BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOLS
Locations and Classes
We are conducting Bible training classes in Roma villages of Ocna Sugatag, Sannicolau Roman, Oshan, and Cuimeghiu. These are spread out geographically along the western boarder of Romania so the students can get there by train, bicycle, bus or on foot. The schools are uniquely designed to allow students to be in close proximity to their families and jobs because family is very important in the Gypsy culture. The cost of the classes is minimal, however there are requirements that must be met by the students, including a recommendation from a pastor regarding the student's spiritual life and suitability for the program. They must also do a practicum in hospitals, nursing homes or villages.
We are using the textbook “Conversion and Calling" which is published by World Outreach (TUMI) and has been translated into Romanian. This is the first module in a program called Capstone - a training program taught at a seminary level, which is specifically designed to serve as the most essential knowledge and skill learning necessary for effective urban ministry and church leadership. This training has a ripple effect through the Roma churches and communities.
One evening there was a barbecue at the Ciumeghiu Roma church to celebrate the TUMI students completing the first course. There were 12 men enrolled and participating, and 9 of them completed the course. They were universally excited about what they had learned from the first course on “Conversion and Calling.” They have used their training in their home churches, and will be starting their second course soon.
Moving Ahead
Mark, a ministry volunteer, has installed heating and AC units in the churches at Ciumeghiu and Oshan. He plans to return to Romania to install more units in Gypsy churches. These units make it possible to hold the TUMI schools and programs for Gypsy children in the cold of winter and heat of summer. We are immeasurably encouraged by the witness of the Gypsy churches, the growth in the lives of TUMI students, and the open doors that the Lord has created for us. We are humbled to have been used by the Lord, and are touched by our Gypsy brothers and sisters in the Lord.
What a great delight to see the brotherhood among the men of the Baptist and Pentecostal churches. In many Gypsy communities there is no church, but if there is a church there are normally two, a Baptist and a Pentecostal, and they are often fighting with each other. The non-Christians Gypsies cannot understand how they can both be Christians and not get along. It is a poor witness for Christ, and the partnership that these TUMI students had formed in their studies and practical application projects have produced a wonderful bond.
