Monday's In The Books - 27 April 2009

Late night greetings from Cluj! We're thankful for a very long and enjoyable day together. We spent a good part of the morning in prayer and discussion regarding the students here and the work that is being done by the church.

Many perceive that the only way to have a successful day on a short-term mission trip is to have high numbers of Bible studies. I have always embraced the theory that the type and quality of your studies is much more important than a number.

I also worry that Claudiu, the young preacher in Cluj, does not have as much personal, one-to-one support as Dad and I would like. So, it was a joy to interact with him and discuss the work here. It is a real treat to have Brother Jolly with us and especially so as he shared his nearly 50 years of experience with us and with Claudiu. What a treasure! And what a blessing to share with him!

For those of you who know Curtis, it comes as no surprise that he brings SO MUCH energy, excitement, and fun to whatever he is involved in. I appreciate him so much for taking time away from his precious family to be here with us.

We had a very busy late afternoon and evening with a number of studies. Several men gathered at about 5:00 and some time was spent in very challenging and thoughtful discussion. Some of these men are brethren and others are considering becoming Christians.

I'm thrilled to tell you that one of those students told us tonight that he wants to be baptized. He wanted to wait until arrangements could be made for his wife to be present. While I'm not excited about his decision to wait, I am thrilled with his spirit! He has been searching for the true church for quite some time and has visited many denominations. He asked to be baptized at several of these churches and was either told that he did not need to be baptized and in some cases they refused. Amazing as that sounds, he described being told to stand before a large group of people at one church in order for them to "vote" on whether or not to baptize him. Basically, he had to "make his case" before them. Apparently he wasn't convincing enough because they refused him. When I asked if he wished to be baptized his reply was, "Finally! Someone asks if I would like to be baptized!" Please remember Paul in your prayers.

I emphasized to him that I did not like for someone to wait, but that I would accept whatever decision he made. He said, "I finally find a church that will baptize me and I tell them to wait on me!" I made him aware that we were available to him at anytime of the day or night should he decide that it was time.

There were also 7 additional English students who came tonight. The church here is excited about these new prospects.

Please continue to remember us in your prayers and keep those comments and e-mails coming. One thing that I would ask: if you post comments to the blog, please either sign up for an account or be sure to put your name in the comment. I received one very nice comment today from a username "shadowcarp" and I am not sure who that is?! (SMILE) So, if that is you, drop me a line and let me know "who goes there."

We are watching the news reports closely in order to stay informed regarding the swine flu situation. We have also registered with the State Department so that they can provide information should something additional come up.

Until tomorrow....

Marty