Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus from the Tomeci family!

STRATEGY PLANS WITH THE STUDENTS
 
When the Apostle Paul used to preach the gospel in a certain city, he would look for Jews there so that he could share the good news with them first of all. After that, they could bless the others around them too. It is the same with us. When we moved to Brasov, that was a fresh start for us. We invited all the Christian students we knew to come over to our place and spend some time in prayer to seek His face and will. We asked for guidance for the new semester ahead. There were around 15 students who came. We had a wonderful time of orientation and spiritual edification.

STUDENT MEETINGS
 
Every Thursday we get together with the students. They are active when it comes to organizing events but they also bring other friends along. God made it possible for us to be able to meet in a hall in the University building without charge. The campus ministry in Brasov is a little more difficult as we feel more opposition from the Orthodox movement. The stigma of being a sect is greater in this area of the country. The Orthodox people consider the Evangelical as being a sect and students find it hard to get beyond these prejudices. It is only the more courageous and with less prejudices who would interact with us.  Also, there are Mormons and Jehovah's witnesses who go out on the streets and hand out free literature. As a result, the people, taught by priests, avoid them, but they avoid us as well. But we are confident that the power of the gospel doesn't consist of words or persuasion, it is the power of Christ that can convict them of their sins.
 
THE MINISTRY IN TARGOVISTE

We have the desire to impact other campuses from Romania as well, more specifically the ones from the southeast. The evangelical movement there is weak and the orthodox opposition is strong.
Ten other people and I went to Targoviste on the 22nd of November. We had to meet with other students and local pastors there and visit the campuses. The Lord was with us and we all spent several hours talking to the students. Some of them were sincere, others more arrogant. The lack of faith and the worldly pleasures are strong fortresses in these young people's hearts. They do not seem to realize that life is so short. They think they'll be forever young and good-looking, full of energy and big dreams. Unfortunately, most of them have to face the sad reality and many go through depression, or get addicted to alcohol and sexual promiscuity. They think it is all they can do for themselves.

I want to share with you the story of two young students, Narcis and Marius. Narcis shared the gospel with Marius and Marius became a Christian. That happened about 6 months ago. Marius' testimony caused Sorin, a colleague of his, to give his life to Christ. All of them are babes in Christ but they are passionate about serving the Kingdom of God.  We were very happy to meet them and spend some time together, training them and giving them encouragement to continue to grow in their relationship with God. They can become a nucleus for the student ministry in Targoviste. There is a very interesting passage in the gospel of John where Jesus praised God for revealing those things to the babes but hid them from the 'wise'.That goes for these three young men too, they are all sophmores in Targoviste. Pray fot Narcis, Marius and Sorin. They need spiritual growth, protection and boldness to share the gospel with others.
 
THE CHURCH IN HOMES
 
Every Sunday we get together and have church service at 5 p.m. We spend two hours together singing, praying and hearing God's word. We feel more and more like a Christian community where we can find abundant joy and love . It is also a place where our children can serve God. Flavius plays the guitar and Sorin is in charge of the worship time. Even though our church doesn't have a name yet, we feel very much encouraged. Please pray for us to continue to be faithful and united. One thing I know for sure, I want God to be glorified in this place. I don't want us to be important or famous but for Jesus to be lifted on high by what we do.
 
FAMILY
 
Flavius and Rebecca are making progress fitting in. Although they have a busy schedule at school, God gives them strength and victory. Continue to pray for all of us. As a family, we can become vulnerable if our children have problems.