Serve Romania Newsletter
Summer 2011
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Jim and Brenda Brosch Serve International Timisoara, Romania |
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Dear Friends and Family, We've been here in Timisoara for about 4 months and life is beginning to feel somewhat normal. Although there are many differences in food, culture and way of life, we find it quite peaceful to know we are where God called us to be. Hannah spent the months of June/July with us, which was a tremendous blessing! She served with us in the villages and also spent time with the kids at Otniel Orphanage. She is now back in Denton preparing for the Fall semester at UNT. We hope you will scroll through the pictures and descriptions below for a report on God's work here in Romania! Blessings, Jim and Brenda |
Medical ~ Evangelism Mission with DBC short-term team
In the Bacau area, two teams provided medical care while sharing the gospel with the villagers. Many heard the gospel for the first time and expressed faith in Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to serve alongside our brothers and sisters, both Romanians and Americans! |
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Evangelism Mission ~ Bucharest Village of Rosiori De Vede
"You have such faith in God; and I think.....it is enough!"
Above: Jim preaching outside with Romeo translating. This worked well until a storm blew in and we crowded as many as we could back in the tiny one room church.
Evangelizing in the village of Rosiori de Vede was challenging and amazing! The village is very poor and witchcraft is a common, everyday lifestyle.
We served with a Romanian team alongside elders from two small churches in the village. The church pictured above contains mainly new believers who came to faith in the past year. We had to move the final evening service outside when everyone would not fit in the little church building. Their joy was contagious! They are hungry for a closer walk with God and anxious to learn how to share Christ with their friends and neighbors! Romeo (Jim's translator, pictured above) spoke about the days ahead of us. He said, "I know God will bless you in this work.. "You have such faith. And I think...... it is enough!" We are thankful for Romeo and his words as it reminds us that this work is NEVER about us, but about the God who calls, equips and saves!
  
Above left: The street in front of our hosts' home
Middle: Little girl who heard the gospel for the first time
Right: Gypsy family hears the gospel
 
Above left: This man was overwhelmed when Jim explained that Christ died to pay for HIS sins. Above right: The river below the gypsy family dwelling. We hoped for a ride in the cart but they were on an important mission to carry water back up the hill. We decided we would have gotten very wet anyway! :)
 Above: Young woman and her son who accepted Christ as their Savior. Alina, (wearing pink), greeted us our first day and became an instant friend! She graciously provided delicious meals for us during the day. |
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Women Serving God ~ Romania
We were blessed by the enthusiasm of the women who attended the conferences in Bacau, Brasov and Timisoara! Servant Leadership and The Titus 2 Woman study were presented to new leaders in Bacau and Brasov.   
Above left: Daniela translates for Janis Saville in Bacau.
Middle: Women in Brasov receive training in the Titus 2 Woman study. Right: Pamela Waldrop, Valetta Buliga and Brenda with a leader in Bacau. The ladies' groups here at our local church in Timisoara have completed the Titus 2 Woman Study. An overview of a new study, Into His Loving Arms, a study of the book of Ruth, was presented and will begin in September. We pray that each leader will use the study to begin mentoring a group of women, and ultimately duplicate themselves to continue the growth of God's kingdom!
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| He asked me to tell you,
"America, THIS was Petru."
 This man was gathering fruit when Brenda and Anna, her translator, walked past him on their way to the village church. He quickly agreed to hear about Jesus Christ. He couldn't remember his exact age but we determined he was in his 80's or 90's. He listened intently as we shared a simple gospel. When he heard, "there is a God who created you.... and He LOVES YOU".. he began to weep. We were briefly interrupted by the man's relative who showed up and asked us to leave. But after receiving permission to stay five more minutes, we read more scripture to him and prayed for him. The elderly man followed us to his gate and told us, "take my picture to America, and tell them, "THIS was Petru (Peter)!" We left not knowing whether he truly understood the gospel or not. Little did we know the impact this man would have on us and what would happen in the following days. God has given us peace that He allowed the man to understand. Click on the link below to read the whole account and see more pictures. Our God is an amazing God!
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In and Around Timișoara
 Our study of the Romanian language is ongoing at the Aeropagus center, plus other "practical" applications. We are progressing well, even in light of our Texas drawl.
We are blessed to be part of the local church, Biserica Creștina Dupa Evanghelia, where God is allowing us to serve in supporting leaders in many areas. Women Serving God groups are flourishing and Man of God studies are being planned for the Fall.
In addition, the church serves with four village churches in the surrounding area. The elders have a heart for evangelizing and gettiing "out of the church walls" to serve. We ask for your prayers as we proceed and seek God's direction.
Above: After the Timisoara Women Serving God conference
presented by Janis Saville, Carolyn Harris,
Valetta Buliga and Brenda.
Hannah, with the workers and kids from Otniel Orphanage.
 
Left: Father's Day in the village of Iablanița.
Right: Baby dedication at our church in Timișoara
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Visa News!!
We have been approved for a one year Romanian Visa. In August 2011, we must apply for a renewal and hopefully, receive the five year visa. THANK YOU to everyone who prayed and helped us with the long, complicated process!! It was definitely a joint effort and we are thankful to have it behind us, at least for another year! God is ALWAYS good!! | |
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Please pray for all the new believers and also those where seed was sown. We know God is faithful to provide. Please pray for each new believer to have the discipleship needed to continue well in their Christian walk.
Please let us know if you have questions, comments, or just want to say hi! We would love to hear from you!
Dumnezeu să te binecuvinteze, Jim and Brenda Brosch Serve, International I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation. Isaiah 61:10  Vonage Phone: 940 453-2677 Jim's Cell: 40 753 066 773 Brenda's cell: 40 753 066 772 Mailing Address: O.P. 16, C.P. 1161 Timisoara, Romania 300960 | |
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