02 February
As we reflect on the year 2023, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since the inception of our church plant in December 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Ukrainian refugee crisis, our journey in Oltenia, though tough, has been a testament to faith, resilience and community.
This year, by the grace of God and with your support and prayers, we’ve reached a significant milestone – transitioning to Stage 2 of our church planting. This means we’re now an officially operating church, recognized by the local government, with a dedicated name and address, and a growing congregation of over 21 members. Our regular church services and discipleship meetings have become the cornerstone of our spiritual journey.
Celebration:
We had 2 baptisms last year. In June, 5 people were baptized and in November, 6 people were baptized. These moments are a beautiful reminder of the love and grace of God and how He has brought each of us from death to life.
Youth:
Our Summer Youth Camp was a highlight, filled with laughter, learning, and spiritual growth. The relationships that were built are still ongoing and growing and we praise God for His faithfulness.
On December 1, we launched the ‘Echo’ youth group, marking a new chapter in our engagement with the younger generation. The energy and enthusiasm of that day was so evident and the atmosphere was full of joy.
Community Building and Outreach:
The Basketball event in Craiova was a resounding success, building trust in the city and creating new relationships. These moments are such an encouragement to us, to see the fulfillment of our work.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the multiple short-term teams that joined us this year, enhancing our events, doing evangelism and particularly enriching our relationships with the youth.
Discipleship:
The countless one-on-one discipleship meetings have been the cornerstone of our spiritual growth. We praise God for the deep connections and personal journeys of those we are reaching.
The formation of 8 small groups has been a significant development, fostering intimate communities within our larger church family, enabling more personalized support and growth.
Growth:
Our move to a new temporary location once a month has been a step forward in accommodating our growing church family. This new space is welcoming and provides a larger place to worship and build relationships with each other.
Looking Ahead:
As we step into the new year, we carry with us the lessons, the joys, and the challenges of 2023. Our journey continues, and your prayers, support, and involvement are as crucial as ever. We look forward to growing together, serving together, and celebrating many more milestones in the years to come.
