Reghin: Engagement, Children's Home, and Worship

Saturday, Lajos and I left Sacele for Reghin.   The Romanian country side is beautiful.   What is really good to see is how much the “trash” has disappeared along the roads and rivers from previous years.  We arrived in Reghin just long enough for a quick bite to each, change clothes and head for Isti and Annamaria’s engagement party.   The engagement “party” was at the Gornesti church.  I gave a brief message to the couple.  Attila Toth led the “worship” part.   Isti and Annamaria shared their testimony about how they came together.   Isti had wanted to ask Annamaria to consider him for husband for a long time.  But wasn’t sure that she would accept.   Annamaria had a long check list for what a husband should be.   The best statement of the evening was when Annamaria put the ring that she was giving Isti on his finger.  She said, “I had a long list for a husband.  But in you, God has given me someone who is so much more than my list.”  

We enjoyed a delicious celebration meal: grilled pork, chicken, snitzel (all prepared by Sir Baptist Kalyanos, father of the groom).   We had a great time—the Kalyanos and Reti families coming together celebrating Isti and Annamaria’s engagement.   But, they will return soon for the wedding on July 11.   Isti has been a great friend of Teleios and partnerships.  He visited the USA at the invitation of Leesburg Community Church, Leesburg, VA, and Teleios Ministry in 2013.   Annamaria currently teaches at the Glodeni Kindergarten and the Apalina afterschool.   Her family has been a part of the Gornesti church since it began.   Two great families and two outstanding young people coming together under God’s leading.   The Engagement was a great time of celebrating all God’s blessings. 

Saturday evening while it was still light, we visited the property for the new group home for orphan children that will be opened in Peris.   Attila and Adel have been dreaming of such a home for years.  Now, their God-given dream born out of ministry in the Reghin and Gornesti area is becoming a reality.   The purchase of the property still has to be finalized.   While, the paper work is being completed, the plans for demolition of some of the buildings on the property, renovation of the other buildings, and drawing for new construction are being developed.   The property has a useable building with four bedrooms, a cattle stall, pig stalls, and huge area for a garden.   Part of the original house will need to be demolished and replaced with a new section with kitchen, dining, bathrooms, and extra apartment for volunteers. 

On Sunday, I was able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in the morning with the Apalina Gypsy church.  In the afternoon, we worshipped with the Reghin church.  Paul and Katie Crook shared their testimony in returning to Romania after a brief time in the USA.   In the evening, we worshipped together with the Apalina church again.   Joining with the churches is always a special time.  

Today we head to Gheorghani for the Taste of Mission conference that last until Sunday, June 28.   I will keep you updated.