A great big hello from Vilonia! The past 40 hours or so have been interesting. Some of you have stayed current with my travel home via Facebook or e-mail, but for those who haven't I will share a bit of the story.
I left the hotel in Bucharest at 5:30 (Romania time) on Monday morning. My itinerary included a 2-hour flight to Prague, a 2-hour layover, a 10-hour flight to Atlanta, and then on home to Arkansas. I was scheduled to arrive home at 5:30 p.m. (Arkansas time).
The first leg of the journey went flawlessly. However, once in Prague I found that the ash cloud created by the Icelandic volcano was creating tremendous havoc with European travel. We ended up being delayed by 6.5 hours in Prague. In my travel-experienced opinion, Delta handled it graciously. After we had checked into the gate and gone through security, the captain came out and gave us a good explanation of what was causing the delay and asked for understanding.
If you don't mind indulging me, I want to share an interesting story with you. There were several hundred people at the gate, many of whom at this point were really beginning to grumble and complain. I asked a nice lady from Kansas City if I could borrow a convertor (mine was in my checked luggage) and I fired up the laptop. The airport in Prague offers free Wi-Fi. So, I put my laptop on the counter at the service desk and asked if anyone would like to send an e-mail to their destination. People were thrilled! Many of them began to visit with one another and share their stories. About 20 or 25 of them sent e-mails. For example, one lady from Cleveland desperately needed to communicate with the caregiver for her 93-year-old mother. She gave me a big hug with tears in her eyes.
One guy from Detroit starting checking the news and updating everyone. He would shout, "Aw, Lena Horne passed away!" Then he would shout out the score from a ballgame. It was so cool! The biggest advantage was that time seemed to fly! One very valuable lesson learned! I guess when life gives you lemons, you really can make lemondae.
Needless to say, I arrived in Atlanta well after the last plane had departed for Little Rock. Thanks to the Hampton Inn, I was able to get a good night's rest and completed my journey this morning (Tuesday). It was sure nice to see Lisa at the airport! It was the most beautiful sight I had seen all week, as a matter of fact!
I want to say how much I appreciate your prayers and e-mails. It is really difficult to make one of these trips by yourself. You've heard Dad and I say that before. But, thanks to the Internet, e-mail, and Facebook the world is getting smaller all the time.
I want to close with two requests:
First, please continue to pray for the fine Christians of Romania. It was a true honor for me to spend the past week with them. They are an inspiration to me. Many of them need our prayers as they struggle in difficult situations. The 2011 Romanian Christian Family Reunion (new name for the retreat) will be special!
Second, I would like for you to remember a very special young lady who begins a mission effort of her own next week. Hannah Henderson is the daughter of one of my fellow elders at the Vilonia church. She leaves early next week for Tanzania on a medical mission. Her parents, Kenny and Karen, are very close friends to us. Hannah and our Kyndall grew up together and are very close, as well. Hannah is traveling with a group from Harding University where she is a nursing student. I empathized with her Dad as we talked today. I suppose the good news is that she is staying in a place with good security (armed guards, etc.). The bad news: she is in a place where that level of security is needed! So, please keep her in your prayers as she leaves for Africa.
Thanks again for all your love and support. I could not be involved in this work without either.
Marty
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Sunday - 9 May 2010
Greetings from Bucharest! I've made a slight change in my travel plans and have returned to Bucharest a day earlier than planned. My original itinerary included a delayed return because I could not get a flight from Cluj to Bucharest today (Sunday). So, I was planning to kill a day on Monday and fly to Bucharest and then return home on Tuesday.
As fate would have it, two couples (one from Bucharest and one from Pitesti) stayed in Cluj over Saturday night and worshipped with us this morning. They also had just enough room for me to hitch a ride back with them! These four young Christians are very special people. Andi Loghin grew up in Pitesti and has been a Christian since 1996. He has worked with us for years, translating in Bible studies and worship services. He is now married and has a 9-month old boy. This week gave me a chance to get to know his sweet wife, Alina, much better. She is a fine young lady.
Marius and Bianca Motreanu were with us on the journey back to Pitesti. I had the honor of officiating at their wedding last July. Bianca grew up in the church at Cluj and worked with us in 2007 when we first began working with the church there. They are such a happy young couple and so faithful in their service to God.
We had a lot of laughs as we fondly remembered some of our past work in Romania. Of course, it was difficult to say "so long" to the Christians in Cluj, especially Claudiu and Anca. I am so thankful for their work with the Cluj congregation.
This will be my last post from Europe. Lord willing, I will be home in about 27 hours from now. I want to close by saying how proud I am to know so many brothers and sisters in Christ from this country. They are special people. Most of them are first-generation Christians. They face challenges that many American Christians have never faced. Please pray for them as they labor for the Master in difficult circumstances.
Until next time...
Marty
As fate would have it, two couples (one from Bucharest and one from Pitesti) stayed in Cluj over Saturday night and worshipped with us this morning. They also had just enough room for me to hitch a ride back with them! These four young Christians are very special people. Andi Loghin grew up in Pitesti and has been a Christian since 1996. He has worked with us for years, translating in Bible studies and worship services. He is now married and has a 9-month old boy. This week gave me a chance to get to know his sweet wife, Alina, much better. She is a fine young lady.
Marius and Bianca Motreanu were with us on the journey back to Pitesti. I had the honor of officiating at their wedding last July. Bianca grew up in the church at Cluj and worked with us in 2007 when we first began working with the church there. They are such a happy young couple and so faithful in their service to God.
We had a lot of laughs as we fondly remembered some of our past work in Romania. Of course, it was difficult to say "so long" to the Christians in Cluj, especially Claudiu and Anca. I am so thankful for their work with the Cluj congregation.
This will be my last post from Europe. Lord willing, I will be home in about 27 hours from now. I want to close by saying how proud I am to know so many brothers and sisters in Christ from this country. They are special people. Most of them are first-generation Christians. They face challenges that many American Christians have never faced. Please pray for them as they labor for the Master in difficult circumstances.
Until next time...
Marty
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Retreat Day 3: Saturday - 8 May 2010
Whew! It is now 11:30 p.m. here in Cluj. The day is just about over and it began very early for me.
I arose at 5:50 a.m. One of the joys of age, I suppose, is the inability to sleep later than sunrise. After being cloudy and rainy for most of Friday, it was stunningly beautiful today. After showering and dressing, I walked around the grounds of the camp all by myself for a good hour. I even took a good long while at whittling on a stick! I haven't done that in decades! It was very refreshing and reminded me of the need to slow down occasionally.
Brother Vasile Iuhos of Oradea spoke to us this morning on the subject "He who is living by faith does not neglect the Holy Spirit." Thanks, Vasi, for a job very well done!
Following a bit of fellowship time and a few parting goodbyes to those who had to leave early, we closed the retreat with an inspirational period of discussion led by Brother Andi Matei of Timisoara on the subject "He who is living by faith is sure of his salvation." He led us is a very open way that encouraged a great deal of discussion. I'm not sure how long we would have gone had we not been forced to stop by obligations. Thanks Andi!
I closed the retreat with a few thoughts and Claudiu reading scripture. We have a new name for this retreat: the Romanian Christian Family Reunion! When I made that suggestion it was very warmly received. So, next May we hope to host the fourth installment of this period of Christian family fellowship. Lord willing, we will see everyone back and many more in attendance.
I want to thank two congregations at home who helped make this week possible. The Levy congregation in North Little Rock and the Vilonia congregation financed the retreat and my travel here. I wish that the Christians in those places could know the impact of their help.
Thanks to all of the Romanians who worked hard to make this Family Reunion possible. I will post some pictures from today in another entry. The last entry will be group photos from the members of each congregation.
I ask that you pray for all those who will be traveling home from the event, including myself.
Until next time...
Marty
Te iubescu dragostea Domnuliu
(I love you with the love of the Lord)
I arose at 5:50 a.m. One of the joys of age, I suppose, is the inability to sleep later than sunrise. After being cloudy and rainy for most of Friday, it was stunningly beautiful today. After showering and dressing, I walked around the grounds of the camp all by myself for a good hour. I even took a good long while at whittling on a stick! I haven't done that in decades! It was very refreshing and reminded me of the need to slow down occasionally.
Brother Vasile Iuhos of Oradea spoke to us this morning on the subject "He who is living by faith does not neglect the Holy Spirit." Thanks, Vasi, for a job very well done!
Following a bit of fellowship time and a few parting goodbyes to those who had to leave early, we closed the retreat with an inspirational period of discussion led by Brother Andi Matei of Timisoara on the subject "He who is living by faith is sure of his salvation." He led us is a very open way that encouraged a great deal of discussion. I'm not sure how long we would have gone had we not been forced to stop by obligations. Thanks Andi!
I closed the retreat with a few thoughts and Claudiu reading scripture. We have a new name for this retreat: the Romanian Christian Family Reunion! When I made that suggestion it was very warmly received. So, next May we hope to host the fourth installment of this period of Christian family fellowship. Lord willing, we will see everyone back and many more in attendance.
I want to thank two congregations at home who helped make this week possible. The Levy congregation in North Little Rock and the Vilonia congregation financed the retreat and my travel here. I wish that the Christians in those places could know the impact of their help.
Thanks to all of the Romanians who worked hard to make this Family Reunion possible. I will post some pictures from today in another entry. The last entry will be group photos from the members of each congregation.
I ask that you pray for all those who will be traveling home from the event, including myself.
Until next time...
Marty
Te iubescu dragostea Domnuliu
(I love you with the love of the Lord)
Retreat Day 2: Friday - 7 May 2010
Wow! What a full day! I had forgotten how busy, long, tiring, and rewarding this day - our "full day" at the retreat - could be. But, what a blessing!
We opened the day with breakfast, served by three fantastic ladies. Two are from Craiova and one from Oradea. They have the true servant's heart and we deeply appreciate them.
Three lessons were delivered today. Brother Ion Fratostiteanu from Craiova spoke on the topic of "He who is living in faith walks by faith and n0t through seeing and feeling." Thanks Ion for a great lesson.
We enjoyed a period of open discussion following his lesson. Sister Lavinia Cook of Bucharest led the ladies discussion and I facilitated the men's session. We focused on practical lessons regarding the testing of our faith. Brother Marius Motreanu of Pitesti delivered a lesson entitled "He who is living in faith is growing spiritually." Thanks Marius for a fine lesson!
We were "blessed" with rain during the retreat, but thankfully it broke long enough for everyone to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Brother Claudiu Murtaza of Cluj closed the lessons for the day with the subject "He who is living in faith hates sin." I thank God for Claudiu and appreciate his lesson!
We closed the day around a campfire that started at 10:00. Listening to 50-plus voices praise God in the darkness, their voices piercing the cold night air, was enough to bring chills and tears to the eyes of this fellow. It really was a fantastic way to finish the day.
Pictures from Friday will be posted separately. Until tomorrow...
Marty
We opened the day with breakfast, served by three fantastic ladies. Two are from Craiova and one from Oradea. They have the true servant's heart and we deeply appreciate them.
Three lessons were delivered today. Brother Ion Fratostiteanu from Craiova spoke on the topic of "He who is living in faith walks by faith and n0t through seeing and feeling." Thanks Ion for a great lesson.
We enjoyed a period of open discussion following his lesson. Sister Lavinia Cook of Bucharest led the ladies discussion and I facilitated the men's session. We focused on practical lessons regarding the testing of our faith. Brother Marius Motreanu of Pitesti delivered a lesson entitled "He who is living in faith is growing spiritually." Thanks Marius for a fine lesson!
We were "blessed" with rain during the retreat, but thankfully it broke long enough for everyone to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Brother Claudiu Murtaza of Cluj closed the lessons for the day with the subject "He who is living in faith hates sin." I thank God for Claudiu and appreciate his lesson!
We closed the day around a campfire that started at 10:00. Listening to 50-plus voices praise God in the darkness, their voices piercing the cold night air, was enough to bring chills and tears to the eyes of this fellow. It really was a fantastic way to finish the day.
Pictures from Friday will be posted separately. Until tomorrow...
Marty
Retreat Day 1: Thursday - 6 May 2010
This entry won't be posted until Saturday, but I'm recording it on Thursday evening. Fifty-two Christians have gathered in this beautiful mountain setting outside Cluj-Napoca. It is really difficult for me to describe just how peaceful things are in this place. The green mountains, fresh air, and crisp weather are just spectacular. God truly created an amazing world!
We enjoyed a dinner together, followed by some sporting activities. The group was divided into three camps - soccer, volleyball, and basketball. This old ballplayer took the court for probably the first time in 10 years and I am more acutely aware of the fact that 50 is VERY close. My mind still thought like the 17-year-old Vilonia Eagle, but my body just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do. I still received a few compliments regarding the remnants of my game. Christian brothers and sisters can be so kind at times!
Just past dark we made our way inside and heard an outstanding lesson by Brother Albert Cook of Bucharest on the subject "He who is living in faith cares about those who are dying and are not saved." He did a great job and we appreciate him. (By the way, it appears that our theme in 2011 will be focused on evangelism)
I will post a few pictures from Thursday in a separate entry.
A period of fellowship followed before us older folks hit the bed. The rest of the group followed several hours later. Thank you, God, for my brothers and sisters in Romania!
Marty
We enjoyed a dinner together, followed by some sporting activities. The group was divided into three camps - soccer, volleyball, and basketball. This old ballplayer took the court for probably the first time in 10 years and I am more acutely aware of the fact that 50 is VERY close. My mind still thought like the 17-year-old Vilonia Eagle, but my body just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do. I still received a few compliments regarding the remnants of my game. Christian brothers and sisters can be so kind at times!
Just past dark we made our way inside and heard an outstanding lesson by Brother Albert Cook of Bucharest on the subject "He who is living in faith cares about those who are dying and are not saved." He did a great job and we appreciate him. (By the way, it appears that our theme in 2011 will be focused on evangelism)
I will post a few pictures from Thursday in a separate entry.
A period of fellowship followed before us older folks hit the bed. The rest of the group followed several hours later. Thank you, God, for my brothers and sisters in Romania!
Marty
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Day of Prep - 5 May 2010
Wednesday has been a very productive day as we prepare for the retreat in the mountains outside Cluj. We also enjoyed a period of mid-week Bible study with several of the Cluj brethren.
Claudiu and I spent the afternoon at the local Kaufland (supermarket) purchasing supplies for the 50-plus people. Neither of us has much experience with purchasing food supplies for a group that large. So, following some guidance from Claudiu's mother, Lidia, we proceeded to totally load down two shopping carts. It was quite an experience. We have a bit more shopping to do on Thursday before heading to the mountains.
We also had the opportunity to visit with a lady, Valeria, and eight of her nine children. (That's right - 9!) She and her husband, Daniel, received some bad news on Wednesday regarding his job. Please pray for this family as they struggle with some extremely trying times. We plan to study with them on Saturday afternoon.
I ask that you pray for the Christians from other cities in Romania who will be traveling here tomorrow.
I won't post again until we return to the city on Saturday afternoon. I'll provide an update of the Retreat and some pictures at that time.
Thanks for all your correspondence.
Marty
Claudiu and I spent the afternoon at the local Kaufland (supermarket) purchasing supplies for the 50-plus people. Neither of us has much experience with purchasing food supplies for a group that large. So, following some guidance from Claudiu's mother, Lidia, we proceeded to totally load down two shopping carts. It was quite an experience. We have a bit more shopping to do on Thursday before heading to the mountains.
We also had the opportunity to visit with a lady, Valeria, and eight of her nine children. (That's right - 9!) She and her husband, Daniel, received some bad news on Wednesday regarding his job. Please pray for this family as they struggle with some extremely trying times. We plan to study with them on Saturday afternoon.
I ask that you pray for the Christians from other cities in Romania who will be traveling here tomorrow.
I won't post again until we return to the city on Saturday afternoon. I'll provide an update of the Retreat and some pictures at that time.
Thanks for all your correspondence.
Marty
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Arrival - 4 May 2010
Greetings! A long, tiring journey is complete, but I have to admit that this was one of the more uneventful trips that I've ever made. My flights were on-time and without incident. This trip was a new route for me and included a stop in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The airport there is much smaller than the ones in Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam. As a matter of fact, it reminded me a lot of the airport at Little Rock. So, that was a nice surprise.
As I flew from Atlanta to Prague, I couldn't help but notice that I flew over numerous places where my ancestors lived. Most notably, I flew directly over Huntington, West Virginia where my Knight ancestors lived prior to relocating to Arkansas in about 1895. The same journey that took me 2 to 3 hours in an airplane must have taken them days via riverboat, wagon, or horseback.
The most beautiful sight of the journey was seen when we flew directly over Paris and I was able to look straight down at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, knowing that I did NOT have to stop there! That makes the trip that much more pleasurable! I should note that I have ancestors on my Knight side who emigrated from Paris, but they were the most notorious rascals of all my ancestors.
From the time I left the house in Vilonia until my arrival in Cluj, I traveled a little over 27 hours. While we're tempted to complain about long trips and the effort that they require, we are truly blessed. Here we are in the 21st Century with travel so convenient. The world - and the Lord's church - is a much smaller place due to these blessings. I'm thankful to live in such a time and to be numbered among Christians who care enough to send me to Romania to do the Lord's work.
I thank each of you for giving me this opportunity! I look forward to reporting on the Christian Retreat and the blessings that it will provide for the church in Romania.
Claudiu, Anca and I have been to dinner and now it is time for rest. At least as much as the jet-lag will allow. I appreciate the fact that you care enough to read these blog posts. I wish that each of you could be here with me to experience this week.
In Him,
Marty
As I flew from Atlanta to Prague, I couldn't help but notice that I flew over numerous places where my ancestors lived. Most notably, I flew directly over Huntington, West Virginia where my Knight ancestors lived prior to relocating to Arkansas in about 1895. The same journey that took me 2 to 3 hours in an airplane must have taken them days via riverboat, wagon, or horseback.
The most beautiful sight of the journey was seen when we flew directly over Paris and I was able to look straight down at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, knowing that I did NOT have to stop there! That makes the trip that much more pleasurable! I should note that I have ancestors on my Knight side who emigrated from Paris, but they were the most notorious rascals of all my ancestors.
From the time I left the house in Vilonia until my arrival in Cluj, I traveled a little over 27 hours. While we're tempted to complain about long trips and the effort that they require, we are truly blessed. Here we are in the 21st Century with travel so convenient. The world - and the Lord's church - is a much smaller place due to these blessings. I'm thankful to live in such a time and to be numbered among Christians who care enough to send me to Romania to do the Lord's work.
I thank each of you for giving me this opportunity! I look forward to reporting on the Christian Retreat and the blessings that it will provide for the church in Romania.
Claudiu, Anca and I have been to dinner and now it is time for rest. At least as much as the jet-lag will allow. I appreciate the fact that you care enough to read these blog posts. I wish that each of you could be here with me to experience this week.
In Him,
Marty
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Bags Packed - 2 May 2010
I typically wait until the last minute to pack my bags. Things are no different as I prepare for this trip to Romania. I have found that if I wait until the last minute I am less prone to forget things. So, here I am 15 hours from departure and I'm packed!
I ask for your prayers as I am having a difficult time with leaving my family behind. The first time I went into the mission field, Brittany was 11 and Kyndall was 7. That was 13 years ago and they have left the nest; although it is just as hard to leave them behind now. Cassi and Derick were not even contemplated and Daniel and Erin had yet to come our way. I've found it very, very hard to say so long to them all over the past couple of days. Most difficult of all is leaving behind my best friend, Lisa. I already miss her and she is across the room! Dad and Mom were able to join us at worship service tonight and it was a bonus being able to see them before I leave.
The good news is that this is a short trip compared to some in the past. So, please pray for my family as I leave them behind. I am deeply grateful for them, especially for their patience with me as I spend so much time away from them doing this work in Romania.
Plans for this coming week are busy. Lord willing, I will arrive in Cluj on Tuesday - 6:30 p.m. Romanian time and 10:30 a.m. here at home. I hope to be able to spend some time with students in Cluj on Wednesday and we will begin preparing for the retreat. This will be the third year for this retreat for Christians. Young brothers and sisters in Christ from all over Romania will gather in Cluj for a period of fellowship, devotion, and study. It is a real bonus for me and I pray that it is beneficial to them. Among this group are some of the finest Christians in Romania and Eastern Europe. Among the attendees are preachers, teachers, translators, and servants. I ask that you pray for them as they travel to Cluj.
If the Lord wills, I shall post another entry on Tuesday evening following my arrival. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to so many who make this opportunity possible. Pray that my travel will be safe, efficient and according to schedule.
Until Tuesday...
Marty
I ask for your prayers as I am having a difficult time with leaving my family behind. The first time I went into the mission field, Brittany was 11 and Kyndall was 7. That was 13 years ago and they have left the nest; although it is just as hard to leave them behind now. Cassi and Derick were not even contemplated and Daniel and Erin had yet to come our way. I've found it very, very hard to say so long to them all over the past couple of days. Most difficult of all is leaving behind my best friend, Lisa. I already miss her and she is across the room! Dad and Mom were able to join us at worship service tonight and it was a bonus being able to see them before I leave.
The good news is that this is a short trip compared to some in the past. So, please pray for my family as I leave them behind. I am deeply grateful for them, especially for their patience with me as I spend so much time away from them doing this work in Romania.
Plans for this coming week are busy. Lord willing, I will arrive in Cluj on Tuesday - 6:30 p.m. Romanian time and 10:30 a.m. here at home. I hope to be able to spend some time with students in Cluj on Wednesday and we will begin preparing for the retreat. This will be the third year for this retreat for Christians. Young brothers and sisters in Christ from all over Romania will gather in Cluj for a period of fellowship, devotion, and study. It is a real bonus for me and I pray that it is beneficial to them. Among this group are some of the finest Christians in Romania and Eastern Europe. Among the attendees are preachers, teachers, translators, and servants. I ask that you pray for them as they travel to Cluj.
If the Lord wills, I shall post another entry on Tuesday evening following my arrival. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to so many who make this opportunity possible. Pray that my travel will be safe, efficient and according to schedule.
Until Tuesday...
Marty
Monday, July 27, 2009
Almost Home - 27 Jul 2009
A big howdy-do from Cincinatti! I have another 30 minutes before boarding for my flight to Little Rock. Justin and I parted ways in Paris, as he flew home through Atlanta. Hopefully, he is in the air as I type and will arrive, as scheduled, at 4:30. I know that he is anxious to see his wife and young son. Justin did a tremendous job on his third trip into the mission field. He's becoming quite the experienced international traveler!
I am scheduled to arrive in Little Rock at 5:30 and will meet Lisa, Brittany and her kids for dinner before heading to Vilonia. Daniel has already gone to his hometown of Ashdown for his grandmother's funeral. Brittany and the kids will make their way toward there tonight. Please pray that they all have safe travels.
I'm thankful for this 22nd trip into the mission field. As grateful as I am for the opportunity, it is always good to be home and see my family. Lisa is so generous and understanding to have allowed me to do this work over the past 12 years. I'm thankful for her and my kids.
Unless you hear from me otherwise, this will be last post for today. I'll post more tomorrow and confirm that we arrived safely home.
Thanks for your words of encouragement and your prayers.
Marty
I am scheduled to arrive in Little Rock at 5:30 and will meet Lisa, Brittany and her kids for dinner before heading to Vilonia. Daniel has already gone to his hometown of Ashdown for his grandmother's funeral. Brittany and the kids will make their way toward there tonight. Please pray that they all have safe travels.
I'm thankful for this 22nd trip into the mission field. As grateful as I am for the opportunity, it is always good to be home and see my family. Lisa is so generous and understanding to have allowed me to do this work over the past 12 years. I'm thankful for her and my kids.
Unless you hear from me otherwise, this will be last post for today. I'll post more tomorrow and confirm that we arrived safely home.
Thanks for your words of encouragement and your prayers.
Marty
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