Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. -1 Thess. 5:16-18
As the whole world watches Ukraine with bated breath, those most affected can feel the cloud of war approaching. The threat and uncertainty is creating turmoil in the country and those around it, but our missionaries stand firm in the knowledge that God is in control, and that His Will will prevail.
Every month we have a virtual meeting with all the missionaries in Ukraine and Romania. The tension between countries has reached into people’s homes and villages, breeding uncertainty and worry. And yet, God is using that turmoil to help people be more receptive to Him. The missionaries are always telling us stories that demonstrate how God uses the darkest of times to speak into the hearts of men (and women).
All the churches in Ukraine are fasting and praying every week about the political situation. They pray that war will not come, but also that they will remain faithful and be a good witness to others, regardless of the outcome. I encourage us all to pray with them.
The radio station in Ukraine uses the airwaves to speak the Gospel of Truth into homes across the country. At the Biblical Institute, Pavel Petihachy and others are training the next generation of pastors and church planters to follow the examples of the apostles described in the book of Acts. Discipleship has been a priority during these times, and other ministries are also going surprisingly well. Recently the missionaries were able to serve about 200 orphans with a time of music, Bible teaching, and gifts.
In Romania the Pandemic is still affecting the way the missionaries serve their communities. They are ministering to so many of their own people and family members also by officiating and attending multiple funeral services, which are so draining emotionally and physically.
Timotei Stanea , our PIEI national director in Romania has just recovered from Covid and is emerging after 2 weeks of quarantine. Many people are still wary of attending large group meetings, even for church. The missionaries have therefore adjusted their tactics, and instead of bringing people to the church they go out and meet the people where they are. The missionaries have had success in visiting homes, in discipleship, in Bible Studies, and in small groups. Evangelization is done on the street (when the weather is fine), or else through shops, town halls, and in people’s homes. Pray for the health and safety of the missionaries, that they have faith in God’s will and do their work with courage.
Gabi Cuc, the missionary in the village of Caculatesti, is helping his church plant two other churches- one of which is in Rotunda, a village with no Christians at all. Pray that the new church plants are able to bring the Gospel to their villages.
Bible Study on Zoom: Message of Salvation
Greetings! I am so happy to write a few words about our first 2022 Women’s Bible Study on Zoom.
The ladies have been so eager to start, and until we got our kick-off in January 28, we continued our WhatsApp study group, which is uplifting, encouraging, and a source of prayers and fellowship with sisters in Christ.
Partners in Evangelism International is a ministry of evangelism around the world. However, evangelism is needed right at home, in our families, on our street, in our neighborhood, and everywhere. Sharing the message of salvation is a calling and a responsibility of each believer, convicting of sin and making a decision for Christ is the work and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our sisters are burdened with so many loved ones who need Christ, and each of us need to feel well equipped to share the gospel without feeling shy, or inadequate, or that someone else should do it.
We need to be equipped so that each of us will be confident in sharing this life saving message – eternal life giving message of hope and love from the One who also saved us.
Apostle Paul taught the believers in Corinth both brothers and sisters about the Gospel, as first importance.
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. -1 Corinthians: 1-5
There are several methods of teaching the message of the Gospel, but the message is the same, God is our Creator, He created you, He loves you; He is holy, eternal, and righteous. We have a problem, which is sin, anything we think, we say, or do that displeases God is sin. Sin separates us from God, who is holy. The punishment for sin is death, which is eternal separation from God. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23). God in His love, gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, without sin, to become sin for us, so that He willingly took the punishment of our sin upon Himself and gave His blood, died in our place so by believing in Him we can have our sins forgiven. “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22 Jesus died and came back to life again, because He is “the Way, the Truth, and The Life”. In Him we can have Life Eternal.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” is not just a bible verse for children, but it is an evangelistic bible verse with a condition and a promise. The condition is for each of us: the “whoever” to believe in Him, Jesus, the Son of God. God’s promise: will not perish (will not be separated from God) but have eternal life.
Teaching and learning to share this message, to lead someone through the gospel truths, praying with the one who truly desires to accept the Lord Jesus as his or her Savior. Also knowing how to help the newly converted believer what steps to take in their process of spiritual growth are lessons we are learning in the safety and comfort of our sisterhood group, while also sharing our own stories how we came to faith in our Savior.
I know that this is not a report, but how can one talk about the Message of Salvation without sharing the Message of Salvation? God’s Word is powerful, may He touch everyone who reads it and produce change.
Gabi Stef
what you can do to get involved
Some of the missionaries are struggling, and need your help. Florin Sfetcu is a PIEI missionary who became a Christian while living in Italy, and was called to return to his hometown in Romania and share the Gospel there. He does not currently have full financial support, and still needs about $1000 per month. A couple of weeks ago his car was in an accident, but he cannot afford any repairs. His wife Alina has also just given birth to their 5th child after a long and difficult C-section, her 5th C section. The doctors in Romania wanted to abort her baby, saying that is impossible to have so many children all with Cesarian operations. Florin, Alina and the whole family need our prayers that God is able to provide for all of their needs.
Another way to help the missionaries is to join a Short-Term Mission Team! This summer there are several different teams planning to go to Romania between May and August. We are hoping that those teams can help the missionaries with their ministries and provide much needed encouragement and fellowship. If you think God may be calling you to go to Romania this summer, email cornelstef@gmail.com so we can find the best team for you to join.
Whenever we talk to PIEI missionaries in any country, they always speak with such gratitude for their partners in the US. So much of their ministry would not be possible if they were working independently, but through PIEI those missionaries know that they are not alone, and there are people in the US and all over the world who provide prayer and support for what they do. I cannot express enough how much your involvement and encouragement means to the missionaries and their ministry. May your efforts continue to help spread the Good News around the world!
With love,
Cornel and Gabi Stef
