E.B.E. ministries impact
Women’s Ministry in the Republic of Moldova
(Related by Lidia Schiopu)
For four years I have been working in Chisinau with a group of 35 women from all across Moldova, women whom we train to serve other women in their country and beyond. The Republic of Moldova is strategic for the countries of southern Russia, countries which are part of the former Soviet Union and in which the official language was Russian, as it was in the Republic of Moldova. Because they speak the same language, it is much easier for women from Moldova to travel in those regions and to serve women there. They have already begun to do so.
If at the beginning they did not know how to disciple other women and did not have a vision for this, now more than half of them are already passing on to others what they have learned. The story of one of these women impressed me deeply:
“During the night after our last meeting, I could not sleep. The women from the church and ideas about what I could do for them kept coming into my mind. When Sister Lidia told us that we might not be able to sleep at night and that the Lord might give us a vision for our lives, I thought she was joking. I did not believe it possible. But I did not sleep for several nights. Then when I would go to church, I was no longer attuned to what was happening there, but I kept looking at the women around me in a new way and asking, ‘Lord, which ones do You want me to help? In which should I invest myself? What do You want me to do?’
“I am part of a very conservative church in which there has not been a vision for discipleship, especially not for women. They don not have anything to do in the church except to sing in the choir. I kept thinking about what to do and how to proceed. I learned in the class that I must work under the pastor’s authority. So I thought that I must go to him and talk to him, but how was I to do it?
“I prayed that the Lord would guide me. I went to the pastor, and I told him what was on my heart, how I would like to help women in the church to grow to maturity; to be good wives and good mothers; to serve others and thus to add their contribution to edifying the church. I was nervous, but I knew that I had to do something. I was no longer sleeping at night! The pastor looked at me and asked me a few questions, after which he told me that he would consider it and tell me later what he decided. What do you think happened? After 2 or 3 days, the pastor gave me a list of over 40 women and told me: ‘Choose a group from among these and take care of them!’ What joy!!! I was greatly encouraged. After a while the pastor asked me to take care of some younger women. Now I have three groups in the church and find so much satisfaction in serving them!!!”
Refocusing the Church, Felix 2007:
Impressions
Adi Totan, Pastor, Vox Domini, Timişoara
I appreciate the effort made by the organizers and sponsors so that this BEE meeting might take place at Felix and that members of 10 Baptist associations in our country might participate. In the first place I believe that was a strategic investment undergirded by a vision. God affirms the formation of leaders and pastors in Romania. The Refocusing course is a powerful and relevant tool toward this end. I would like to thank those who made this conference possible. It has given me confidence to teach leadership in a relational context. I hope this investment will rally all the more pastors and workers in a longer process of revitalizing and refocusing. May that, in turn, lead toward revived churches with a relevant vision for Romanian believers and for those who will enter the Kingdom through these efforts.
Emi Moisa, Pastor in Seleus
A very good conference dealing with a good, relevant, and useful subject taught through a working methodology of much interaction and small group work. Super!
Liviu Radu, Pastor in Voslabeni
Why am I here?
- an answer to a prayer because I need to learn how to put vision into practice, how to see strategy come alive.
- the decision to stay and work as a pastor in Voslabeni
- a new perspective to be involved in church ministry (children’s ministry),
- help in better understanding God’s plan for my life
- deepening involvement in evangelism and small group discipleship
- better focus for an effective ministry
Future plans:
- periodic meetings to develop a network team
The Heart of the Leader, Bill Lawrence 2008
Impressions from the Conference:
I thank God for this time of focused analysis of my heart. The Spirit of God reminded me of my need for personal soul health, so critical to a ministry operated in His power. I would like to thank all of you who have facilitated this spiritual and physical renewal time.
Daniel Lacatoş – Pastor, Bacau
I thank God for the blessed time we spent together and for our study of leadership and the heart of the leader. It motivated me to open up to my congregation, even at the risk of suffering and of “smelling like a sheep”. I was also impressed by the practical examples and biographies of the four kings, three hearts, two ears, a stuttering mouth, and me.
Valentin Tent – Pastor, Hidiselul de sus – Bihor Association.
Because God wanted me to attend this conference, He made it possible. The most captivating truth for me was that we leaders need to grow in character in front of our church members. People will not be able to ignore this kind of growth. If I protect my heart from being hardened, I will enjoy growth in grace. I received clear guidelines. May God help each one of us daily to apply these truths.
Vass Grigore – Pastor, Hungarian Baptist Church , Arad – Arad
The heart of the leader stamps his entire ministry. If our heart is motivated by power or fear, we will fail and be ruined. If our heart is motivated to pick up the cross and to follow the Lord Jesus, we will inherit glory and receive the crown.
Boingeanu Beni – Pastor, Gropeni – Braila -Galati
I was touched by the emphasis on the importance of the heart (foundation) more than the emphasis on the skills and achievements we often display.
Malacu Ionel – Missionary, Măcin County, Tulcea – Braila
I studied Bill Lawrence’s book, Effective Pastoring, together with the REBE team in the
The conference with Dr. Lawrence, a remarkable communicator who is deeply passionate about equipping pastors and missionaries, captivated our minds, hearts, ears, and hands. It challenged us to be efficient servants among sheep who smell like sheep. We pray that the Lord will mightily use him in his mission to equip pastors and missionaries in a way that transcends borders and denominations.
I would like to thank Pastor Daniel Fodorean, the REBE coordinator for the Constanţa Baptist Association, for facilitating, translating, and serving us so greatly, both personally and through the Antiohia Foundation.
