Camp Valea Verde (means Green Valley)

We have just completed a camp for 24 children in a remote location in the mountains of Romania. The scenery in Romania is absolutely amazing! Our journey to the camp location took about 3 hours by car -- not because the distance was so long but because it is mostly small, curvy roads. This journey gave me the opportunity to see parts of Romania that I had never seen before; making me appreciate the majesty of God as displayed so wonderfully in this country.

I feel like we had a very successful camp experience with the children from Sanger (and other places). AS the children were leaving this morning they were crying because we were all separating after spending so much time together this week. I have been a part of many camps through the years and this is usually the reaction. For many of these children the emotions were probably a little more vivid because most of them have never been to anything like this before (when I say "most" it may be more accurate to say "ALL"). Some of these children may have never seen the mountains or been on a vacation.

I am always impressed by the way the children from Sanger enthusiastically recite Scripture verses and the way they pour their whole selves into singing the songs. Their singing will truly bless your heart! On our final night of having a gathering with all the children I shared a very simple and direct message from God's Word about how we all need to be forgiven of our sins. When I asked for any who wanted to "Confess" Jesus as their Lord none of them responded. After this we had a time for anyone who wanted to write down a sin or some other burden on a sheet of paper and place it on a cross that we had there for them. It was moving to watch all of the children and many of the adults -- Me first -- put notes on that cross containing things that we need God to take from us.

The next day two of the oldest boys came to me and said they had decided to accept Jesus as their Savior. The final night as we gathered to celebrate I asked for these guys and any others who had decided to accept Jesus as their Savior to stand up and not be ashamed of Jesus. I was blown away when over half of the children stood up -- and they were all representing the oldest in our group! I have been doing these kind of ministry events for many years and it felt like these children knew exactly what they were doing.

These children have a difficult living environment so please be praying for them. As our team prepares to go and be with these children in their village tomorrow morning I am already wondering how many of them will come and how many of their parents will come to see what they learned. How awesome would it be to see some of these parents accept Jesus as their Savior tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers. I will update you on our sharing time tomorrow in the village of Sanger and in Betel Baptist Church in Cluj, Romania.

Romania, 2011

This year is flying by so fast. I just realized this morning that we only have 3 months before we leave for another exciting journey to Romania. Right now we have 6 on our team with a couple others still trying to get their schedules worked out and some money raised for airplane tickets. We have been so blessed to travel to this wonderful country 7 times since 2004. God has allowed us to complete two facilities in some very poor villages for the people to use for worship and other activities.

On this year's trip we have a unique opportunity. The village where we have invested our efforts over the past 4 years (i.e. Sanger Village) has many children. Each time we go there we host a day camp to spend time with these children. They have become very acquainted with me and our other team members. This year we are taking as many of these children that can go to a camp/retreat setting in the mountains near Cluj, Romania (a major city). We are also telling them to invite their parents to come and spend the week at the camp with them. We believe this will be a way for us to build relationships with these adults and share with them the Gospel message of Jesus' love and salvation.

Please pray for us as we prepare for this great opportunity. If we can reach some of the adults in this village during this week at camp, we hope and pray they will become part of the church that meets in their village. The challenge is great but our God is greater! WE need to raise approximately $2,000.00 to pay for transportation and the food for everyone for the week. We will also be making camp T-Shirts; taking craft supplies, etc.

Please pray for this effort. If you would like to contribute financially, go to www.connectingpointchurch.cc where you can contact us or get the address where you can send donations. Just make sure your check is marked for Romania Missions! Thanks.