July 2025
June was a month of transition at BIC
Pastor Cristi comments: “The Bucharest International Church (BIC) is about community, about being together and encouraging each other during the seasons of life, about being a hub where people can connect and receive help. It is painful for me when people relocate after seeing them with us for hundreds of Sundays. But we continue to believe for God’s kindness and his provision in every area.”
Ukrainian Community:
“It’s still hard,” says Vera,
BIC Ukrainian ministry
Ina and her four children have been a part of the Ukrainian community of BIC since the war’s beginning. She felt overwhelmed living in the city of Bucharest without the help of her husband who has remained in the Ukraine. Vera had an inspired thought: “What about the empty house across from my parent’s home in Chernivtsi?” Arrangements were made and the family arrived this week in the safer region of southwest Ukraine, close to the Romanian border.
Tired and disoriented after travelling all night, Ina cried when she saw the house and realized it would take a lot of work, yet again, to create a home environment. “People are traumatized,” said Vera. “It’s still hard. People are ‘stuck’, frustrated and afraid of so many things. They need some help and guidance as they move on.” Pray the husband will have safe travel and join them soon. Though he is legally exempt from military service he is concerned that someone en-route will challenge his status.
Such a nice surprize!
Vera’s sister, Corina, called from the States to ask a favour. “Vera, my husband has a friend from the town where he previously lived in the Ukraine. His friend is a former drug addict but is now serving the Lord and his life is getting better and better. After many years he was finally able to connect with his daughter, Evalina, who is now living with her mother in Bucharest. Vera, he would like someone to meet with his daughter, get to know her, and perhaps invite her to a church.” Vera wondered how she was going to randomly contact an 18-year-old while respecting the father’s wishes to not be too obvious that it was at his request. When Corina sent Evalina’s contact phone number to Vera, she was shocked. She laughed. His daughter had already been coming all Spring to the Friday game nights for Ukrainian youth at the BIC activity center! Vera had already known her for several months! “God prepared Evalina’s heart before I even contacted her,” said Vera. “This is so nice.”
Significant Influence and Representation
The International Lawyers Network (ILN) represents 5000 lawyers from 91 law firms across 67 countries. The ILN recently held its European Conference in Bucharest. The conference featured thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities for legal professionals.
Iana, guest speaker for ILN
Iana Matei was invited as a speaker to address the topic: “Trafficking: A Global Issue”. Following the event, one association offered to support victims by providing pro bono legal representation. They have also had successful cases in which, based on DNA analysis, they identified the paternity of children resulting from exploitation and held the fathers accountable.