Pastor Marius and Tabita recently moved from Timisoara,
(population 350,000),  to the town of Ciacova.  They will be within walking distance of Biserica Crestina Baptista Ciacova, their first church plant twenty-one years ago.  Tabita is grateful to have a good-sized garden and some chickens, and loves living in the 'country'.  ('You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl')

They have worked towards this move for ten years, building the house 'one brick at a time'. One disadvantage to village living, besides running out of water, is that homes are heated with wood.  Due to some unforeseen car repair expenses they are unable to purchase the necessary wood for this coming winter.  It is critical to get wood now so it will dry over the summer.  A one-year supply is about $1000 USD.  If you or your church or care group are able to help you can donate through Canada Helps. 

(You may wonder why they can't get help with this in Romania.  Most people in the villages are in the same situation: lack of funds.  Many people come to the church in the winter, freezing, needing help with firewood.  As in the past Pastor Marius will end up giving some of his own wood away.)

Pastor Marius  was born and raised in the village of Padureni.  He oversees the church he planted there and has trained and mentored Ciprian, a young pastor who now assumes most of the responsibility.  This spring, as a result of hearing the gospel for the first time, a man and his wife were baptised.  There have been several salvations and baptisms in recent years.

Under communism Pastor Marius' parents took risks in order to meet with fellow believers.  For many years they prayed for a Christian Church in this village.  About a year ago, in answer to these prayers, it became a reality.  They are in their seventies and worked tirelessly helping construct the church and supply meals for the workers.     

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b  

Bible Club Ministry ... 

The Bible Club Program strives to maintain the physical and spiritual well-being of children, making sure they receive biblical training and life skills to equip them to become productive, well balanced citizens.   read more

Recently, the Kids Bible Club enjoyed a celebration time at the Learning for Life Center.  Part of this program is to provide extracurricular activites for the children.  Most of them come from families that cannot afford to provide fun things or even birthday parties, so this is a very special time for them.  As with all the Tabita Ministry programs opportunity is taken to share about Jesus.  This is the primary purpose of the ministry. 

see pictures of the Bible Club Children