The Path to Eternal Life

By Dave Pantzer

Silence. In the background, chatting, jostling, last minute packing! "The bus won't start." "You're kidding!" "I think they're trying to fix it."

August 4th dawned at last, the day we anticipated for so many months; the day of our journey to Romania. We've finished packing, arrived at Central, hastily filled out last-minute forms, loaded the bus, gathered with friends and family in a circle for prayer, laughed, hugged, and eaten goodbye cookies. It's time to go. But now, the bus won't start. We have a plane to catch ~ in Newark, New Jersy!

An early test! Would we panic or pray, work or worry, curse or cry? There were various responses, within individuals, within myself. Some were working to determine the problem. Others approached the bus, stretched out their hands, and prayed. Amid the work and the prayer, God allowed the bus to roar to life. Our times are in his hands.

During our first week in Romania, our group of 12 commuted twice a day to the rural village of Satchinez, where we helped with songs, crafts, and activities for a VBS program each morning, returning in the evening to put on a program with singing, puppet shows, and testimonies.

During the invitation, most kids prayed aloud. Those who prayed to follow Jesus moved aside with Iosif to verify their understanding. In the fall, he will start a kids' Bible club in the village. I talked a little with Valentino who indicated that "Isus" was in his heart.

Eight of us then traveled to Iosif's camp to rough it with a group of kids from a Romanian church and some villagers. As Bob Carman described our second week, "It was cool. Campy with bunk beds, outhouses, rainwater showers and Iosif's Mama's fantastic cooking! God kept us safe in the mountains. Spiritually, good seeds were planted. People were asking good questions."

Based on the responses of kids, we saw that God worked among them. Many indicated that they had prayed to follow Jesus. God was at work among us as well.

Posting to our team web site, at www.cpcromaniatrip.blogspot.com, Jana Liebermann wrote, "There are many things that I have learned about myself, doing ministry with a team and working with kids. I have been out of my comfort zone several times. A period of growth for sure!"

After returning, Christin Dicker wrote, "Though we were glad to be home, I at least would like to have stayed longer, and I think we would all like to go back to Romania someday."

We thank you for your love, prayers, and support. We were able to share Christ's love with the children we met. We've all been changed.

Please pray for Iosif, his team and especially the kids who have started on the path of eternal life.