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

Sunday Evening - 26 Jul 2009

Greetings from ancient old Bucharest!

Justin and I just arrived at our hotel here following a smooth flight from Cluj. We will overnight here and then begin our journey home with a trip to Paris. From there, JT will fly to Atlanta and Little Rock. I will connect through Cincinatti.

I just wanted to post to let you know that all is well. So far, so good - as they say.

Lord willing and if all goes as planned, we should both be in Arkansas in 32 hours!

Marty

Sunday Morning - 26 Jul 2009

Following a well-earned day off yesterday, we are getting ready for worship this morning followed by a trip to the airport! The group of workers enjoyed a trip to Sighisoara for their annual medieval festival on Saturday. It was quite an experience and one that I thoroughly enjoyed, even if the hot weather put a damper on things.

Sorina's husband, Dragos, met us there. He had brought along his brother, Rares Vintilla, and his friend, Ramona. Sorina and Costica left with Dragos and are safely back in Pitesti.

Justin and I will be with the Cluj church this morning.

Thanks to all of you back home who made our trip a reality. We are grateful for you.

I'd like to close by extending sympathy and asking for prayers on behalf of my son-in-law, Daniel. His grandmother, Vera Harless, passed away very unexpectedly on Friday night during her sleep. She was a faithful Christian for many years and we rejoice in that fact. But, we grieve for the Harless family. Please remember Daniel's father, Mark, and his sister, Rosemary. They lost their Dad on May 5 while I was on my last trip to Cluj and now have lost their Mom.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

Until Monday evening....

Marty

Friday Evening - 24 Jul 2009

It's midnight here in Cluj and Justin and I are enjoying a Cubs game over the Internet. The game is being played on a sunny afternoon in Chicago and it is late at night here. I'll bet you can't tell that we're homesick!

This Friday was a beautiful day in many ways. We closed out the VBS with the last day of classes, lunch, and the graduation ceremony. The smiles on the faces of these children as we handed them a small gift, their certificates, a group picture, and a small children's Bible was priceless!

The Romanian workers - Claudiu, Sorina and Costica - all said today that this week turned out much better than they ever expected. We lost one worker when circumstances forced Emily to stay home, Justin had the problems with his bags, and we had no idea what to expect as far as a turnout. But, leaving things in God's Hands is always the right thing. It was certainly the answer this week.

A lot of things crossed my mind today. The fact that we have planted seeds that others will water - 1 Cor. 3 - came to mind. I also thought of those who have worked in Cluj before us. Dan, Jan, Phil, and Rebecca: I thought of you often this week. One young man, Darius, whose family worshipped here in the past but is no longer faithful, attended every service this week along with his younger brother. We gave each child a group picture that was taken on Wednesday. Darius left and came running back into the building a few minutes later. He handed me his copy of the picture and said, "My brother and I have one picture. Please send this one to Mr. Dan and Ms. Jan." I hope that the Davis and Jackson families know how much they are appreciated!

As our work here draws to a close, we look forward to a day off tomorrow for the trip to Sighisoara. Sorina and Costica will leave us and return home. That's always a sad and bittersweet thing. We wish them well and appreciate their hard work so, so much.

Well, the Cubs just wrapped and 8-3 win, so it's bedtime. "Go Cubs Go" is playing in my head and that's the perfect way to go to sleep!

Good night everyone and we love you!

Thursday Evening - 23 Jul 2009

Hello from Cluj! Our week here is flying by. It seems that we just got started with the Bible School and we are just a few hours away from starting our last day. It has been a joy!

We had 27 in attendance today, not including the teachers. I've included a few pictures of the classes, puppet show, and 37 cheeseburgers neatly packed in two large sacks. You should have seen the look on the clerks face at McDonalds when we placed an order for 37 cheeseburgers and 37 medium fries! It was priceless. Then she asked, "Would you like that here or to go?" Costica was with me and he might weigh 125 pounds soaking wet, so I guess she thought this big American was going to have a party with 30+ burgers!

We had the regularly scheduled mid-week prayer service tonight instead of Wednesday. Justin provided an overview of the book of Titus and did a fantastic job. We also had a Bible study with a lady named Carmen. She is a co-worker of Paul, one of the Christians at Cluj. She has much to learn. Please join us in prayer that she will continue to study with Claudiu, Paul and others.

Our plans are to finish the VBS in the morning with classes, lunch, and a graduation ceremony. We then have another study with Carmen tomorrow afternoon and our work will be finished. Friday evening we will enjoy a meal with some of the Christians.

Saturday is our day off and we plan to travel to the ancient city of Sighisoara. It's claim to fame is being the birthplace of ol' Vlad Tepes. He is also known as Vlad Dracul, Vlad the Impaler, and Dracula. The city is in a beautiful area of Romania and hosts an annual festival during this week. We will travel there to meet Dragos Vintilla, Sorina's husband, and he will take Sorina and Costica back home to Pitesti. We'll enjoy some time at the festival before returning to Cluj. We're excited about seeing Sighisoara!

I will close for the evening. I'd like to close by wishing some special people a happy birthday and anniversary. My father-in-law, Alvin Bradford, celebrated a birthday on Wednesday. Happy birthday, Papa! My parents will celebrate their wedding anniversary tomorrow! Happy 51st, Pop and Mam!

One last thing: I made a second post to the blog on Tuesday regarding some difficult news for our family. Some told me that they missed that post. If you haven't read it, please take a few minutes and scroll down to that post. My mother's family would appreciate your prayers on their behalf.

Until tomorrow....

Wednesday - 22 Jul 2009

Our numbers continue to climb! There were 27 children present today. The older class, taught by Justin and Claudiu, had 10 and the younger age group, taught by Sorina and Anca, had 17.

With a growing number comes the challenge of handling the needs of so many children. There are 7 adults from the church in Cluj, counting Justin and myself. We're very thankful for the two older sisters and one grandmother who have been willing to stay each day and give us a hand. The two sisters have 8 siblings, give of whom have been with us every day. I've uploaded a group photo and pictures of both the classes with their teachers.

I believe the kids are gaining a great deal from the lessons and I know that they are thoroughly enjoying the activities planned by the adult workers. The theme for the lessons this week is the Fruits of the Spirit. On Monday they studied the life of Christ (Peace, Love, and Joy). Yesterday the students learned the story of Ruth and Naomi was used to illustrate Kindness and Job used to teach them about Patience.

A tired group of workers are spending the afternoon resting. At 6:00 p.m. Justin and I have a Bible study with a friend of one of the Christians here in Cluj. Following that study, we will have the last of our three-part study on the Beauty of Christianity at 7:00 p.m.

We are all doing well. A big news flash: Justin's well-traveled bags finally arrived in Cluj last night. We went to the airport to pick them up at about 9:00 p.m. They were only 72 hours late! But, we're thankful that Justin has his belongings with him, finally.

Thanks to all for your e-mails, comments on the blog, and especially for your prayers. Continue to remember the work here and the students in your prayers.

Marty

Tuesday Evening - 21 Jul 2009

I typically don't post updates to the blog more than once a day, but I received some news from home late today that I wanted to share and ask for your prayers on behalf of some dear family members.

My mother's sister, Shirley Throgmorton, lost her husband last September. Their oldest daughter, Sherry, was diagnosed with a grave case of lung cancer yesterday. Sherry has experienced numerous health problems over the past several years and the prognosis for this new situation is not good at all.

My Aunt Shirley has two sons who are younger than Sherry. After receiving the news that his sister has what is likely a terminal case of lung cancer the older of the two boys, my cousin Toby, took his own life.

Needless to say, all of my mother's family is just devestated. Toby and I were very close in age. We're just heartbroken for the Throgmorton family. Toby was one of the gentlest souls I've ever known and reminded me so much of my maternal grandfather. I just cannot believe that he is no longer with us.

Toby was an organ donor and asked to be cremated. The family is also honoring his wish that no funeral be conducted. Dad and Mom will be with the family later this week as they observe a family memorial service during which Toby's remains will be interred at the graves of his father, our grandmother, and our Uncle Pete. Please keep this family in your prayers as they deal with so much.

Marty and Family

Tuesday Afternoon - 21 Jul 2009

The laughter of children is a special thing. It is especailly joyful to hear it ringing through the church building in Cluj-Napoca. We were blessed with 23 children this morning - 15 in the younger age group and 8 in the older group. There was plenty of laughter and excitement to go around!

In case I haven't yet mentioned it, we are so grateful for those who are providing this opportunity. This Bible school would not be happening without the financial assistance of Christians from the States. The teachers are doing a tremendous job of preparing and presenting lessons that are both informative and fun. I'm deeply grateful for all of them: Claudiu and Anca Murtaza, Sorina Vintilla, Costica Dumitru, and Justin Taylor. The Christians in Cluj have been gracious hosts and we thank Paul Ionav for helping us in many ways today. Paul has such a servants heart.

I presented a lesson on Monday evening entitled "The Beauty of a Relationship with God." I wish that more had been in attendance, but we were thankful that two of the students who have been participating in English courses over the past six weeks were able to stay for the seminar, along with members of the church from Cluj. I hope that more will be present this evening for the lesson "The Beauty of Heaven."

Good news! Justin was able to locate his bags! They have made their way from Ghana in West Africa, back to the U.S., and they are now in Bucharest awaiting delivery to Cluj. They are in Bucharest and should be delivered to Cluj at 6:30 this evening. Pray that they finally make it to him!

Again, we're appreciative of those of you who made this work possible. Pray for God's help as we make an impression on these young minds and reach out to the adults of this city.

Marty

Monday Afternoon - 20 Jul 2009

Greetings from Cluj-Napoca where we had very exciting morning! A total of 21 children were present for our first day of Vacation Bible School. We didn't really know what to expect, although we were confident that about 20 children would show up.

Sorina and Anca taught a group of 14 children ages 6-9. An older sister of some of the children and the grandmother of two little boys both helped in taking care of things with the younger age group. Claudiu and Justin taught a total of 7 childern ages 10-14. Costica and I handled logistics, ran errands, and prepared and served lunch.

Overall, it was a REAL BLESSING to be a part of this day. Pleease keep those prayers going up! I've included a few photos from last night's planning session and the first day of classes the morning.

We will begin a three-night series of lessons tonight at 7:00 p.m. We're prayerful that some fo the parents of these children will come back tonight for a period of sutdy.

Sunday Afternoon - 19 Jul 2009

Greetings from Cluj-Napoca! A group of five of us arrived here about two hours ago to join Justin. Joining me on the journey were Claudiu and Anca Murtaza, Sorina Vintilla, and Costica Dumitru. Sorina and Costica are from Pitesti and Claudiu and Anca were there to celebrate the wedding. As I mentioned in my earlier blog post, the wedding of Marius and Bianca Motreanu was held at the Pitesti church on Saturday evening.

It was a beautiful ceremony attended by about 75 friends and family. A wedding reception was held on Saturday night. For those of you reading this from other parts of the world, it is hard to describe a Romanian wedding reception. They are complex affairs with four-course meals served late into the night and early into the morning. The Motreanu reception lasted until about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday - so I am told. I gave up after about two hours and returned to my room.

I have spent many a restless night in a Romanian hotel listening to a wedding reception downstairs. It felt good to know that I was paying someone back and keeping the other fellow up last night! There may be some pictures floating around on the Internet of an American preacher being taught a Romanian folk dance. Let's just say that no one will mistake me for a native Romanian!

It was a beautiful evening and certainly a joyous occasion to watch two Christians commit their lives together before God. I continue to pray that more Romanian Christians will marry. I have firmly believed for years that the growth of the church in Romania depends on that very thing.

We left Pitesti at 7:00 a.m. (Romania time) and stopped to worship with the church in Sibiu. A group from Ovilla, Texas was worshipping there also. They have just concluded a week-long VBS. What a thrill to meet fellow short-term workers from the States!

The group of workers will meet this afternoon to plan our week. We're so excited about the possibilities of the week! Please pray that we are able to find open hearts.

I cannot close without sharing the further travel travails of Justin. As I mentioned yesterday, his wife Emily was not able to travel with him due to an illness with their little boy. Justin arrived on Saturday, as scheduled, but without luggage. His bags were nowhere to be found! After I arrived in Cluj, we were able to make a phone call and he was notified that his luggage was found...in Ghana, West Africa!!! Hopefully, it will arrive here in Cluj on Tuesday. If I didn't know better, I would think that Justin had been infected with the Bob Swain Travel Virus, a rare but troublesome disorder that is probably afflicting Bob's fellow travelers in Costa Rica right now.

Thanks to all for your prayers and concern. Drop us a line when you can! It is a real inspiration to hear from home.

Until tomorrow...

Marty

Saturday, 18 Jul 2009

Greetings from beautiful downtown Pitesti, Romania! I arrived safely on July 16, the 12th anniversary of my very first trip to Romania in 1997. More importantly, July 16 is the wedding anniversary for my daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Daniel Harless, and I want to wish them a happy 4th anniversary!

Things in Romania have changed a great deal since 1997. When I first came here many of the most basic services were lacking. We rarely had hot water in the hotel; phone service was not reliable; and the thought of the Internet and e-mail access was just…well, it seemed like a billion miles away. Yet, here I am posting to this blog using wireless Internet in front of the McDonalds in the city center about 100 yards from the hotel where I stayed in 1997! I am amazed at how far technology has come and how far Romania has come in so short a time.

Some of you may be wondering why I am writing from Pitesti instead of Cluj. As you may recall, I worked in the cities of Pitesti and Craiova from 1997 until 2006 when we began leading the work in Cluj-Napoca. While I was here in May a young couple asked if I would officiate at their marriage ceremony on July 18. They are both Christians – Marius a native of Pitesti and Bianca a native of Cluj. I am honored that they asked me to play a small part in their special day. So, I arrived in Pitesti last evening and appreciate the hospitality of the church here in allowing me to stay in the building. The ceremony is Saturday evening.

We will stay here in Pitesti until early Sunday morning. In order to arrive in Cluj as early as possible, we will leave Pitesti at around 7:00 Sunday morning and stop to worship with the brethren in Sibiu, a city about halfway to Cluj. Once we arrive there we will finish planning for the week.

There is a busy 9 days of work ahead of us in Cluj! Claudiu reports that we have about 25 children enrolled in the Bible school. This is such an exciting thing for the church there! It has been some time since they have been able to have a VBS. We’re thankful that God has opened this door. The theme for the lessons will be “The Fruits of the Spirit” and we’re very excited about the week.

I will also deliver a three-part series of lessons on Monday through Wednesday evening. The church in Cluj has about 30 English students who have been coming for lessons since early May. We hope that some of them will join us for the lesson series.

We received some disappointing news on Friday. Cooper Taylor, the 20 month old son of Justin and Emily, fell ill Thursday evening late, so Emily has decided to stay at home to care for him. We know that her primary job right now is “Mom” and so we’re thankful that she will be there to care for him. At the same time, we are disappointed for her. Emily has such a heart for evangelism and teaching and was so looking forward to the trip to Cluj. I know that she wishes the circumstances were different. Please pray for a speed recovery for little Cooper. Also remember Cooper’s Dad as Justin left the States on Friday. He will travel directly to Cluj and teach the Bible class and preach there on Sunday morning. Pray that his travels are safe and efficient.

This will be the only blog post until I arrive in Cluj. Please keep these works in your prayers that something may be done to plant the seed of the Gospel.

As always, your e-mails are welcome! Thanks for taking to the time to read the post and God bless you all!

Marty

Prayer Request for Upcoming Work

Later this week, three Christians from the U.S. will travel to Cluj-Napoca and join Romanian Christians in preparing for work next week. I will leave the States on Wednesday morning and Justin and Emily Taylor of the Levy congregation in North Little Rock will follow me on Friday. While we appreciate your prayers for safe, efficient travel and good health that is not the purpose in my sending this prayer request.

While in Cluj we will conduct two events: a Bible school for children ages 6 to 14 and nightly services with an evangelistic focus. We need your prayers on behalf of both of these events.

Pray that God will help us in finding young students who are able to come each day throughout next week (Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24) to begin learning about the God, the Bible, and a Risen Savior.

Pray that God will help us to find teens and adults who have hearts open to the Gospel as we conduct the nightly seminars next week (Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22).

Ask for God’s help in finding students who are eager to study the Bible and better understand the Father’s will for their lives.

As usual, I will post updates here as often as possible and we would love to hear from you!

Marty