope that soon we will be forced to find an even bigger location! Thanks for your prayers and support.