Hello again from Cluj! I wasn't able to post a blog update yesterday (Wednesday), so this will have to count for two days. Yesterday closed with the mid-week Bible study following a very productive day. Al spoke at the service and it was joy to hear a fine lesson from him.
The real highlight of this trip is the Christian Retreat for Young Adults that begins today (Thursday). A number of Christians from across the country will begin arriving later today and we will make our way to the retreat center about 30 miles outside Cluj. The most exciting thing to me is the fact that we have several new Bible students (prospective brothers and sisters) from Cluj who will be attending!
Some of you may find it interesting to see the schedule for 2.5 days, so here is a list of speakers and topics:
Thursday - Al Jolly - "Why Do We Need Christ In Our Lives?"
Friday - Marty Knight - "How Do We Begin Our Walk With Christ?"
Friday - Vasile Iuhos (Romanian preacher from Oradea) - "Living For Christ Through Fervent Prayer"
Friday - Prayer Service for Men - led by Curtis Sawrie
Friday - Prayer Service for Women - led by Sorina Vintila (Christian from Pitesti)
Friday - Ady Lupascu (Romanian preacher from Constanta) - "Living For Christ Through Servanthood"
Saturday - Claudiu Murtaza - "Living for Christ Through Holy Living"
Throughout each day we will also have quite a bit of time for fewllowship, singing, and good times. I can't wait to see some old friends and make new acquaintences. Pictures will be posted as soon as possible.
We will be offline while in the mountains. When you see the pictures you will understand why! I will post an update on Saturday evening following our return.
Our love to all at home,
Marty, Al, and Curtis
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Fine Tuesday - 28 April 2009
Hello from Cluj-Napoca!
Tuesday was another beautiful day, filled with sunshine and opportunity. We enjoyed time today with several Bible students and another large group of newly-registered English students.
After we spent an hour with those registering for the English lessons, the team discussed the fact that some of those students may eventually be our brothers and sisters. How exciting it is to consider that possibility. Al and Curtis conducted the studies today and I am so very thankful for them!
I am also grateful for our brother, Claudiu Murtaza, and the work that he is doing in this city. His young wife, Anca, is a great support to him. The church here is a blessing to them and to us. What a joy it is to be a Christian!
Wednesday promises to be a very busy day. Al is scheduled to deliver the lesson at tomorrow evening's Bible study. A number of studies are scheduled, including some with new students. Two sisters will arrive from the Bucaharest church and begin preparations for the retreat that is to begin on Thursday. These two fine ladies will be preparing the meals for the 40-50 people who will be in attendance.
We're so grateful for your notes and e-mails. They really do keep us energized and focused.
Until tomorrow...
Marty
Tuesday was another beautiful day, filled with sunshine and opportunity. We enjoyed time today with several Bible students and another large group of newly-registered English students.
After we spent an hour with those registering for the English lessons, the team discussed the fact that some of those students may eventually be our brothers and sisters. How exciting it is to consider that possibility. Al and Curtis conducted the studies today and I am so very thankful for them!
I am also grateful for our brother, Claudiu Murtaza, and the work that he is doing in this city. His young wife, Anca, is a great support to him. The church here is a blessing to them and to us. What a joy it is to be a Christian!
Wednesday promises to be a very busy day. Al is scheduled to deliver the lesson at tomorrow evening's Bible study. A number of studies are scheduled, including some with new students. Two sisters will arrive from the Bucaharest church and begin preparations for the retreat that is to begin on Thursday. These two fine ladies will be preparing the meals for the 40-50 people who will be in attendance.
We're so grateful for your notes and e-mails. They really do keep us energized and focused.
Until tomorrow...
Marty
Monday, April 27, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 26, 2009
A Fine Sunday - 26 April 2009
Greetings once again from beautiful Cluj-Napoca! The church here enjoyed a fine Lord's day filled with worship, blue skies, and wonderful sunshine. Eighteen of us gathered for Bible class and worship this morning. The late afternoon was spent meeting with eleven new students who have enrolled in the intermediate English courses.
I'm thrilled to share the news that our wandering brother from Texas, Al Jolly, finally arrived in Cluj at 6:30 this evening. His flight out of Newark on Friday was delayed by 2 hours which resulted in his missing the connection in Rome by a mere ten minutes. He found assistance at the Rome airport and found lodging for the evening, then completed his journey today. I was so relieved to see him! And I know that his family back in Franklin were happy to hear that he had reached his destination. Now, on to the work.
Some of you may not be familiar with the materials offered by the World English Institute that we are using here in Cluj. The material, used for many years now, is very effective in teaching the student the English language AND it uses the Bible as the basis for the lessons. Many students are led to an interest in things spiritual while going through these lessons. It is not an exageration to say that there are thousands of Christians across the globe today who began their journey to Christ through this material. The approach has been used widely in Romania, even in Cluj during some of the early years (1996-2003).
Claudiu made arrangements for advertising about a month ago and we now have over FIFTY students who have enrolled. We will meet with two groups of beginner students on both Monday and Tuesday evenings this week. Please pray that these students will become open to the gospel in the coming days.
We also have several excellent prospects with whom we will study the Bible this week. At least one of them is very close to obeying the gospel. I ask that you pray for these students.
We will also make preparations for the retreat that will begin on Thursday and continue through Saturday.
Thanks for the replies and encouraging words. Feel free to post comments to the blog and I will share those with the rest of the team. Or you can e-mail me at marty@operation-outreach.com.
Until tomorrow...
Marty
I'm thrilled to share the news that our wandering brother from Texas, Al Jolly, finally arrived in Cluj at 6:30 this evening. His flight out of Newark on Friday was delayed by 2 hours which resulted in his missing the connection in Rome by a mere ten minutes. He found assistance at the Rome airport and found lodging for the evening, then completed his journey today. I was so relieved to see him! And I know that his family back in Franklin were happy to hear that he had reached his destination. Now, on to the work.
Some of you may not be familiar with the materials offered by the World English Institute that we are using here in Cluj. The material, used for many years now, is very effective in teaching the student the English language AND it uses the Bible as the basis for the lessons. Many students are led to an interest in things spiritual while going through these lessons. It is not an exageration to say that there are thousands of Christians across the globe today who began their journey to Christ through this material. The approach has been used widely in Romania, even in Cluj during some of the early years (1996-2003).
Claudiu made arrangements for advertising about a month ago and we now have over FIFTY students who have enrolled. We will meet with two groups of beginner students on both Monday and Tuesday evenings this week. Please pray that these students will become open to the gospel in the coming days.
We also have several excellent prospects with whom we will study the Bible this week. At least one of them is very close to obeying the gospel. I ask that you pray for these students.
We will also make preparations for the retreat that will begin on Thursday and continue through Saturday.
Thanks for the replies and encouraging words. Feel free to post comments to the blog and I will share those with the rest of the team. Or you can e-mail me at marty@operation-outreach.com.
Until tomorrow...
Marty
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Incomplete Team Arrives - 25 April 2009
This update is delivered with mixed emotions. Curtis and I arrived in Cluj exactly as scheduled at 6:30 p.m. (Romania time) on Saturday. However, Al - the third member of the US portion of the team - did not meet us in Rome as planned. The plane left Rome about 20 minutes late and I was hoping against hope that the reason for the delay was Al and that as we were sitting at the gate, he would walk aboard. But, as it turned out, he had encountered problems with a connection in Newark and did not make the connection in Rome.
So, continue to pray for him as he makes his way here. We have heard from his wife, Mary, and he has made arrangements to come on to Cluj on Sunday and will overnight in Rome.
Curtis and I enjoyed a meal with Claudiu and Anca after arriving and settling in. It was good to catch up with them and talk about the work scheduled for the week. There are now over 50 students enrolled in the WEI courses that will start this week. The young adult retreat that will take place later in the week sounds SO exciting. It looks as if a good week is in store with the Lord's help.
For now, my tank is rather empty after about 34 hours without any sleep. I got absolutely no sleep on the flights, but I did see 4 good movies that I hadn't seen before! My body is telling me that it is time to stop. God bless you all and continue to pray for Al as he makes his way to Cluj.
Until tomorrow,
Marty
So, continue to pray for him as he makes his way here. We have heard from his wife, Mary, and he has made arrangements to come on to Cluj on Sunday and will overnight in Rome.
Curtis and I enjoyed a meal with Claudiu and Anca after arriving and settling in. It was good to catch up with them and talk about the work scheduled for the week. There are now over 50 students enrolled in the WEI courses that will start this week. The young adult retreat that will take place later in the week sounds SO exciting. It looks as if a good week is in store with the Lord's help.
For now, my tank is rather empty after about 34 hours without any sleep. I got absolutely no sleep on the flights, but I did see 4 good movies that I hadn't seen before! My body is telling me that it is time to stop. God bless you all and continue to pray for Al as he makes his way to Cluj.
Until tomorrow,
Marty
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another Journey Set to Begin - April 23, 2009
Greetings from Vilonia, Arkansas!
Three U.S. workers will leave in just a few short hours, bound for Cluj-Napoca, Romania and our next Operation Outreach effort. I will be traveling with Curtis Sawrie of Mt. Vernon, Arkansas and we will meet up with Al Jolly of Franklin, Texas on Saturday in Rome. We will arrive in Cluj around 6:30 p.m. (local time) on Saturday evening and join the rest of our team.
We have a busy twelve days planned! The church in Cluj has recently began advertising for free English lessons in an effort to identify potential students. The church will be using materials prepared by World English Institute. We are THRILLED that nearly 50 students have registered. The team looks forward to meeting them on Sunday and Monday. We also anticipate a number of Bible studies with current students and Christians in Cluj.
On Thursday (4/30) we will leave for the retreat site in the Carpathian Mountains outside Cluj where we will join about 50 young adult Christians from across the country. This will be the second year that the church in Cluj has hosted this event, along with churches and families from the U.S. We cannot wait for three days of fellowship, worship, Bible study, and edification.
Please keep us in your prayers! Pray for the work that will be done, for safe and efficient travel, for good health, and (especially) for our families as we leave them behind.
I will post updates to this site as often as possible. Please drop us a line when you can!
Yours in Him,
Marty Knight
Three U.S. workers will leave in just a few short hours, bound for Cluj-Napoca, Romania and our next Operation Outreach effort. I will be traveling with Curtis Sawrie of Mt. Vernon, Arkansas and we will meet up with Al Jolly of Franklin, Texas on Saturday in Rome. We will arrive in Cluj around 6:30 p.m. (local time) on Saturday evening and join the rest of our team.
We have a busy twelve days planned! The church in Cluj has recently began advertising for free English lessons in an effort to identify potential students. The church will be using materials prepared by World English Institute. We are THRILLED that nearly 50 students have registered. The team looks forward to meeting them on Sunday and Monday. We also anticipate a number of Bible studies with current students and Christians in Cluj.
On Thursday (4/30) we will leave for the retreat site in the Carpathian Mountains outside Cluj where we will join about 50 young adult Christians from across the country. This will be the second year that the church in Cluj has hosted this event, along with churches and families from the U.S. We cannot wait for three days of fellowship, worship, Bible study, and edification.
Please keep us in your prayers! Pray for the work that will be done, for safe and efficient travel, for good health, and (especially) for our families as we leave them behind.
I will post updates to this site as often as possible. Please drop us a line when you can!
Yours in Him,
Marty Knight
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