HOPE CHURCH, DRGNETI-OLT

On third April we celebrated Jesus through the baptism of six people. As a church we enjoyed it and we praise God that He still changes lifes. It was a blessed time when we felt Gods presence through poetry, testimonies, songs and the message brought from the Word of God by pastor Costea Raul. Among those who got baptized was a young man called Marian Stroe( Denis is his nickname). I told you about him in other letter. Shortly I want to remind you that he had a difficult childhood and as a teen he lived not in a proper way. His father died when he was little and this made him angry. He tried to be satisfied trying all the vices that many teenagers consider that are good and extraordinary. He had hiden his identity and he didnt let anyone to see the real need of his heart, what was inside of him. But God had another plan with his life and He brought the day when he stood in the front of the people to declare Jesus as His Savior. He said something which moved our hearts: Tattos remained on my skin, but Jesuss blood wiped out my sins. Praise God for this testimony! Pray for him and for the others who now are part of the Church to grow in knowledge of Jesus and to be strong in their faith.

During the program a gypsy lady was touched in her heart by the Holy Spirit and she was convinced that she needs God in her life. Pray for her to get to know Jesus as her personal Savior.

Pastor Raul together with George Serban, Marian Stoica and Octavian Berechet went for 2 days in Bulgaria. They had a blessed time when they met other workers. During the discussions they established 2 mission projects which will be in Vidin and Ruse. Pray for the Romanian people who live here to open their hearts for the Gospel.

Before Easter the church met during a week and studied from the Scripture about Jesuss life before His death. We were again amazed by His love for the mankind, His humbleness, unconditional obedience. May God help us to follow Him and to be like Him. Sunday together with the church came friends and relatives and we celebrated Jesuss resurrection. We live because of His death and His resurrection. Sunday night it was organized a fellowship time and all the members and friends had a wonderfull time where they have the chance to know better each other. This month it was started the construction works at the mission house. Brother Alexe Costea shares with us his joy given by the visit of Daniel Dorcas from America who donated some money for the needy families. This brought smiles on the face of the people. We are thankfull to those who offered with joy in their hearts.

Simion family succeded in making the second album called You are mighty. After this they went in Italy where they visited some churches and sang there the new songs. Brother Mihai Ileana continues the meetings with the youth. This month there were organized sport events and we connected with other teens from town. Sometimes we give them Christian literature. Pray for the teens to open their hearts for Jesus. Weekly he meets with some teens and teach them guitar lessons. His wife Mariana Ileana continues the meeting with women. We are happy to see other 2 women who attend to the group. Pray for this group to grow in number but spiritual too. Also she had some meetings with the girls from the church. They had a good time together and they planned some activities for the future. Prayer Requests: Draganesti-Olt

Pastor Costea Raul and his family; The members of the Church to live in holiness and fear God; Material and human ressources to end the construction of the church; Next baptism to be under Holy Spirit guidance For those who are ill in our church;

Stoenesti Financial resources for the chapel; The salvation of a family who come to our meetings; teachers and local authorities; Spiritual life and the guidance of the Holy Spirit; Comani More people to be saved; Human, financial resources to finish the chapel;

Berindei

Alina Gabor missionary doctor People from here to be saved Coteana, Stoicanesti- these are villages who need missionaries; Corabia a place where people can meet and hear the Word of God Rusanesti- people from this village to open their hearts for Jesus Filip Cristi and Adina to have wisdom in sharing the Gospel with the local people.

HOPE CHRISTIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, DRAGANESTI-OLT & MISSION TO SOUTHERN OLTENIA