Six month report from Romania

Thank God that PIEI Romania has a direction, slowly but surely heading towards fulfilling the Vision. Even when, for various reasons now, we lose sight of the target, the Spirit of the Lord helps us regroup and regain our strength, returning to the Path.

Romania is a blessed country by God on a cursed land because of sin, but even in this condition, the country is beautiful. This makes us think of how beautiful Heaven, the Heavenly Place, is where sin has not reached and where God is in absolute control.

Sometimes we are overwhelmed by bad news, negative news, indifference, materialism, and a love of self that continues to grow. Despite so many problems, we as PIEI Romania missionaries are grateful to the Lord for His mercy and for the fact that He has deemed it fit to call us to serve Him by bringing the good news to the unsaved and healthy teaching to those who have returned to the Lord.

In the visits made, in the discussions held, as well as in the meetings with the missionary brothers, I can say that the work of the Lord continues. We all strive to have clean lives and to share the word God with all boldness regardless of the circumstances we go through.

We are overwhelmed by the promise "And I will be with you always..." The works we bring to your attention are to rejoice together with us and to continue to support us in prayer as we do for you. Through a spirit of sacrifice, driven by the love of God, "poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:1-5).

Here are the things we remember and that are part of the PIEI missionaries' work in Romania:

• preaching

• evangelism

• discipleship

• Bible studies

• missions

• charity

• work with children

• meetings with missionaries

• projects

Preaching the word regularly and especially in worship services of churches, both in planting and pastoring churches, as well as in the visits we make to each other.

Evangelism: particularly or in public meetings, whether with few or many people, the gospel and personal testimony of returning to Christ reach the interlocutors like a seed that, if it finds suitable ground, can bring forth fruit. We tell people about the love of the Lord shown by the fact that He gave His son to die in our place so that whoever believes in Him shall be saved.

Discipleship: especially those who have received the Lord and who prove trustworthy and able to teach others are caught in various equipping programs, becoming followers of workers, seeking particularly for those who are older to leave the Lord's work in the hands of people who prove worthy of the calling.

Bible studies: for families, women, youth, and children, are a concern of the missionaries in their working areas. Through them, the worker shows his care for the souls entrusted to him.

Missions in places where there are no churches planted remain a continuous priority in the life of each of us, praying, visiting, helping, or doing good to our fellow human beings, all with the desire that they hear the gospel, believe and be saved, and in those places a new church or a new mission point makes its presence felt.

Charity: We all sought to do good in the places where we are, in mission or work, by remembering the hungry, thirsty, naked, strangers, and sick. We believe that this should not be absent from the life of any servant of the Lord, following in the footsteps of "He who went about doing good." Christian holidays have provided a significant opportunity for various meetings, both for poor children and adults.

Children's work: We seek to reach the hearts of children with the gospel and biblical models in any way possible, imprinting the teachings of the Bible in their lives from an early age. While we believe that this is primarily the responsibility of parents, we as workers come to support them in different ways, showing them sincere and pure love and exposing them to biblical models, both of the people in Scripture and our own personal experiences, through celebrations, studies, special meetings, skits, sports, and excursions. We seek to spend a blessed time with them.

Missionary Meetings: This year, we managed to meet at the PIEI center in Alba Iulia. During the meeting, we were happy, encouraged each other, gathered around the Word and themes: evident of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the missionary called to serve, presented by Brother Relu Rodean. Evident of the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the disciple called to work, presented by Mihail Geabou. Evident of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the lives of disciples called to work, presented by Timotei Stanea. Towards the end of the meeting, we allocated time for discussions on better organization and functioning of the PIEI organization in Romania.

Missionaries in Romania have different projects in their areas of work, such as building or renovating churches, providing aid to those in need, or supporting the local community in various ways.

In all these areas of ministry, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ. We thank God for His mercy and for the privilege of serving Him in Romania, and we ask for your continued prayers and support as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.

Projects:

Podari, Dolj county. This spring, we had the joy of being visited by a mission team from the USA led by Brother Walther, who dedicated himself to the construction and renewal of the roof of a location in Podari. They also worked on a special project of distributing glasses to those in need. The work was an intense challenge for all of us, but in the end, we thank the Lord that it was successfully completed. This was a first step after PIEI received the gift of this location by God's grace, and the responsibility to use it for the glory of the Lord and the salvation of people in Victoria, Brasov county. We are in the process of obtaining documents for the camp project and pray that this year we can start the preliminary phase of the work. We are in the phase where the notary is working on the documents. We are hoping to receive the donation of the land on behalf of the PIEI organization soon.

PIEI Center in Alba. Its director is working on organizing and making the space available for those who want to use it for meetings, camps, studies, sports, and other activities, for those who request it.

Necrilesti. We are finalizing the last aspects of registering the land with the desire that this wonderful place can also be offered to the work of the Lord.

Prayer requests:

• Please remember us in your prayers and intercede for us so that the work can be done without murmuring or hesitation.

• Pray that missionaries remain strong in the face of the challenges of so-called modernism and be models for the churches and people they interact with.

• Pray that materialism, which is manifested so fiercely in a country that has emerged from communism and whose borders have opened, does not become a priority in the lives of believers. And as Peter says, "that we may serve with humility, not for dishonest gain, but as an example to the flock."

• Pray for the protection of our children and the children we work with so that the times that have already come do not find them exposed, but under the protection of the Lord and His teachings.

• Pray that the families of the churches will be healthy, that men will love their wives, and they will be subject to their husbands.

• Pray that children will be obedient to their parents and that their hearts will be touched by the Lord's Spirit from a very young age during meetings and changed by Him.

• Pray for open doors for the Gospel in the lives of individuals and in the places we pray for.

• Pray that we may be found ready when the Lord comes or when He calls us home.

Thank you:

• First and foremost, thanks to the Lord for His immense love for us.

• Thank you to all of you who pray for us and support us through your prayers.

• Thank you for any involvement you have had, have, or will have towards us in Romania.

• Thank you to the encouragement and material or financial support teams for the work and workers in Romania.

May you all be blessed! Last but not least, you are invited to visit us, to see the work and workers firsthand, who are few and who rejoice if God will bring workers for His harvest from among us, wherever you are or here in Romania.

Stinea Timotei - PIEI National Director

Being Called to be Disciple

Grace and peace for all!

At the Christian PIEI Center in Alba Julia, Monday and Tuesday were days of grace and peace for the PIEI missionaries. We’ve met with the aim of encouraging and building our souls, studying the Word of Scripture and at the end of a deeper and clearer understanding of the administration of the things entrusted to us by God.

We are thankful to God and to all those who made this meeting possible. Monday after the meal, through the care and service of brother Myke we were led into Scriptures by brother Aurel Rodean. The theme of the study being "Clear evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit, in the life of the disciple, called and sent to work" a blessed time ended with many constructive discussions, for all of us.

We also had the opportunity to have University professor with us from the University of December 1, 1918, Alba Iulia, Mr. D. Bogdan, who presented the legal framework of NGOs and their relationship with the various State Institutions. Information and experience brought added value to those present! After a dinner, with many true stories, we gathered again "around" the Scripture, where brother Mihai Geabou presented a study with the theme "Clear evidence of the dominance of the Holy Spirit in the disciple's life, called and sent into work"

I enjoyed the daring interest in the theme discussed, especially by each other's involvement. Likewise, as on the first theme, we "feel" researched and blessed by God, who called us to Him and in His work.

Tuesday after breakfast, I also spent a blessed time in the research of the Scripture, having as the theme "Evidence of filling with the Holy Spirit, in the lives of the disciples called and sent into the work"

It was supported by me, with much pathetic arguments, and with examples from the life of the Church. I have encouraged my brothers, to dare, to look into the Scriptures and to see if the messages they hear, no matter who they come from, are in accordance with what is "written".

We were subsequently assisted by Sister Rodica and brother Daniel in to effectively analyze and report the reports. A prayer of ending and trust, in the hand of God and a lunch, almost "dinner," have ended our meeting. 

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for all PIEI missionaries in Romania, that each one be found faithful in what the Lord has entrusted them to lay before us

• Open doors for the Gospel 

• Let us be guarded from the evil one

• Let us never lose sight of the fact that the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit will always lead us to the news of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you to those who do it and to those who will do it, bless you all!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Dedicated Men

Grace, peace and mercy from our Lord Jesus Chris!

February of this year began with meetings and talks with my brothers, in the southern part of the country. I’ve met with my brother Mihai Geabou, Florin Sfetcu and his family. A blessed time in discussions with my brothers about the work, her joys and her challenging troubles and the needs of the mission.

We encouraged each other and looked to see how we could do God's work with more dedication and efficiency. A noteworthy fact is given by the need for dedicated men. We wish to have with us brothers and sisters who serve motivated by the love of God, both to them and to the lost. I was pleasantly surprised while I was in brother Florin's family to hear and see how three local teenagers, a boy and two girls, had called Sister Alina, Florin’s wife, to clean and dress a wound, made by an axe while chopping some wood.

The young man was waiting for the help and medicine to disinfect the wound. I enjoyed seeing the sister lean down and take care of the injured leg. I offered myself to help but came late, still allowed me to exchange a few words with all three of them.

In simple words and in a short time we spread the Gospel and invited young people to believe in the Lord Jesus and accept Him into the mind in their lives. A special moment in which the Word and deed worked together in the sight of the salvation of three souls. 

Prayer Requests: 

• That the Lord may bring out workers to His harvest. 

• Missionaries may be assisted in the work of brothers and sisters dedicated to the Lord

• Watch over the brothers, from the evil one

• The Gospel reaches people and they receive it.

• The hearts of the three teenagers to be touched by the Holy Spirit so they choose to believe in the Lord Jesus

Thank you all who make the work possible in Romania, either through prayer or through financial support or through active participation in the mission camps of the PIEI missionaries! Whether you were, or you want to come, to squeal with your gift as part of a pitch team, my PIEI-RO missionary brothers and I thank you and pray for the blessing of you and your family! Don't be careless, get involved, here or anywhere! God bless you!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Wonderful Times

Blessings to all! 

This week I was able to meet with brother Gabi Cuc, at Podrii. I spent an evening having a fellowship in prayer and the Word.

We discussed the burdens of the work, the sorrows, disappointments, but also the way to go to the end. Our model is the Lord who loved His people to the end, so must every servant of the Lord be.

We prayed and asked the Lord to help us with joy to end what He entrusted us to do I gladly enjoyed being with him and encouraging each other. The second we looked at the property at Podari and thanking the Lord for His gift and asked him for a clear vision, which he would give to PIEI on its use.

Prayer Requests: 

For higher power for brother Gabi Cuc, for sister Vera, but also for the missionaries of PIEI in Romania. 

Pray that they trust in the Lord in the difficult times of the work and that none fall from fatigue.

Pray that the missionaries are guided to find men of God who are apprenticed and spiritually raised so that they can take over the work done by the brothers. Practically it takes workers to harvest His harvest.

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director

Dedicated

The second half of January we wanted to be dedicated to the service of our brothers in Ukraine. So we decided to form a team of four brothers, who, by the way, were also aware of the meaning of the journey and were also willing to do this service.

Finally, we gather five people and left with three microbuses and a trailer, loaded with food for PIEI missionaries from the Noua Sulita (Location for supplies) and for refugees who arrived in their service area, from the war zone.

We prayed for a good journey, under the watch of God and the help offered to express our love for the saints in need, from Ukraine. Words and prayers of thanks were raised to the Lord from our brothers, and brother Pavel Pentehachi did not take it from them but also from his willingness to serve us!

The help from the brothers in PIEI-US as well as from the brothers in Romania, was a great blessing for them and for the refugees they serve both materially and spiritually, by preaching the Gospel.

On return we visited the Roman Centre in Cernauti, another area of Christian service and testimony, with a strong impact among those suffering from the war. With the help of the Lord we have well arrived home thanking the Lord for His protection, but also for the opportunity offered to serve beyond Romania's borders.

Pray with us that the help offered may comfort the hearts of the sad and that they arrive and see how God does not leave without blessings. 

Prayer Requests:

-Pray with us for an end to the war in Ukraine.

-For the orphans and widows that we visited and with whom we work proclaiming to them the love of God, may the Lord search their hearts for repentance.

-For the families who have taken orphans from the boarding school to raise and support. They have their own difficulties every day. May God give these parents wisdom and patience in this hard work.

-For these 2 pastors that we have chosen this month, that the Lord bless them with wisdom, patience and humility to serve in the church.

-So that the Lord gives us and our families health and jealousy, so that we do not get tired of doing good to people in need who live near us. So that we are hands Christ on this earth and serve others with total devotion.

Thank you again, dear brothers and sisters from the USA, for your prayers for us and for your help. May the Lord bless you abundantly! We love you and pray for you.

This are prayer requests from Pavel Petihachni.

Pray that the difficult situations in Ukraine, whether brothers or those who have not yet received the Lord, to not turn their back on God, but rather come closer to Him and call Him for help!

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director

Grace, mercy and peace to all believers

Scripture says that "more makes the end of a thing than the beginning of it!" December was extremely busy, with activities that required sustained effort both physically and spiritually. The work could not be done without support in prayer, both for me and for the PIEI missionaries. We thank all those who have raised their prayer, for us, before our heavenly Father.

Meeting with PIEI missionaries:

At the beginning of December we met at Podari, for partnership, encouragement, training, advices and more. Time ran out fast and it was as if we wished it would never end. We were encouraged by the Word of the Scripture offered by the pastor of the Baptist Church, Liviu Costea from Craiova, as well as by brother Constantin Conea, former PIEI missionary. 

We prayed for each other as well for our brothers all over the world. We prayed and asked for God's help for the work to which He called us. What was nice to find that although things could have been done better, the missionaries were able to thank God for all things and even more understood that through their unity, the work can go forward. We thought together for a collaboration in the areas where we serve, so that we can work together and visit each other and help build churches. An important reason why we gathered at Podari was in the fact that we thank God, with His care and providence, He decided that the Hope for Podars Association, to give PIEI organization a property to be used for the work of the Lord in the southern part of the country.

Discussions about the good functioning of the Association as well as the good testimony we must have in society. 

To tell people about the true significance of the Birth celebration of the Lord Jesus.

Like my brothers, I wished once again that the Bible's story of the Word becoming flesh would be made clear in the minds of those I meet.

So we prepared a meeting, to which we invited parents and children, an occasion where we had lunch together and talked about a lot of things. Some about school, family, Christmas gifts…

A pleasant, open atmosphere was created and thus the semi-basement of the Baptist Church in Victoria became "a hostel" of an Orthodox community, gladly served by a few sisters with me.

Before we parted, I shared the news about the birth of the Lord Jesus, "The gospel is urging us to receive Him, to call His name and to believe in Him!"

Supporting my brothers, to do good! According to the Word which says:

" And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:14)

I sought to be of use to my brothers by spending time with them, by praying and helping to do well, by supporting those in need, in their area of work. That's how I ended up in Campeni, where I met brother Rodean Aurel and Botar Florin.

We arrived in Alba Iulia, with gifts for children from the central area of the country and then in the southern area, to Caciulatesti, and onwards, Maldaeni, Nenciulesti, Alexandria… Over 450 gifts were offered to children from the PIEI missionaries areas.

The elderly and the widows were not forgotten, even though we could not come to the aid of all, some of them were supported by the PIEI missionaries. And this is possible because of the partnership established with the Biblical Mission in Germany, through brother Ruslan Melestean from Moldova.

I wish, as the National Director of PIEI-Romania, to have good cooperation with anyone who fears God and works righteously, brothers and sisters, received by Him.

An extremely sensitive area of work is working with refugees, people who, due to the war in Ukraine, live as foreigners among the Romanian people. The Lord recalls that: the blessings of the Father are those who "received strangers" by virtue of the fact that the PIEI organization in Romania wishes to be a presence and a manifestation of God's kindness, through his missionaries, I sought to help this area as well, together and through the ICM organization I helped a fairly large community of Ukrainians, staying in the Sighisoara area. Pastor of the Baptist Church brother Florin Boruga being caught in the work of the Lord, among them.

We are preparing to visit our brothers in Ukraine, PIEI missionaries, who are going through the horrors of war and who, despite being threatened, have chosen to stay and be of assistance to their fellow refugees from the war zone.

The visits made so far have proved to be blessings for them and for those who suffer as a result of the war. Sometimes feet worn with the zeal of the Gospel of peace must remain "barefoot" so that those who do not have this zeal can be enchanted.

In a photo I saw a man whose shoes were old and without a pleasant look. I thought that in the hurry of leaving the conflict zone, the man did not get a chance to choose his shoes, so I decided, on a new visit, to take my best shoes and give it to the person concerned. I showed the picture to brother Kioresco and asked him to hand it over to the person concerned. I was glad when he agreed to do that. I was ready to give away the shoes I was wearing and return home barefoot, but the brother did not accept that I would have been happy if it happened. I'm happy that my Sunday shoes are where they're needed. Maybe in your craving for peace you want to do more than pray, maybe you will also understand, that one can be won by accepting to "take off the shoes".

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director 

Open Doors

Some of the texts of Scripture speak of doors, not necessarily of wood or metal; of entry or exit in case of emergency; but of the possibility of eternal life, offered by the Lord in the kindness of His love, towards the human being. This door of faith, opened by God, unto the gentiles (Acts 14:27) or "a door to the Word", so that the mystery of Christ may be known (Colossians 4:3) blesses us with the gift of salvation.

As we draw to a closer relationship with the Lord, we can see with astonishment how He turns things that are, on the one hand " a grievous wound" and, on the other "perfect healing", just to teach us to choose dependence on Him. God shows us He is the Absolute Master of all and everything. 

As we meditate on our Lord's miraculous ways, we recall with wonder the gift from the Association of Hope for Podari. The Association of Partners in Evangelism International (PIEI-RO) is the recipient of a location, land and building to continue serving our Lord in the southern part of the country.

We might say that the Lord has blessed us, but at the same time He has made us responsible to continue serving Him and the people in that area.

A mission team from the USA, under the coordination of Brother Windsor, visited that location, and raised prayers and requests to God. Through our Lord's grace, for Him to make this place a blessing for the missionaries of the PIEI as well as for the churches and the people in the area.

The location needs renovation in order to provide a viable location. We expect that God's people will contribute to its dedication and use for its proposed purpose.

We pray this place can offer: 

• Accommodation for mission teams

• The possibility of apprenticeship and spiritual growth of participants

• The possibility to take place: Biblical studies, seminars , Counseling and Mentoring programs, of different age groups 

• Possibility to conduct meetings with children and young people 

• Possibility of carrying out various Christian care and social interest programs in order to achieve these objectives, 

Prayer Requests: 

• May the Lord choose to continue to bless the work

• May the Lord send a family that wants to lives there as missionaries, being a model for all those with whom the Lord comes in contact

• To provide us with resources, people and materials, to bring as close as possible to the moment of dedication

Finally, through all those that come to live, learn and enjoy this beautiful gift from our Lord, let men know the Lord Jesus and choose to follow Him in obedience. We thank all those who, by involvement, in one way or another, choose to support this work!

Would you want to get involved? Please prayerfully consider your partnership with us!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI-Romania National Director

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The annual report of the PIEI Romania

National Ministry for the year 2022 Timotei Stanea, National Director and the PIEI National Missionaries, PIEI- Romania

Short History

The years of communism and the obstacles raised by it did not stop the Christian work in Romania, but contributed to the formation of young Christians who developed a strong desire to deliver the gospel to the unsaved. Their mission was not always visible, but because of communism had to be more secretive; however, everywhere in the country there were groups of young people visiting different places, bringing with them the good news of salvation and bringing joy, encouraging the hearts of the believers in remote areas.

In 1990 after the revolution in Romania, a great wave of young Christian people from all over the country were involved in the work of evangelism, many of whom are today's missionaries and pastors. I am one of them and I am so thankful that He chose me and called me. In 1990, immediately after the revolution I got involved in evangelism and church planting; the church in the city of Victoria being the fifth one of them. Today I work and serve there as a pastor and also as a PIEI missionary.

1990 was also the year when I met Daniel Stef, one of Cornel Stef’s younger brothers, and I heard about his desire to support national missionaries. Together we visited the city of Victoria where I was already doing evangelism. This was the city where the former dictator Ceaușescu said it was "not infected by religious mysticism" and was declared a communist city. Here Partners in Evangelism International got behind me and got heavily involved in evangelization, support for me as their first missionary, and especially in the construction project of the church building which still serves the church's work and ministry today.

After more than 10 years of serving the church in Victoria and also the Sibiu community as a regional coordinator, I was called to work as the national director of PIEI. Out of gratitude and thankfulness for what PEI has done, I have returned to serve with PIEI, and can say that I serve the Lord, my fellow believers and people in this ministry. PIEI continues to be an active force on the mission fields of Romania in 2022.

Timotei Stanea - front center, green shirt, PIEI Missionaries Romania, with Cornel Stef Summer 2022

1. Vision

To establish national missionaries to fulfill the great commission by spreading the gospel and discipleship of those called by our Lord to His kingdom by training, equipping and supporting them.

2. Fellowship

Missionaries gathered at the PIEI Center in Alba Iulia for fellowship, Bible Study, and Prayer

Strengthening the relationships and fellowship between our missionaries. A marked emphasis has been placed on encouraging and training missionaries as well as on developing close relationships between them, through meetings with all of them, through biblical studies undertaken by each of them, through the prayer time we all have every evening at
9:00 pm, and through regular visits that we have made to each and every one of them in their homes and and areas of ministry. God has put in our hearts so much love and His unlimited power with the desire to work in unity to accomplish His will.

3. The Ministry and its Various Aspects

It is one ministry which is manifested in many directions. It is not our work but it is God’s work that we and you do it together, in partnership, in different places, using sometimes the same tools.

• Evangelism on the street, in the squares, from house to house or in places of assembly

• Children’s Ministry: The PIEI missionaries have not neglected the little ones; they organized different kinds of Children’s Ministry Outreach programs and meetings, day camps, VBS, weekly programs or periodic meetings when children have been brought together to learn, have fun, and from an early age to hear about the Lord Jesus and his salvation plan for every one.

• Street Evangelism

• Discipleship: We focus on training disciples in small group studies. We feel it’s important to find the leaders called by God to take over the work we are doing and carry it forward.

• Care Ministry: Helping the poor, working with orphans regardless of age, God is and remains the Father of orphans and continues to take care of them.

• Ministering to Widows to show them they are not abandoned by
  the Heavenly Father and they have been entrusted to us to support them.

Orphan Ministry with missionary Traian Chilau
Tigveni, Arges (these orphans are institutionalized for life)

Widow Care Missionary Relu Rodean

4. External missions to PIEI-Ukraine

Thanks to brother Cornel Stef and the team in the United States
we were able to visit our brothers in Ukraine several times,
driving up with supplies for the refugees. We were glad that we
were able to offer a helping hand to our fellow PIEI missionaries there, to help them, the refugees, and the local churches over there.

5. Open doors for the Expansion of PIEI Ministry in Romania

God blessed PIEI through a donation of a property (land and building) in the town of Podari, the Southern part of the country, a place we want to be a landmark for PIEI's work and a mission center for the South of the country. It is a land suitable for a Camp Site on an area of 4.9 acres nearby the tallest part of the Carpathian Mountains in the country. Another place for a Camp in Necrilesti, the Western Carpathian Mountains, a place dedicated for personal retreat and fellowship with the Lord.

We are thankful to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, for his incredibly great grace offered in Christ and for all of you who have carried us in prayer as we have done this year which is coming close to the end.
We will continue to pray for you that the Lord will strengthen and fulfill His will in you all, your families, your churches, and give you open doors for the gospel.

6. Pray

●  For us to be found trustworthy and faithful in the work entrusted to us.

●  To be protected from evil.

●  May God bless the work of PIEI in Romania by preparing people and resources for

●  His work to go forward.

●  May the Lord prepare before us open doors for the gospel.

●  For the people who have heard the word of the gospel in Romania and anywhere in the world to be touched and return to God before it is too late.

All of these could not have happened had it not been for the context of the blessings from the Lord and the partnership ministry of PIEI in the United States and the Romania Committee. Thank you for allowing me to share with you a few aspects of the work and ministry of PIEI Romania mission. Blessings to you all!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

PIEI Romania (yellow vests) and PIEI Ukraine Missionaries

Timotei Speaking to the Ukrainian Refugees interpreter PIEI Missionary Valery Popov

Camp Necrilesti

River Baptism Missionary Traian Chilau

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US Partnership Team - Romania Cornel Stef - Chairman
Walter Windsor - Missions Director Popa Rodica - Treasurer

Popa Alex Liviu Dragomir Daniel Stef

Mission Address

PARTNERS IN EVANGELISM INTERNATIONAL

5518 W DIVERSEY AVE, CHICAGO, IL, 60639, USA

Phone: (773) 202-8500

Website: piei.org

E-Mail: cornelstef@gmail.com

Partners In Evangelism is an ECFA Accredited Ministry

Christian Care

Blessings to you all!

We find written on the pages of the Holy Scripture that the Lord pays special attention to a few categories of people. One of these categories is that of widows who occupy a special place and attests to the true religion "clean and unsullied, before God, our Father.” (James 1:27).

In the desire to be doers of the Word and not only forgetful listeners, in the missionary work of PIEI-Romania a widows project was developed, to help a number of 15 widows, from these missionaries mission fields: Aurel Rodeanu, Florin Botar, Traian Chilau, Tani Nemes, Cornel Fogorosiu, and Florin Sfetcu.  It is intended to be a project that brings comfort and courage, as well as material aid into the lives of these widowed sisters. The needs are certainly much greater than we can presently offer, but we thank God for all those who have found a way to get involved in this work through prayer and material support.

I do not want to forget to mention the support we receive from The Bible Mission in Germany through brother Ruslan, the contribution of the PIEI missionaries and the churches, and last, but not least, the PIEI-USA.

Prayer Requests:

• May the widowed sisters realize that the help they are receiving is from the Lord, so that they can thank Him.

• To make those around see in this work Christian love materialized in deed.

• Let it be an example worthy of all Christians to follow. 

Thank you to those who have taken part in this work, in Romania or anywhere else. Thank you in advance to all those who have partnered with us and chose to be involved! May God's grace be with you!

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director

Serving Together

On Monday the PIEI Romania Committee met at the Christian Center to pray for, analyze, and propose the budget for 2023 and to consider the election of an administrative director at the PIE Alba Center. We have brought before the Lord, in prayer, all the missionaries and their areas of service to our brothers everywhere, the problems and joys of the work, and we have asked for wisdom from above as well as the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In a quiet atmosphere we sought together to "weigh" the needs of the missionary brothers, we looked with joy at the projects that everyone wished to do, both within the churches and among the needy in whose lives, sadness and suffering, needed shelter. Of course there are children, adolescents and young people with many plans of work: meetings, camps, sports competitions, etc…. all with the aim of sharing the Gospel!

Our joy has been overshadowed by the fact that some projects have not been approved. For practical reasons, however, wee accept that the Sovereign God can intervene at any time to change circumstances.

We pray and ask God to do more than we ask or think!

On the same occasion we turned our eyes to brother Mihai Dima, who was entrusted with the responsibility for the administration and management of the PIE Alba Iulia Center.

We enjoy the fact that we can look forward with confidence in the hope that this place will be a blessing for all men.

Here churches, Christian organizations, pastors, missionaries, mission teams, families and others can find a place to say: "This is the place that God will take!"

Prayer Requests:

• For the blessing of the missionaries and for the mission they are doing in Romania.

• For God’s care and mercy, in terms of material and financial resources, for 2023.

• For God's protection for the churches in Romania as well as for Ukraine so that PIE Romania can do God's work without obstacles from evil men.

Thank you all of you who have been partners with us in prayer, advice, encouragement, finances, or material donations, and especially if you have been a physical presence on the mission field in Romania!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI Romania Missionary

In The Footsteps Of The King

I can say "with God's help" because the answer always comes from Him!

I wanted to spend some time with the family of my brother Gabi Cuc, a PIE missionary, with the Church in Caciulatesti, as well as to visit his work area.

My wish came true at the end of August, when I stayed for three days in the house of brother Gabi and sister Vera. We rejoiced together, we prayed, and we discussed a lot of things from the Holy Scripture. We debated a lot of biblical topics concerning mission work, but also aspects related to the smooth running of the Church.

Our time together extended to the Church of the Lord of Caciulatesti. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we looked at the Scriptures to see and understand the way in which God works and makes His presence known in our lives.

We rejoiced and thanked the Lord for his mercy manifested not only when he saved us, but also every day.

I looked closely at the Lord and I saw his beauty, a beauty that is not in an image, but in the nature of his character. He himself talks about this in Exodus 34: "The Lord God is a God full of mercy and grace..."

His mercy was also manifested towards sister Maria from Rotunda who, on Sunday morning, came full of emotions and confessed with joy her faith in the Lord Jesus and was baptized. 

On the occasion of the visit to sister Maria, I listened to her testimony. I was very happy to hear how the Lord transformed her life, changing her into a completely new person, totally different from the one before her repentance and faith. A new life! What wonderful things God does with those who return to Him, with humility!

Seeing a donkey tied, I remembered the Lord Jesus and the moment of his entry into Jerusalem, the exact fulfillment of the Bible prophecy. I wanted to immortalize the thought and took a picture and sent it to Popa Alexandru and his wife Rodica, accompanied by a short message "an old car"!

The answer was: "keep and use the old car"!

I thanked God for my enlightenment of his word and for its effect in my life. It was like a balm poured over my heart! I am not riding a donkey, but I am walking and following the King. 

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that the Spirit of the Lord will help the Church in Caciulatesti, to be daily aware of the Lord's Presence.

• Pray that the Cuc family will be a blessing for the place where God has placed them.

• Pray that all those who have heard the Gospel will open their hearts for the Lord Jesus.

• Pray that in the town of Rotunda the testimony of the faithful will be good!

Thank you to those who intercede for the PIE missionaries and for the mission they carry out in Romania.

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Heroes Of Faith

Our meeting at the PIEI Center is remembered to have taken place under the good hands of our God. 

This year we met with all the missionaries with their families in joy and peace. For three days our Romanian missionaries and families gathered from: 

• Alba: Stef family 

• Alexandria: Geabou family

• Beciu: Sfetcu family

• Maldaeni: Moldoveanu family 

• Draganesti-Olt: Darvell family

• Caciulatesti: Cuc family

• Curtea de Arges: brother Traian 

• Victoria: Stanea family

• Alba: Joldos family

• Telna: Nemes family

• Mihalt family: Petrut family 

• Campeni family: brother Rodean

•  Sohodol: brother Botar

Our context of Christian work is developed and supported by PIEI Romania in both the southern and central areas of Romania. In these localities where the Word and Christian testimony are present. In these places God has men of faith, doing His will, wanting and engaging in presentation of the gospel and making disciples of the Lord Jesus.

With us was a mission team from the United States, coordinated by brother Cornel Stef, president of PIEI. Returning from a missionary trip to Ukraine, and exhausted, they sacrificed themselves to spend time with us sharing from their calling, gifts, and ministry they do in States.

The main focus was that each missionary and his family could enjoy a special time of rest, and fellowship, by way of encouragement given in the Scripture.

We learned about the work that each one is doing in the place where God called him, about the blessings and challenges of the work, and experiences through which God has led each one. In all this working maturity, wisdom, and joys in the Lord Jesus as well as tears, which are not forgotten but known by God.

The messages from the Scripture by pastor Kevin Cram of the Liberty Bible Church deeply touched our hearts and minds in a particular way that some of the missionaries said, "We really needed this."

We were encouraged by the Word that God chose to work with us ("some clay vessels") in which He laid His treasure.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15 comforted us, strengthened us, motivating us to do the mission work with greater enthusiasm.

Brother David, who does counseling work in his church, willingly giving up any personal comfort to serve us, also encouraged and urged us through his messages and examples. It was helpful to hear that the "heroes of faith" of Hebrews 11 did not reach perfection as God also calls future generations of women and men of faith, in which we may know the same status.

The sisters also had a special time with the sisters from the mission team: Carole, Martha, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Willingly serving in Ukraine, they also encouraged our Romanian sisters by sharing their thoughts, experiences and teaching, creating bridges between human souls of different cultures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The last night we were urged to take note of the importance of rest in our lives regarding the sabbath from a perspective somewhat different from the contemporary Romanian context. We were guided to understand that the sabbath recognizes the Lord as Master of creation and Savior rather than emphasizing a day of the week. Sabbath rest transcends the material sphere by emphasizing the importance of communion with the Lord of the sabbath and the honor of His name.

We parted thanking God for these few days in kneeling before Him, thanking Him for all things, asking Him for His companionship, help and strength for the work He calls us to do.

In addition to His presence, we have returned to our field of work, acknowledging blessings from the blessings received, which are poured into the souls of all those who are the sons of peace and in whose blessings they desire to dwell.

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director

"A blessing"

Thank you for what you're doing!

Once again through God's grace, the local Church in Victoria, where I serve, has managed, together with Mission Without Borders, to offer 69 children the possibility to be in a Christian camp for six days. Children and teenagers can enjoy toghether Christian activities and sports, bath in the pool, devotional time, socialization, the food, health education, etc.

Thursday morning I met with the leaders at their devotionary time, an occasion in which we were equipped to a transformed life through the renewal of the mind, so that we can distinguish well the will of God, the pleasant and perfected way, thus unsuitable to the world.

The text is quoted from (Romans 12:2): ”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”, read by sister Simona Mening.

We prayed for both ourselves and for the children, that God bless and protect all those involved including those who made the camp possible through their donations.

Radu Aconstantinesei the camp coordinator, from the MWB, member of the Church, considers that the entire work is going well and that there are no special events.

Being early in the morning, before waking up, we were amused by the question of a child who wanted to know "when the resurrection takes place" confusing with revitalization, we asked the brothers and sisters of the camp leaders to make sure that the gospel would come to be heard, by each child, sharing it simpler!

We parted happy that we were able to see each other and encourage each other. Christian camps are extremely effective in working with children, teenagers and young people, even leaders are thankful to God for the service they can do for the blessing of God, for the good of the participants and even for their spiritual upbringing.

Without the help and involvement of Mission Without Borders we could not have made this work possible, PIE has long wanted to have a camp in Romania where missionaries and churches planted or pastored they could send their children , adolescents and young people and even adults.

May they have a special time of standing in the presence of the Lord to reflect upon them and God's will for them and why not for rest.

Prayer Requests:

• That the Lord protects each of them from evil and unwanted events.

• What they teach in the camp and especially the Gospel to bring salvation into the lives of those who believe.

• Leaders should be worthy role models for children and adolescents.

• May PIE be blessed with a place and a camp that will be useful to churches all over the country for young believers, helping them grow in faith and those who do not believe, helping them hear the Gospel and believe, so that they can be saved!

• Pray that even you who read can support in prayer, financially and by this, with the gifts God has given you, the PIEI to have a camp.

We thank all those who made this camp possible as well as those whose hearts open for any kind of support!!! Blessed be you and all that is yours!

Stanea Timotei – PIEI National Director

God Is Present

Bless you! 

Where is God in the context of events in Ukraine, and the multiple sufferings because of war. The soul wounds due to abandonment and loss of goods collected through labor, separation from loved ones or even loss of loved ones — it is impossible not to think where is God? Why doesn't He intervene? Why does He let such things happen? Why does He not listen to the prayers of so many believers that are brought to Him?

The suffering created, under the influence of Satan, becomes inversion and hatred towards God, and this is an assault that does not exclude the faithful either. The suffering permitted, under God's hand, becomes a tool for the perfection of the life of he who understands it and obeys it.

This was the theme of the meeting with the people, women and men, and refugees in the Noua Sulita area, in Ukraine who came to the Baptist Church last Sunday.

Where is God? God is not absent or indifferent. On the contrary, as it was in Christ and reconciling the world with Himself, the Lord Jesus suffered and died for us. The Lord Jesus is with him who goes through suffering, who has a sad and wounded soul.

The Word shows us this truth, and my experience and the experience of others confirms it. I shared with them that they can turn against Him as one response. Or they can approach Him with petitions and prayers with thanks. This brings His peace which exceeds any knowledge, and will guard their hearts and thoughts in Christ! In conclusion, this teaching and encouragement was addressed to all, and to receive the Lord and to trust in Him! 

Prayer Requests:

• May the Word bring salvation into their lives

• May the Lord comfort their souls

• May the churches of Ukraine to be a powerful testimony of Christ before the refugees with whom she works

• May resources continue, so the work of the gospel can continue

• May PIE Missionaries in Romania not give up supporting efforts and mobilize more, helping the churches where PIE missionaries work

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

In God We Trust

Being taught by the Word to help the saints when they are in need, I have sought to do. With Eugen Stef, president of PIEI, we organized a new transport for Ukraine. We visited the PIEI brothers and colleagues who are involved in Lord’s work, especially serving the refugees from the armed conflict zone of Ukraine.

With Emanuel and Beni Joldos, and brother Marius we arrived well in Ukraine, where we met our brothers of PIEI Ukraine and the refugees there. Yet again being shocked by the smiles on their faces like nothing is happening.

On the same occasion I discussed with the pastor of the church, brother Valerii Popov, and brothers Paul Kioresco and Paul P about finishing the church's building site. Back in Romania I started a plan to help the brothers. The Christian Baptist Church of Medias is willing to provide the pulpit and table for the Lord's Dinner. We are working on a plan for a Christian funding project from the International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) and the Christian Church Community Baptist Sibiu, which will help the brotherhood enjoy a completed, dedicated, and inaugurated place.

Ever in positive feedback and speak 'with the help of God, that this be like the contract to buy the land' of Jeremiah! They're working on preparing a new shipment for them now.

Prayer Requests: 

• That all be guarded by the Lord and their work and ours to prosper!

• That our help may reach them safely 

• The resources may be found (even in times of distress) and the church can enjoy peace.

• That the construction project have a good end for the glory of God.

• Let people be saved there and in Romania! 

• That UI may be strengthen by God in whatever I’m involved.

The Lord be with you all, who pray for us and support the work in Romania! Thank you!

Stanea Timotei - PIEI National Director

Time Flies By

Time passes so fast that sometimes we almost don't notice, but still when we meet with brothers and sisters at the church we must acknowledge that "one more week has passed".

What did I do? How did I spend my time? What have we invested in? What did we build? These are questions that we ask ourselves repeatedly. We hope that our answers meet the expectations of our Lord.

I sought in all things to be in God's will, and I did not forget to preach the Gospel under any circumstances: either during worship , or during the wake services, or during the time spent with the group of disciples, or in meetings with different people.

A particular concern I have is for brother Mihai Flore, a former member of the church who has lost his membership and whom I often meet in the desire to return his soul from his wandering way.

In search of new ways for evangelization, I sent two young men (my son Timotei and Nicolae Stoica) to a training camp to become floorball coaches. They completed the program well and together this month we will start a project for children with the intention of training players and forming a team. We were assisted by brother Emanuel Joldos for which we are thankful.

We will keep you informed of our progress, and we will pray to make it a Christian work!

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that brother Michael repents and returns to the church

• Pray that those who have heard the Word turn to God and be saved

• Pray that the preparation of the two young men will bear fruit; first for Nicu Stoica, that he will receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, then also that this opportunity prepares my children to work with you all

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Special Occasion

In such turbulent contexts of internal causes, prices have gone up each one in its turn: food, water, gas and electricity. The turmoil and anxiety caused by Romania's border with Ukraine, is real for us, the church in Victoria.

We decided to bring a bit of peace and joy into the hearts of 23 women (unsaved). On Women's Day we celebrated with them. We treated each with respect and consideration all they do in their own homes, in order to create peace and harmony.

A group of sisters: Dana, Oara, Dorina, Mari, Mihaela, were involved in preparing food for this event. Brother Radu took care of making the invitations and buying the roses for each of them.

I prepared a few thoughts from 1 Peter 3 which explains the Bible’s way for a woman who wants to be pleasing to the Lord.

In conclusion, I made it clear that this can only be possible if the Lord Jesus lives in each of them! Eventually I asked to be allowed to pray for them and their families, which I did. The atmosphere was open and appreciated by all.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that the seed of the Gospel sown in the women’s minds brings salvation.

• Pray that God multiplies moments we can serve people and at the same time proclaim the way of salvation.

• Pray that the number of sisters and brothers who serve will multiply.

• Pray as the church in Victoria may always be ready in fulfilling the duty given by the Lord Jesus! We thank all those who carry us in prayer! God bless you!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Open Our House

We are saddened and grieved by the situation in Ukraine. We suffer for the suffering of the people there and especially for our brothers and sisters.

In addition to the things we face in everyday life, we would also like to take part in carrying the burdens of the ones who face trials in Ukraine. Together with the church, we have decided to open our hearts and homes to provide a place for seven refugee families for an indefinite period.

Seven locations where those in need will be able to stay. Together, brothers and sisters, we decided to help financially support these families. Each of those involved, out of their income, offers 200 lei per month covering part of the costs.

I wait for brother Paul's daughter and her family to reach us, and we pray for them and the families of the other missionaries to come, too! 

Prayer Requests: 

• May we be able to help our brothers

• May we have the necessary financial resources

• May we be a comfort to them 

• May these deeds lead to the glory of God

• May we find ourselves in God’s will in all situations!

  God be with you!

  Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

Christian Care

Blessings!

On the basis of a previous work, a collaboration with CAM of Floresti (Christian Aid Ministries), we have asked the management of the association to accept the PIE’'s ministry areas for the purpose of sending medical and hygiene aid.

Finding the opening on their part, I’m hopeful that by next month we can help our brothers and sisters in our mission areas as well as other people who have or are in need. 

I believe that in this practical way Christian love and the Gospel can touch many hearts. Pray that this work can be done. Let the medical aid be made with a spirit of sacrifice, and let people see that Christian care. May people see our missionaries’ care for both physical health and spiritual life.

The Lord with you!

Timotei Stanea - PIEI National Director

A Joyful Opportunity to Evangelize

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Blessings in the name of the Lord!
Celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus is our reason for joy and thankfulness for God’s greatest gift.
On this special occasion in Victoria we invited children and their parents to church for a gift-giving event. We offered gifts in order to relate to them in a fun, practical way; in order to develop relationships between the giver and those receiving the gifts. From the youngest to the oldest everyone enjoyed receiving the gifts, which created an atmosphere of happiness and well-being.

I had the opportunity of sharing a message from the Scripture about God’s gift that springs from His love for the world. 

Over 90 parents and children who attended heard the Gospel and were challenged to receive Christ as their Savior. After the message we had a moment of prayer when they had the opportunity to show their desire for the Lord to come into their lives. Some did, but some were hesitant or even might have refused. It is God who knows the hearts. May He continue His work in those hearts who accepted His  gift of salvation. May God continue to prepare the hearts of those not ready to respond to the Gospel heard at this event.
Prayer Requests:
• For all the children and parents who heard the Gospel
• For all the people of Victoria who have heard the Gospel over the years to be convicted by the Holy Spirit to put their faith in the Lord Jesus.

• For a year of peace and freedom of faith
May God give His abundant blessings upon each of you, and may your holidays be filled with joy.

Timotei Stanea – PIEI Romania National Director