Truth Connect was invited to Romania in July 2017 by Mr. Scott Manganella, CEO of
Precious Life (PL) and
My Brother's Keeper (MBK), to train its national staff. Scott Manganella and Luke Holtry are the leaders of a work in Romania that counsels and encourages women to carry their pregnancies to term and then helps them once they give birth. It's a wonderful and life giving ministry. Both PL and MBK have certified staff that goes into high schools to teach and encourage students the virtue and value of sexual abstinence before marriage. Purity Presenters are courageous in their work as some are physically challenged by those who oppose this teaching from Christian worldview. PL / MBK ministry teams also serve at orphanages by rocking babies and assisting churches in ministering to the needy.
Karen and I went to serve these beautiful and courageous Christian brothers and sisters. We arrived into Budapest, Hungary and joined Scott's ministry team for the 4 hour drive east to Oradea, Romania. Here we taught the first of three Leadership Training Conferences (LTCs) to local church leaders and Non Government Organization (NGO) representatives. Mihaela and Gabi were the national leaders who helped organize and facilitate the LTCs. Mihaela was my primary translator for the LTCs and radio interviews.
We then drove another four hours east to the medieval city of Sighisoara in the heart of Romania. The entire staff of My Brother's Keeper met here for 3 days of rest, encouragement and leadership training. I enjoyed ministering to this fine group of people.
We then drove another four hours east to the city of Ploiesti (near Bucharest) to meet with the Roma Church, also known as Gypsies. The Roma people are extremely hard working and good natured. Truth Connect provided an LTC at the Roma church to a very eager group of learners. Pastor Oprisan invited me to preach at both the Friday and Sunday services and it was my joy to do so.
Karen and I enjoyed this trip very much. The country of Romania is beautiful! The people of Romania were very friendly, kind and receptive. It was Truth Connect's joy to invest in the staff of MBK and the Church in Romania by encouraging and teaching Biblical leadership principles.
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| July 2017 Romanian ministry team. Scott Manganella is sitting at the front right. |
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| Gabi & Mihaela are key national leaders for MBK. |
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| Oradea, Romania LTC #1. |
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| Mihaela interprets as I do a local Christian radio station interview. |
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| LTC #2 with MBK staff in Sighisoara. Mihaela interprets for me. |
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| LTC training has to be fun as well as instructional. "Zip zip!" |
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| MBK staff at LTC #2. Scott Manganella is in back row, far left. Luke Holtry is on the far right. Both men are instrumental in leading this fine team. |
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| The Roma Church leaders listen during LTC #3. |
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| Roma Church LTC participants. |
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| Roma Church leader, Pastor Oprisan was very gracious to Truth Connect by hosting an LTC. |
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| Joe & Kelly Barnouski at the Roma Church loving on the children. |
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| Karen embracing a precious little Roma girl. |
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| No matter where I go, I love playing with God's little ones. In a sense, I have grandchildren all around the world. I give God thanks for this; He is so good to me! |
