For nearly 2 years the staff of SGA have been teaching in second Baptist Church Baia Mare. Some of the ingredients needed for a successful school are a committed local director, dedicated students and applied learning. All these have been found in abundance in Baia Mare. Nick Lacatus who assists Pastor Daniel Chereji explains why, and how the ministry of SGA fi ts in with the long term vision of the Church.
Magheraus, Nistru, Fauresti, Finteusu Mare, Somcuta Mare, Ticau-gipsy Church, Cavnic, Stremt-gipsy Church and Saliste de Basesti. In all these villages the churches are small (averaging only 10 members in each) however there are real opportunities for growth, especially amongst the children’s ministry.
So for instance, the small Church in Nistru has a group of about 30 children attending the meetings and through them their families come to the church. This year a lady there received the Lord and was baptized. In Finteusu Mare there are also about 30 children attending the meetings. Each year we prepare special programs with the children for Christmas and invite their families to come along. Last year I preached the Gospel to more than 50 people in this village and also into another village next to it.
One of the greatest needs we have is training. This is where the SGA was brought in by God. About 30 people who mission in these places benefit from the theology courses that SGA teach. A better understanding of the Scripture is a great help for those who want to share the Gospel to the lost people. One of our long term goals as a church is to plant a church in every village in Maramures where there is no evangelical church. This means in more than 100 places. To accomplish this great goal we need people who are ready to work for God, but also who are well trained. SGA is helping us meet this great need.
The financial issue is another important matter. A full time missionary would need at least 200 Euros per month. One of the greatest challenges is the children’s ministry. As they are very open to the Gospel, they provide a good opportunity to reach their families. Any children’s materials such as bible lessons books, crafts, games, can be very helpful.
The greatest need is prayer because it can do more than anything else. So we need your prayers. Please pray for spiritual protection, the spiritual growth of the members of these churches so that they might understand what they are called to do, dedicated workers who will be able to preach the word in these places and of course all the material needs such as buildings in the places where we don’t have one. The need is great, but we thank God for His faithfulness and your partnership with us in this task
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