ROMANIA and Mission Partners
"...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." -Ephesians 4:16b(NKJV)
Harvest of Joy Ministries and Wildwood Calvary Chapel in Romania
This past July, our church, Wildwood Calvary Chapel, located in Southern California, had the privilege of experiencing the amazing work that God is doing in Romania. As a church, we believe that the ministry found through missions is vitally important to the health of a church, and we are always seeking what the Lord’s will would be for us, in expanding and growing in this area. God began to highlight the country of Romania to us in many ways over the past several years. This was done through various conversations, and the recognition of members found in our own church body, who are from Romania. One of these families, were the Avrams, who are the founders of Harvest of Joy ministries. We watched as they started the ministry and have prayed with them, as God gave them vision for what they could be a part of there.
Through much prayer, the year finally arrived that we planned to take a team of our own, alongside of them, to Timisoara, Romania. Sixteen individuals came together to form the team, and on July 5th, we boarded a plane that would meet Alex, Alexandra, Sarah, and Naomi there in the city.
Throughout our short stay we were able to see many places, minister to many people, and to meet with several other organizations working there. However, one of the days that stood out the most to us, was the day we traveled to the city of Caransebes. This is the city that Alexandra and a few others we met along the way, grew up. Through another individual who works with Harvest of Joy, Daiana, we were connected with the city and encouraged to minister there. We received permission from the officials there to set up in a square to worship and evangelize. On past mission trips, we have personally seen how powerful worship can be over a city, and how it can draw people in to hear the good news of Christ. This time was no different. We also were able to minister to children with disabilities as well as the adults who cared for them. We shared skits, the gospel, gifts, and games with them and it was a joy to see the light it brought to their lives. We were invited to return in the future, to continue to minister to these children, as well as the disabled adults who are housed next door. Relationships began to be formed that we feel will be very impactful. God opened so many doors in this city! The stories of God’s sovereignty and the potential for more ministry there could fill several pages. Another opportunity for ministry that we experienced, was a three-day event in the city of Timisoara. This event was dedicated to the children in the surrounding area who had disabilities. There was also a platform for us to speak into the lives of the parents, and to encourage them in their circumstance, as they face many societal and cultural difficulties. Each day we would spend time with the many children at different activities, such as face painting, music, games, and much more. The highlight of the event though, was being able to perform a skit for the children and parents that was followed by a gospel presentation. God was glorified through it and it was easy to see how much it meant to the families present.
It was an incredibly fruitful trip. We were able to do so much in only ten days. If the Lord wills, most, if not all of us, are counting the days until we are able to return to this beautiful country. It was an honor to work alongside the Avrams and it has been such a blessing to us, to see the passion that God has instilled in them for their people. They truly have a heart to see the lost come to Christ and to witness the hurting and broken be restored. Through love and generosity, they seek out to serve the least of these. We look forward to working with them in the future, and we are excited to see what God has in store for Harvest of Joy Ministries.
Emily Rivera (Missions Coordinator) & Pastor Jason Talley (Missions Pastor)
Through much prayer, the year finally arrived that we planned to take a team of our own, alongside of them, to Timisoara, Romania. Sixteen individuals came together to form the team, and on July 5th, we boarded a plane that would meet Alex, Alexandra, Sarah, and Naomi there in the city.
Throughout our short stay we were able to see many places, minister to many people, and to meet with several other organizations working there. However, one of the days that stood out the most to us, was the day we traveled to the city of Caransebes. This is the city that Alexandra and a few others we met along the way, grew up. Through another individual who works with Harvest of Joy, Daiana, we were connected with the city and encouraged to minister there. We received permission from the officials there to set up in a square to worship and evangelize. On past mission trips, we have personally seen how powerful worship can be over a city, and how it can draw people in to hear the good news of Christ. This time was no different. We also were able to minister to children with disabilities as well as the adults who cared for them. We shared skits, the gospel, gifts, and games with them and it was a joy to see the light it brought to their lives. We were invited to return in the future, to continue to minister to these children, as well as the disabled adults who are housed next door. Relationships began to be formed that we feel will be very impactful. God opened so many doors in this city! The stories of God’s sovereignty and the potential for more ministry there could fill several pages. Another opportunity for ministry that we experienced, was a three-day event in the city of Timisoara. This event was dedicated to the children in the surrounding area who had disabilities. There was also a platform for us to speak into the lives of the parents, and to encourage them in their circumstance, as they face many societal and cultural difficulties. Each day we would spend time with the many children at different activities, such as face painting, music, games, and much more. The highlight of the event though, was being able to perform a skit for the children and parents that was followed by a gospel presentation. God was glorified through it and it was easy to see how much it meant to the families present.
It was an incredibly fruitful trip. We were able to do so much in only ten days. If the Lord wills, most, if not all of us, are counting the days until we are able to return to this beautiful country. It was an honor to work alongside the Avrams and it has been such a blessing to us, to see the passion that God has instilled in them for their people. They truly have a heart to see the lost come to Christ and to witness the hurting and broken be restored. Through love and generosity, they seek out to serve the least of these. We look forward to working with them in the future, and we are excited to see what God has in store for Harvest of Joy Ministries.
Emily Rivera (Missions Coordinator) & Pastor Jason Talley (Missions Pastor)
Had a blessed time praying and sharing same joyful heart for Romania 2019 trip with part of mission team leaders from our home church, Wildwood Calvary Chapel, Yucaipa, CA
If you interested to know more about how you can serve the Lord in Romania email us.
Meet few of our partners & missionaries and keep them in your prayers.
We praise the Lord for our trip to Romania 2017! 🇷🇴 We shared Jesus’s love in Negresti, Vaslui, and Timisoara, at hundreds of miles apart.
•June,19-22, we visited the poor and starving communities in Negresti, Vaslui , Finished two water Water Wells, sharing Jesus's love with underprivileged families and widows , ending with " A Day in Wonderland Bible Blast" event organized for children from 5-13 years old with the help of Pastor PAUL & Cecilia Marica.
•JULY 2-6 Timisoara the Lord used our team to serve at "Ateliere fara Bariere"( Beyond the Limit activities Station for Special Children) along with Youth Team from Grace Church, Florida and Ligia Marcelaru's team, from Special Abilities Association( Asociatia Persoanelor cu Abilitati Speciale). The Lord has been faithful! His protection and guidance for the 21 Youth and leaders from Florida and the Team from California as they traveled from Los Angeles, California. Thank you all for prayers and support. To God be all the Glory!
•June,19-22, we visited the poor and starving communities in Negresti, Vaslui , Finished two water Water Wells, sharing Jesus's love with underprivileged families and widows , ending with " A Day in Wonderland Bible Blast" event organized for children from 5-13 years old with the help of Pastor PAUL & Cecilia Marica.
•JULY 2-6 Timisoara the Lord used our team to serve at "Ateliere fara Bariere"( Beyond the Limit activities Station for Special Children) along with Youth Team from Grace Church, Florida and Ligia Marcelaru's team, from Special Abilities Association( Asociatia Persoanelor cu Abilitati Speciale). The Lord has been faithful! His protection and guidance for the 21 Youth and leaders from Florida and the Team from California as they traveled from Los Angeles, California. Thank you all for prayers and support. To God be all the Glory!