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EMCC World Partners and Rocky Mountain College Connect in Romania (8/12/2008)

What started as an invitation soon became a partnership. EMCC World Partners approached us and Rocky Mountain College to help train lay leaders in gypsy churches, and visit EMCC missionaries serving in Romania. Now, having returned, it’s time to “tell our stories”.

Romania is a beautiful country! Mountains, lush valleys, orchards, a contrast of modern cities and a rural flavour that takes you back half a century. It’s a land of castle ruins, kings’ palaces and monasteries dating back to the 13th century. Romania is also a difficult country. The shadow of communism looms large. The dominant Orthodox Church often resists grace expressions of Christianity. The Gypsy is barely tolerated, even by Christians, and remains bound in cycles of poverty and superstition. Yet, God is at work! The EMCC has uniquely positioned WP missionaries who are sharing the love of God with this marginalized people.

John Zumbrunn, WP missionary and RMC alumnus and I (Grant) spent a wonderful week together, teaching at a small Bible School that specifically seeks to train and equip gypsy lay leaders for church ministry. The school offers modular courses in two-week blocks, three times a year. For each student the challenge is great and the spiritual battle relentless. Four students arrived, nervous, but hungry for God’s truth; three men from the Gypsy Church in Momaia, and one keen, young woman who serves with Peter Mrazik in Medias. The students were like sponges, aware that this was their opportunity to learn, and they were going to be found faithful. The bond of fellowship, the unity of God’s Spirit and the light of God’s truth was literally transforming as the week progressed!

At the close of the week we felt like Jesus, sending out these sheep, knowing full well they would need God’s watchful guidance and wisdom as they returned to their communities.

Next we proceeded to meet WP missionaries and visit ministry sites. John and Cheryl Zumbrunn and Aaron Armstrong share among the gypsy people in the village of Momaia. Their focus is on relationships, discipleship (especially to these students and their families), and developing life skills with the village people. John has a good grasp of the language and is well able to teach and disciple. The ‘centre’, a two-story building that houses a kindergarten, living quarters and other activity rooms still requires much construction. Cheryl and Aaron work with the women, doing sewing classes, hospital visitation, and other activities. Debbie joined them for numerous house-calls in the village. As well, she was invited to speak at a Ladies Tea where she gave each woman a Devotional Book (in Romanian). Again, the Presence of God to love and encourage these dear women was real!

Despite the many needs that are evident, we were also aware of God’s intervention and favour among this people group. We especially ask you to pray for workers, Romanian and Canadian, to join God at work in Momaia.

Kevin and Michelle Weppler have teamed up with a Romanian church that is developing a multi-faceted vision for ministry in Olt province (a very depressed region) including: Bible distribution, church planting, Bible studies, children’s ministry, a mission house, a medical clinic, and more. It’s a growing international team with many dreams for the future. It was exciting to meet House Church pastors and a medical Doctor serving sacrificially in a needy village. Clearly, the ‘team’ of workers in this area makes a huge impact on these communities. The Wepplers are well set to host teams to assist with several aspects of ministry. It was wonderful to see World Partners connecting with an indigenous church in this way.

For our part, Debbie and I felt so privileged to have this opportunity. As we met Romanian Christians we heard many testimonies of severe family rejection and opposition to follow Christ and make Him LORD. It seems that if they are willing to pay such a cost, surely we at home can partner in prayer, and support efforts to see the Kingdom of God grow in Romania. Whenever God gave us opportunity we were careful to extend greetings from our EMCC/RMC family in Canada. We cherished each opportunity to preach, to teach, to pray or walk alongside these dear friends. We recognize the ongoing need for supportive relationships amid the many challenges and battles they face. We were blessed to represent the EMCC and RMC in Romania!

Grant and Debbie Sikstrom

(Editor’s Note: Grant is an EMCC Ordained Minister and teaches at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, AB.)

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