October 2024
A Bucharest International Church (BIC) Weekend
Friday evening, we arrived in Bucharest from Vancouver feeling rather fatigued as long-haul flights are rarely a pleasure! A bustle of activity was already planned for the weekend. Our apartment is on the second level of the BIC Activity Center, so we have prime access to any event taking place in the courtyard and meeting rooms below.
Ukrainian Romanian Integration
Saturday morning began with the gathering of Ukrainian and Romanian youth. Food, fellowship, and special music took place. It was not only an effective fund raiser event to help meet the needs of those affected by the ongoing war with Russia but also serves to bring understanding and integration of Ukrainian youth into Romanian society.
Our BIC mission’s rep, Chiva, in the video clip, comments: “I’ve been so moved when they started to sing songs from Ukraine and they were so sad, and it nearly broke my heart thinking how difficult it is for them to live here. I saw an old lady, so old, and I was wondering how she could leave everything behind.”
Dan speaks with Chiva about the integration event and the urgent need for our Romania Global Workers to find a way out of Lebanon. (The interview takes place in front of Touched Romania, the maternal care center, and includes the reality of street traffic noise.)
Leadership team of the Romanian/Ukrainian integration event
Nepalese Church 4th Year Anniversary
Late Saturday afternoon, the Nepalese Church began preparation for their 4th anniversary celebration. Most volunteers come straight from work and so a meal is made ready for them. Late that evening we were offered delicious, but spicy, barbecue! Then, Sunday morning at 6:30, two young men were already in the courtyard beginning the set up and food prep for the day.
Early morning prep
Nepalese Gathering
Ninety-five Nepalese gathered Sunday afternoon at our venue just a few blocks from the Activity Center. Worship and prayer took place, Pastor Ruth shared, Nepalese pastors from cities across Romania shared, there was folkloric dance interpretation of scripture. We then gathered for a wonderful meal back at the Activity Center. The Nepalese work and ministry continue to thrive and grow across Romania and Europe.
Nepalese leadership team
Worship team
It was a full but satisfying Sunday for us as we briefly shared in all three gatherings: first at the English International service, followed by the Romanian church gathering, and then during the Nepalese celebration.
In the video clip Dan speaks with Pastor Ruth about the significance of their 4th year celebration: “The celebration is all about thanking God, of how he’s been working and how he has been faithful towards us, and how he has given us His grace and mercy.”
Interpretative dance