OAMC Romania feature in The Gleaner, added media website

With the OAMC Mission to Romania as the cover story in the August issue of The Gleaner, we've added some additional media features to the OAMC website to share in the experience of the journey.

On our Romania page you'll find video, audio interview clips of Alin Apostol and Lou Wildman, links to photos from the mission, a link to the blog where you can read accounts and reflections of a number of people who were on the mission, and a link to an expanded story on The Gleaner website.

You'll find that all at www.oamc.org/romania.asp.

Links to Romania photos

Singing-in-Brasov's-Black-C, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Here a links to all three photo collections, shared by Denny Nutter, Ralph Stathem and Keith Owen, and the photos posted while the group was in Romania.

Denny Nutter's Romania photos.

Ralph Stathem's Romania photos.

Keith Owen's Romania photos.

Photos posted during the Mission to Romania, April 12-26, 2009.

Keith Owen's Romania photos posted

Practice, originally uploaded by youngwarrior.

OAMC member Keith Owen has posted his selection of photos shot during the Mission to Romania. You can find the photos here.

More Romania Photos Posted

IMG_9075, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Ralph Stathem's large collection of photos have been posted and can be found here.

A Nutter Look at OAMC's Romania Trip

, originally uploaded by a nutter photo.

OAMC member Denny Nutter is sharing for viewing his collection of photos from Romania.

"A day by day photo diary of Oregon Adventist Men's Chorus trip to Romania - March 12-26, 2009 - thru the eyes and camera lens of Chorus member, Denny Nutter."

You can find them here.

A view of life on the road in Romania

IMG_7367 Sharpening Pencilsx, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: Louise Craig, center, author of this blog posting, sharpens pencils with Zach Parks and Estee Pummel.


By Louise Craig
Written Sunday, morning, April 19, 2009
In Iasi, Romania, Orthodox Easter Sunday

This morning is the convergence of two rare events -- we have an extra half hour before we have to board the bus AND this room has Internet access.

If I haven't already told you, you can read a blog about our trip at www.oamc.org (you may have to type this address into the address line as my Internet service does weird things to links). Some of the chorus have a little more time to find Internet access.

Just a quick review of our days - breakfast at 7, load the luggage at 8 (quite a feat for nearly 200 people, making sure all of music instruments and supplies and the tech equipment are on the right bus), leave at 8:30-ish (very ish-ish), arrive at next destination in time for lunch between noon and 1:30.

The admin and tech teams have to be in the concert hall by 2:30 to set up for 3:30 rehearsal. Concerts start at 6. If we're lucky, supper at 9 for most of the chorus. We have to put everything away before getting supper.

The big hotel didn't have enough rooms for everyone, so the admin and tech teams are staying at the Little Texas pensiune and restaurant (that's res-TAW-rauwnt to you). The rooms are quite nice AND THERE IS IN-ROOM INTERNET ACCESS. It is 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Since we're not near the hotel, we have to be on board the bus by 8:30 so the bus can get to the hotel for 9:30 departure today. They get an extra hour this morning.

I wouldn't exchange this accommodation for the extra time. We dragged in about 11:30 last night. I worked on the program for tonight, with the door open to this adorable balcony. We're right next to an Orthodox church. On a nearby hill sits another Orthodox church -- they're everywhere. They celebrate Easter today, starting with a midnight service. About 12:30, the bells all over began to peal. I got stereo of loud ringing, with faint echoes from all over the city. Then I heard the chanting and singing. I stopped typing and sat on the terrace soaking it all in. It was worth the short night. I can catch some z's on the four-hour bus ride coming up.

One of the reasons we were so late is that supper was served at a restaurant owned by the parents of Alin Apostol. He's been one of the main reasons we're here. He was in the U.S. for his education, where he became acquainted with the Oregon Adventist Men's Chorus. It's been his dream to build something like that here. Iasi (yawsh) is his hometown. A good part of the crowd last night was related or somehow acquainted with him. You can imagine the reception he got when he took to the podium to conduct a couple of numbers.

At dinner last night, Dave and Mary Jo Cannard shared one of the reasons they came to Romania. When they were members at Tabernacle Church in Portland, they had John Wesselin as pastor. John came to Romania for a mission project and became acquainted with a young, promising Romanian boy. When he returned to Portland, he told his church about this young man and asked their help in bringing him to the U.S. for schooling. Dave and Mary Jo were among those who financially supported the boy through his time in the U.S.. A couple of nights ago, they heard Alin tell his story of meeting John Wesselin, how John worked it out for him to get to the US to study, and Dave and Mary Jo realized that this was the boy they had helped sponsor.

Along with the excitement, there have been some tears. Janet Williams’ father died unexpectedly a week ago Friday. Another team member's brother died two days ago. His death was not unexpected, but that hurts nonetheless. One member is struggling with terminal cancer, which has spread to his bones – a very painful disease. But he determined that nothing would keep him from making this trip. I'm amazed at his attitude. Some younger, healthier people have complained about the pace and lack of down time, but he just soaks it all in. These three people are an inspiration. They are doing more to encourage others than those who ought to have more to share.

We've had full houses with people standing around the outside aisles. No fire marshall, OSHA, or safety inspections here! Extension cords and wires run amok. We understand the second concert we added in Bucharesti is filling well. Wish I could say I have seen scads of new birds, but fast-moving vehicles and little free time have greatly curtailed my birding. NOTE TO LISA VAIL: I did have an accidental exposure to your favorite birding taunt. Tried to avoid it, but there you go!

The pace is so brutal, some of the young Romanian guys are dropping out (18- to 20-year-olds). We elderly keep on truckin'. I'm so tired, I keep losing things with the constant living out of a suitcase. I lost one of the two skirts I brought along. We were told we had to wear skirts at the concerts, but we notice that some of the Romanian women wear slacks so that relieves the pressure a bit. Last night I couldn't find my nightgown. I remembered then that I had gotten it wet and hung it to dry while I went to breakfast. It's probably in a trash can in Bacau now. There will be no shopping today. It's Orthodox Easter.

Vio Rasco, a Romanian who pastors in Hillsboro, OR, was asked by one of the Americans if the Romanians could pick us out of a crowd if we were walking down a street. He said absolutely. He said our carriage and demeanor would make us stand out. He tried to think of ways to describe it – Americans are more relaxed, readily smile at strangers in the street, and look strangers in the eye. Romanians absolutely avoid interaction with strangers – a holdover from Communism and the fear of trusting anyone. One of Alin's dreams was that the American men would model for the Romanian men a more open and accepting nature. Based on what I have seen this past week, we are succeeding. One of the men even commented last night that he appreciated the way our men greeted strangers.

To those of you who are praying us, thank you – and please continue praying. The Romanians have been waiting for the Americans to land since 1944. We thought Edi Ciobanu told us that in jest, but last night, one Romanian said this night would have made his father the happiest person on earth – the Americans finally came. He had tears in his eyes. So many more stories to share, so little time. My journaling has gone down the tubes. I'm relying on others for pictures, which I have already promised to shamelessly plagiarize. Driving here is not as crazy as Africa or India, but it is still hair-raising. We play chicken constantly, but we're so much bigger than we usually win. So thank you for the prayers!

It's past time for me to have packed and dragged my bags to the bus, so la revedere until the next chance encounter with the World Wide Web!


P.S. (Received Monday, May 4, 2009)

I had the opportunity to talk with the director of the seminary at Cernica last week. He kept thanking us for the excellent work we had done in Romania. I told him that if we had helped the church in Romania in any way, we would be pleased. He said, very solemnly, You have helped the church in Romania in ways that you may never know or understand. People in Targu Mures are still talking about the concert there. Not only the quality of the music and the performance, but on the very evident spirituality of the group.

Final day starts with rehearsal and fellowship

IMG_0716, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: Men of both choruses say their good-byes after morning rehearsal on the final day in Romania.

By Denny Nutter
Sabbath, April 25

Sabbath morning we met in the Seminary chapel for an inspiring combination of rehearsal, meditation on the texts of the music that we were presenting, and personal testimonies. The service concluded like the first time the two choruses had met with each other – the Romanian Men’s Chorus on one side of the chapel and the OAMC on the other. First the Romanian Chorus sang “Soldiers of the Captain” in Romanian, followed by the OAMC singing the same song in English. Then Lou asked the two groups to meet in the middle and exchange our farewells and goodbyes knowing that the next time we would sing together after the concerts Saturday night would be with the heavenly chorus around God’s throne. Many tears were shed and bear hugs exchanged. It was a very emotional time for many of us.

After Sabbath lunch we dressed in our concert attire and boarded the buses for Radio Hall in downtown Bucharest. We were joined once again by the Romanian Brass and the Brasov Symphony Targu Mures State Philharmonic Orchestra (thank you for the correction, Margit). Both concerts were sold out. The acoustics were terrific, the music majestic and spiritually moving. I very much enjoyed the personal exchange with the audience during our entry and during the hymn sing in the round. The audience always seems very pleased and breaks out in spontaneous applause after the second verse of “Nearer, Still Nearer” is sung in Romanian by only the OAMC.

Another high point for me was being with Levis and Paul Dragulin as they met their Romanian grandmother for the very first time just prior to our first concert. I’ll never forget their grins as they hugged her and exclaimed, “Isn’t she beautiful!”

The second concert was moving in more ways than one as we experienced an earthquake of about 5.3 on the Richter scale at 8:20 p.m. We found out the next morning that it had been centered in the region of Vrancea about 145 kilometers northeast of Bucharest.

But that was nothing compared to the moving of the audience by the Holy Spirit that night. It seemed like the audience didn’t want the evening to come to an end. Closing ceremonies and final numbers were a glorious ending to an incredible two-week journey for the OAMC in Romania and the conclusion of most recent chapter fulfilling God’s purpose in changing lives.

Final weekend begins with communion service

Lou-&-Daniel, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

By Denny Nutter
Friday, April 24

More sightseeing was planned for Friday morning. A private tour was arranged for at Casa Poporului (“People’s House”), the seat of the Romanian Parliament and second largest building in the world next to the Pentagon. It was built and nearly completed by the Nicolae Ceausescu regime as the seat of political and administrative power. After lunch was free time, which some used to catch up on their sleep, laundry or packing for Sunday’s trip home.

After supper, we gathered once again for a rehearsal and a very special communion service. It was a touching sight and a meaningful experience to see Romanian brothers kneeling and washing the feet of their American brothers and vice versa. Lou set a real tone for service by dishing up the water for the basins next to a young Romania teenager, Daniel. Watching them wash each other’s feet at the conclusion of the foot washing service was a beautiful symbol of the fellowship and love we shared with our Romanian brothers during the two weeks together. Two American and two Romanian pastors presented and served the bread and the wine to conclude the evening together.

Exploring Romania

Bran Castle P4230152, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured:Bran Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle"

By Denny Nutter
Thursday, April 23

Thursday was a “rest and relaxation” day for the chorus members. One bus took half the group to the Bran Castle, commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle.” It was first used in 1378 in defense against the Ottoman Empire, and later became a customs post on the mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. At the close of the tour, chorus members gathered on the upper balcony overlooking the inner courtyard to sing “Soldiers of the Captain” and “Power in the Blood.” The second bus took the remainder of the group into Brasov for shopping.

Early afternoon the two groups reunited and made their way to the Peles Castle, near Sinaia, a summer retreat for the first king of Romania, King Carol I.

By supper time we were back to the Adventist Seminary in Cernica (close to Bucharest) and were able to stay in campus housing since the students were on Spring Break.

A young boy’s prayer

OAMC received a message from the father of six-year-old Lucian, with the prayer Lucian said the night after seeing the final concert in Bucharest, before OAMC members departed for the trip home.

The boy’s father was a big help to OAMC member Eddie Ciobanu with putting up posters all over the city, helping with advertising and other organizational details in cities near Bucharest to promote those concerts, and wrapping up some administrative tasks.

He wrote:

“We got home last night delighted. I'd like to thank you for our time together and to ask for forgiveness because I could not help you more. May the Lord bless you and forgive me.

I was surprised by the prayer my little boy said tonight as he went to bed:

Lord, I thank you for sending us such chorus members. They sang after my own heart. Please help us meet these chorus members again; I love these people so much! Be with us and with them to get to America safely because there are a lot of dangers there...”

Amen.

Better than real – recreating a memory

IMG_0931 and 6163 85, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: The Radio Hall concert as it would have been seen if the organ repair had not begun.

In spite of pleas from OAMC, the Bucharest Radio Hall organ repair went ahead. That meant the organ was not available for the April 25 concerts.

Thus, a huge white curtain was hung to cover the gaping hole left when the organ's pipes were removed.

Through the magic of computer technology, Ralph merged two photos to show what the concert hall would have looked like with the chorus and the organ pipes.

Ralph explains:

In preparing for our Mission in Romania, it was our goal to provide the best music we could. This required commitment, preparation and lots of rehearsals in both countries. From what I’ve heard of the recordings, the results are wonderful. Lou often says it is “more than the music” and, from the stories we are hearing, many lives were impacted.

Another part of the preparation was in arranging for the halls where we sang. Our final concert was in Radio Hall, Bucharest. The demand was so high that we rearranged our schedule to present two concerts instead of one, and they both filled up. The advance team was making final arrangements at the hall two weeks before the event when we found out the organ was going to be repaired. We unsuccessfully requested a delay. On the night of the concert, there was a white curtain covering the gaping hole where the beautiful organ had been two weeks before. The concert was a wonderful success, but the missing organ was a disappointment.

I had pictures from our original visit to Radio Hall and intentionally took pictures during the concert from the same location. With a little editing, we have a memory of both.

As with so many things in life, it is important to be real, yet pull together the best for our memories of people and our surroundings. I believe God does that for us.

Video of Bucharest concert for a limited time - updated

bucharest concert video1a500px, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Streaming video of the 5 p.m. concert in Bucharest in Radio Hall is available for a limited time, I'm told.

Go here: http://oamenisiperspective.com/video/

For some reason, I'm having trouble getting past about minute 21. But go ahead and try it. That first 20 minutes are fabulous!

UPDATE: After I had repeated trouble getting past the 21st minute, I got it to work by exiting the browser then re-starting it. You may also want to exit all unnecessary applications.

Mircea - His continuing story

Our-oldest-and-youngest-singersx, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: The oldest singer in OAMC, Norman Skeels, 83-1/2, and the youngest, Mircea, 14, from RAMC.

Posted again with photograph

NOTE: Lou Wildman received the following in an email from Alin Apostol. Mircea is the youngest singer and is a member of the Orthodox church, as is his family. He is a fine young man and this will be interesting to the guys.

Alin wrote:

Lots of stories are unfolding as we move on. I will take time to share them with you so your men and their families and the whole OAMC family will glorify God, for He deserves it greatly.

I was talking to Mircea and his mom the other day. He said the whole tour was awesome! He is speechless. He was very much moved by the fact that you guys acted like we were one big family. He wishes it was not over. During the whole tour he felt like he was part of the family. He did not want to feel like he was from a different church, but that he belongs here.

He shared with his teachers where he had been and what he did – because he had to miss school for an entire week. His French teacher asked for a CD. I gave Mircea two, one for his mom and one for his French professor. I am curious to see what her reactions are.

Mircea is a great kid. He told me whenever we have a rehearsal or something like that, I know what to do: “Just call me and I will show up.”

God is good; He answers prayers! For years Mircea’s grandmother prayed that her grandchildren and her daughter would come to church. She had the high privilege to see Mircea’s brother and girlfriend for the first time attending a program of the SDA church at our concert in Botosani. She had the great honor to see Mircea sing in the big choir, right on the front row. Cristina, Mircea’s mom, also came; and not only that, she followed us on the Internet on our whole tour.

You probably know that Mircea’s father died five years ago of a sudden death. Nobody knew he was sick. It was at his father’s funerals that I first met Mircea and the whole family. Ever since we are close friends.

God works in ways we cannot imagine. It was approximately four weeks before the beginning of our tour that I asked Mircea to join us, and he did not refuse. From then on, he is part of the large OAMC family. Prayers are being answered in unknown ways!! God is good!!

More stories are unfolding...

Thank you for everything!!

Alin and the Romanian family of OAMC

Blessings in Romania continue

By Alin Apostol

Alin shared the following message:

I am speechless! I knew God was up to doing something, but had no idea He would bless me sooooo much!

I may sound a little selfish, but indeed through the mission of OAMC He blessed my family, my church, my country, my whole ministry here. What an incredible experience!

People are calling and e-mailing every day saying it was the best program they saw the Adventist Church do. People felt comfortable enough to invite non-SDA’s.

One of the members in our chorus from Botosani was sharing with the prayer group Wednesday night what happened at the Sunday concert in Botosani. Both his mom and his aunt never came to a program in the Church even though he insisted very much in the past. They are Orthodox. But since he had bought them tickets, they came at the public hall where we held our concert.

It was during the intermission right after we had our hymn sing in the round that the mother went outside, but his aunt remained on her seat. She picked up the conversation with two Orthodox ladies sitting in the row behind them. One of them was saying to the other among other things, “If Heaven is this nice I would like to be there.” She was so impressed by the whole program and by this comment that she keeps on telling everyone about it. And while sharing this with us, the chorus member had a huge grin on his face – because his family finally got in touch with the church and opened up the way for great things to happen in the future.

He became Adventist seven years ago, after his dad, who had joined the church, died of cancer. He is a very, very sincere guy. I am happy that OAMC opened the door for his family to see a glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like.

Mircea – His continuing story

This post has been updated with a picture of Mircea here.

NOTE: Lou Wildman received the following in an email from Alin Apostol. Mircea is the youngest singer and is a member of the Orthodox church, as is his family. He is a fine young man and this will be interesting to the guys.

Alin wrote:

Lots of stories are unfolding as we move on. I will take time to share them with you so your men and their families and the whole OAMC family will glorify God, for He deserves it greatly.

I was talking to Mircea and his mom the other day. He said the whole tour was awesome! He is speechless. He was very much moved by the fact that you guys acted like we were one big family. He wishes it was not over. During the whole tour he felt like he was part of the family. He did not want to feel like he was from a different church, but that he belongs here.

He shared with his teachers where he had been and what he did – because he had to miss school for an entire week. His French teacher asked for a CD. I gave Mircea two, one for his mom and one for his French professor. I am curious to see what her reactions are.

Mircea is a great kid. He told me whenever we have a rehearsal or something like that, I know what to do: “Just call me and I will show up.”

God is good; He answers prayers! For years Mircea’s grandmother prayed that her grandchildren and her daughter would come to church. She had the high privilege to see Mircea’s brother and girlfriend for the first time attending a program of the SDA church at our concert in Botosani. She had the great honor to see Mircea sing in the big choir, right on the front row. Cristina, Mircea’s mom, also came; and not only that, she followed us on the Internet on our whole tour.

You probably know that Mircea’s father died five years ago of a sudden death. Nobody knew he was sick. It was at his father’s funerals that I first met Mircea and the whole family. Ever since we are close friends.

God works in ways we cannot imagine. It was approximately four weeks before the beginning of our tour that I asked Mircea to join us, and he did not refuse. From then on, he is part of the large OAMC family. Prayers are being answered in unknown ways!! God is good!!

More stories are unfolding...

Thank you for everything!!

Alin and the Romanian family of OAMC

Security check at Parliament building

By Rick Pummel

Just a little thing that happened to me on the last Friday (April 25) of the trip . . .

We got to visit the Romanian Parliament building Friday morning. Of course, first we all had to go through security, just like at the airport. I was one of the last to go through.

After my small camera bag passed through the x-ray machine, the officer got a serious look on her face and asked me to open my camera bag. She then pointed to something on her monitor and asked me what it was. I couldn't see it, so I shrugged and said I didn't know. She then came over and very seriously watched as I opened the bag. She pointed to an outer pocket. I unzipped it and carefully removed my pitch pipe. She eyed it suspiciously, so I blew a couple notes. She took a closer look . . . and then let me pass.

I'll never use my pitch pipe again without having a little chuckle!

Young singer ponders significance of Romania Mission

By Zach Parks, 16-year-old singer
April 26, 2009

I am sitting on the bus at 3:10 in the morning. Something is terribly wrong with this picture. I contemplate the trip. What have I accomplished while I have been here? What have we done as a chorus? Was this worth it?

My mind goes over our travel through the wonderfully windy roads of Romania as we stop at first one and then another little church or place to sing. In one of the churches the husband of one of the cooks had just died and she was in tears as we sang for them. We then took up an offering for their little church and raised a fair amount of money for them.

As we traveled from concert to concert, what did we accomplish? What did we do? Was what we did worth it? We have sung with some of the best brass and orchestras, and in some of the best halls of Romania, but what did we accomplish?

Well, for one thing, it has helped to unify the Romanian men’s chorus. For another, I think that it brought some of us closer together. Some of us were able to have conversations that were of huge benefit to ourselves and the people with which we were talking. But aside from that do we have any clue as to what we have done here in Romania?

In Hebrews 11, when talking about all the people of faith, it says that all these died not having received the reward promised because God had something better in mind; that only together with us would they be made perfect and understand what they had done in full.

So perhaps we touched somebody. Perhaps it was just being positive when many of the members were being negative. Maybe it was the singing, or the talking, or just the way we were walking. We could guess all day, but in heaven, we will then know what God did with what we threw at Him. Maybe we weren’t the “grand finale” or the end of this journey, but just another piece. Because you know, we weren’t here for the glory, so if we didn’t do the biggest or the best work, then so be it. God knows what we gave, and he is in control, and you know what? I think I will trust Him with the results, because…. He is God.

And to cap it all off? I would say we had fun, and sang our voices out. The devil was desperately trying to destroy our last concert by sickness, tired voices, tired people, and any other method he could come up with. Despite all of that, in my opinion, our last two concerts were two of the best. Praise God for his intervention and what He is going to do with what we gave.

Romanian Majesty TV lauds Bucharest concert

majesty tv screen shot2, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

From Edi Ciobanu, a Romanian, a pastor in Oregon, and OAMC singer
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. Pacific

Under the heading "OAMC - A dream come true for Romania," Majesty.tv ran a very nice story in Romanian about our tour and concert in Bucharest.

It emphasizes and praises the highlights of the concert; the sing around; it tells how the earthquake went unnoticed as we sang “Nearer, Still Nearer” and “Holy, Holy, Holy”; it cites Alin's comment that we serve a God of the impossible; it says that it was a cross-cultural faith reaffirming experience for the participants and that it ends with "Saturday night they sang about hope, about an all powerful God, full of love, who promised He'll come back again and who will keep His promise. Who could ask for more?"
The entire article can be found here.

The translated text of the article follows:

OAMC - A Dream Come True for Romania

By Alexa Plescan, Majesty - concert review
Translation by Eddie Ciobanu
Source: majesty.tv

A packed concert hall and a packed stage with over 200 men in black suits; this is what Sala Radio looked liked Saturday, April 25. No, this was not some mystical meeting; it was the concert of the Oregon Adventist Men’s Chorus (OAMC) with Maestro Lou Wildman conducting.

And because when you bring praises to the Creator there are no limits when it comes to nationality, Romania Adventist Men’s Chorus (RAMC) with Alin Apostol conducting united in one voice with those from across the Ocean to create an atmosphere that made people present forget for approximately two hours about earthly things.

In a sober note, the concert started with Schubert's "Sanctus," deep, impacting men's voices, to reach the apex than with "Psalm 150" – "Praise ye the Lord with the sound of the trumpet, praise ye Him with the timbrel, the loud cymbals and the stringed instruments!" One of the most impressing moments was the hymn sing around when the members of the immense chorus mingled with the people in the audience, us, the listeners and invited us to sing with them. We felt God to be "Nearer, Still Nearer" and the earthquake passed unnoticed as we sang with all the power of the ephemeral being "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty."

For two weeks the united men's chorus had concerts in various places throughout the country, offering an experience that will not easily be forgotten. This dream came true because of the enthusiasm of a dedicated young man, who loves music and loves God, who wanted OAMC to come to Romania.

This is how Maestro Lou Wildman described Alin Apostol, who for five years had sung with OAMC while studying in the U.S., to only disappear all of a sudden afterwards. For a long time this wish ate at him, Alin says, having such a chorus in his native country. "Our God is a God of the impossible," he adds. Why "of the impossible?" Because that wish became reality in a way that surpasses any expectation. The Romanian Adventist Men's Chorus is not a dream anymore.

I talked to some of the members of the RAMC. Beyond the musical experience they had offered to the thousands of listeners that enjoyed a sacred, unaltered music, they had lived something unique. They had reaffirmed their faith through singing together with other people, from a different culture, speaking a different language, but worshipping the same God.

The ending was climactic. The entire audience together with the beautiful chorus and the orchestra sang "We Have This Hope." The hope of all? Jesus is coming soon!

They sang about hope Saturday night, about an Almighty God full of love, a God who promised that He'll come back and a God who will keep His promise. Who could ask for more?

Friendly faces welcome OAMC home

IMG_1138, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

A few pictures are posted of the early-morning departure and "welcome home" of familiar faces at PDX.

Lorie Ramey and Eward Brown hoist the "Welcome Home OAMC" banner in PDX.

Click the photo to see more pictures.

God’s Challenge to Me

By John Korb
Vancouver, WA
April 28, 2009

I’m home now; it has been quite the experience. I’m not thinking only of the Romania Mission, but of how God has led me to this place, Romania.

About four years ago I was invited by Mick Turner to attend a concert of the His Praise Men’s Chorus at Sunnyside SDA Church. My wife Shari and I attended, mainly because we wanted to support Mick. He was the only one we knew in the chorus. We enjoyed the music, both the performance and messages. During one of the songs that I particularly enjoyed I thought, “Boy that sure looks like fun. I wish I could sing like that.” Later, as I was further moved by the music, I breathed a silent prayer that said, “Lord, I would be willing to sing in a group like that, but I would need to be invited.”

Following the concert we visited with a number of friends and expressed our appreciation to the singers for their wonderful music. We headed for the door and congratulated Charlie Drury and Rick Martin, chorus members who were standing at the door to the parking lot. We shared with them our appreciation for their music and they responded by saying, “Are you going to come sing with us?” I was immediately struck with the impression that this was an answer to my prayer. There could be no denying it.

But deny it I did. I made some miserable excuse that I didn’t know how to sing and I had never sung in a chorus. As we walked toward the car into the cool night air, I was sweating. I knew that God had challenged me to follow through with my commitment to sing if I was invited.

Once we arrived home, Shari and I were sitting in our family room and I told her, “I’ve got to tell you a story.” I shared with her my prayer and how God had created a situation for the invitation and yet I had not responded in a positive way.

Shari’s response was, “You have to do it!”

The following week I met with Mick to share my story. Much to my surprise he said we are having practice Monday and I should come. He said, “We are a ministry, not just a music group.”

It was Mick who also encouraged me to join OAMC. I agreed to try, knowing that I was not prepared, really didn’t know how to sing and scared to death of my own voice. At OAMC I also found that “It really was not about the music,” but fellowship and growing in our spiritual journey.

Fast forward four years. The amazing part of this experience is that by accepting God’s challenge, I have had the opportunity to sing in His Praise, sing with OAMC and to participate in this wonderful Romania mission.

Recently I read a quote that said something like, “God does not place a desire in your heart to do that which you have no ability to do.” I thank God for making the Romania Mission possible. I thank all those who answered the call and gave their time and made gifts to help fund the mission. Ask any of the OAMC members and they will tell you the investments made will have eternal results.

May God be blessed.

Final concert photos from Bucharest posted

IMG_0939, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

A few photographs from the final concerts in Bucharest at the Radio Hall on Sabbath, April 25, have been posted.

Click the photo to see more pictures.

OAMC-RAMC share communion service

IMG_0647, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

As the final weekend of the Mission to Romania commenced, members of the Oregon and Romania men's chorus groups shared a communion service on the evening of Friday, April 24.

Click to photo to see more pictures.

Romania experience strengthens bonds

By Daniel Knapp

Received Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. Pacific

 

This mission has afforded us the time and opportunity to not only become acquainted with several Romania chorus members and hear about their customs, needs and hopes, but we also have traveled two weeks together as a group and had time to interact among ourselves – to become more intimately acquainted and discover common ground.

 

That will certainly enhance our cohesive interactions in the future. We are now aware, first hand, of the many real needs here (in Romania), and this mission may last much longer than we originally realized. Certainly, an ongoing need for specific items of prayer, as well as possible material assistance is undoubtedly in order.

 

The Romanian churches here are much more on "the same page" with us and our faith than we originally may have imagined. In some respects, even more informed than us. The cultural differences are minor. We will definitely come away from this mission changed forever – positively!

Young singer celebrates 15th birthday in Romania

Elisha-15th-B-day, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured above: Elisha Bailey displays the 1 and 5 candles from his birthday cake.

One of OAMC's youthful singers, Elisha Bailey, turned 15 on Friday, April 24, on his first trip of this kind a long way from home. He celebrated with some 200 of his newest, closest friends friends in Romania at the Adventist seminary in Cernica.

Singer/blogger Denny Nutter sent this note:

"We sang Happy Birthday to him and the cafeteria staff provided one of the most delicious birthday cakes I've ever tasted. I'm glad he shared!"

Track OAMC returning flights

Want to find out when your OAMC singer, musician, family member, friend will arrive in Portland?

Here's the Sunday itinerary. The check further down for instructions for using FlightAware.com to track domestic flights.

Check the itinerary here.

Sunday, April 26 – Portland

3 a.m. – Bus departs for Otopeni International Airport, Bucharest.
6:05 a.m. – Flight NW 8358 (KLM 1358) departs for Amsterdam. Breakfast served en route. Arrive Amsterdam 7:50 a.m.
9:15 a.m. – Assemble at Northwest Airlines flight 91 departure gate for security screening and passport check.
9:30 a.m. – Commence boarding.
10:30 a.m. – NW Airline flight 91 departs Amsterdam for Portland
11:50 a.m. Pacific – Arrive in Portland. You will complete Immigration, Agriculture, and Customs inspections on arrival. You and your luggage will then board the International Arrivals bus to the main terminal. You will be exiting into the terminal next to baggage claim 10.
A ride will be provided for those that parked their cars at Sunnyside SDA Church.

Family at home can monitor the progress of domestic flights at www.FlightAware.com. In the box in the left-hand column that says “Track Commercial Flight,” enter the airline and flight number.

Sabbath finale concerts streamed live on the web

The OAMC/RAMC final two concerts in Bucharest will be shown live via streaming video on the world wide web on Sabbath, April 25, at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pacific time.

• Go directly to the video streaming page at www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php. Or link from the OAMC home page at www.oamc.org.
  

Sabbath, April 25 – Concerts in Bucharest

5 p.m. (7 a.m. Pacific) – First concert at Radio Hall with TV taping for Romanian Adventist Media. This concert was added because the 8 p.m. concert – seating 900 – sold out.
8 p.m. (10 a.m. Pacific) – Final concert at Radio Hall with TV taping again.

A singer shares experiences

IMG_7303x, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured above: Dave Schmidt, right, with Alin Apostol

By David Schmidt., 2nd tenor, OAMC president
Received Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. Pacific

The past several days have been extreme highlights for me. Musically, program in Targu-Mures in the small concert hall with the three balconies was a tremendous experience! It was a beautiful, intimate setting, with every seat filled. Musically it was as close to "perfect" as we can do. The 43-piece orchestra was the best OAMC has ever had, the organ was tremendous.

Then the next night in Brasov at the Black Church (i.e., cathedral) was an incredible experience with the long reverb time, the setting so beautiful. I hope you were able to hear it streamed online and experience it with us. For me it was probably the musical highlight of my life, and a great spiritual time as well. I'll never forget it.

To be able to experience all of this with our new Romanian friends has made it an even richer time. From my standpoint, every hope I've had for this Mission has been met, plus more. There are some fine musicians among the Romanians, plus wonderful Christian men. It has been a rich blessing to be part of this along with them.

I'm glad our time here will end not with a visit to a castle or museum, but with a musical "high," two programs this coming Sabbath. I'm looking forward to it with mixed emotions: the music will be thrilling, but I'm not anxious to see the time here come to an end.

As I've reflected on the music of the combined choruses, it reminds me of Ingathering from years back. I honestly believe the angels have been singing with us because I think the music has been much better than we could expect to produce by ourselves. We've been praying earnestly for the Lord's blessing on this time and I'm certain He has been with us.

Romanian pastor’s perspective

By Bogdan Platon, pastor in Darabani, Romania, 29 years
Received Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. Pacific

I was a little piece of this puzzle that tried to present the image of Christ through the big gift of music, the emotion transmitted from heart to heart. It was an excellent time in which we shared kindness, friendship and experience of life.

Of course, this time will be unforgettable because it has become a part of eternal Plan of Salvation. We discovered the way from foreign brothers to close friends.

Everybody is having a beautiful history in his life, instead of our human problems, because Christ can make flowers from ice for our sake. I'm waiting for the moment we will see our Great Master that has revealed to us in these days through worship, discussions, visits and talking.

Musician’s experience at The Black Church

By Levis Dragulin, musician, trumpet
Received Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. Pacific

A musician always looks for the perfect place for sound production. The Black Church at Brasov is such a location.

It was a real honor and privilege to glorify God and help strengthen people's faith in this church. Acoustically, there was about three seconds of reverberation. The sound seemed to continue on forever after the ending notes. Although there was no applause allowed (however, one person did applaud after a song and was quickly hushed by those around him), there seemed to be a complete feeling of reverence toward the music and the experience.

Personally, there were times at which I got goose bumps, especially after the ends of songs when the reverb took over. Lou did a fantastic job of directing the chorus, and they in turn did wonderful work, being well in tune and professional in appearance. God must have been smiling down upon us as we performed.

The “Four Hymns of the Second Coming” was especially meaningful because it was a chance to give our central message to an audience that may not put as much importance on it as we do. And, holding out that last high D on my trumpet at the end of the hymn and then listening to it echo afterward was a really satisfying experience. Hopefully another handful of souls will be in Heaven because of this performance.

Seeing God moving in the group

Bran Castle P4230218, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured above: Ian Edgerton, singer, 2nd from left; far left, Levis Dragulin, musician

By Ian Edgerton, singer
Received Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. Pacific

Buna Ziua!! (Good day!)

The days are getting more exciting as we approach Saturday our final concert! Unfortunately the days are also passing more quickly :(

Regardless, I feel the Lord has been moving in our group in a powerful way. There is a cohesive atmosphere that is only created when Christ is the center of the effort. Thank you everyone back in the states for your prayers. With love, Ian Edgerton

Playing the organ in the Church on the Hill

Virginia-Church-on-the-Hill, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Virginia Oliver plays the 1858 organ of the 13th-century Church on the Hill in the town of Sighisoara.

By Ron Oliver, singer, husband of Virginia Oliver, organist/pianist
Received Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. Pacific

There is a famous organ in the Black Church in Brasov. It is the largest organ in Romania and the only organ built by a famous German organ builder that survives in its original condition.

For the concert, it took a team of three organists to play it! Virginia played while the regular church organist and an assistant stood on either side of her moving the stops as needed. The keys and pedals are not today's standard size. The organ had four manuals and 4,000 pipes, and sounded magnificent.

The facility is called a church but is really a gothic cathedral.

Black Church concert well received in cathedral and online

IMG_0116 Looking Past Lou down into the Church, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured above: The chorus sang in three groupings high above the main floor in the magnificent Black Church.

By Denny Nutter
Received Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. Pacific

Wednesday, April 22

This morning we left the Apollo Hotel in Targu Mures and pointed the buses toward Brasov where our evening concert was to be held. With a short drive time, we were privileged to stop along the way at the historical town of Sighisoara, which dates back over 800 years ago. Some of us immediately took the trail up Citadel Hill. Our final steps to the top took us through the tunnel or covered walk way (174 wooden steps) to the School on the Hill (operating today as the Joseph Haltrich High School).

Just above the school is the Church on the Hill. It was built in gothic style in the 13th century on top of the walls of a former chapel and then renovated in the 15th century to its current form. Some of us had the unique privilege of hearing a short concert by Virginia Oliver on the organ built in 1858 by Karl Schneider.

Others spent most of their time in the town below the Hill. There was plenty to see and absorb as we wandered through streets with towers and buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

After a fascinating time there, we made our way to the Conference Retreat Center (the former Romanian Theological Seminary) for lunch. Once we found our assigned rooms in the dorms we quickly changed into our performance attire and boarded the buses again for Brasov’s Black Church , so named for a fire that destroyed the spire years ago. The Black Church is a very large cathedral with excellent acoustics.

The Chorus made its way up a very narrow spiral staircase to the three sectioned choir loft in front of and either side of the majestic pipe organ. The pipe organ and the trumpet were our only accompaniment tonight. The audience sat on the ground level approximately 40 feet below us and joined in on two hymns – “Nearer, Still Nearer” and “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The cathedral’s center section was packed (800 plus, some estimates over 1000), which was a very special surprise. Due to the sacredness of the location no applause or flash photography was allowed.

Reports from those watching at home back in the States indicated having goose bumps and tears developing at the same time. Some of our support group seated downstairs reported that the concert was indescribably awesome and magnificent, another milestone in an incredible experience for the men of OAMC.

Cultural Palace concert experience

P4210783, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Photo of Cultural Palace concert hall by Estee Pummel


By Rick Pummel
Received Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. Pacific

The concert tonight was a phenomenal experience! The Cultural Palace is "one of the great concert halls of Europe," to quote what Lou told us today in his pep talk before the concert. Most members of the orchestra were local professionals hired for the performance. They were WONDERFUL. We even had a harp accompany us on “Blessed is the Nation.”

I looked over during the concert to see Levis Dragulin playing a new black trumpet, which he picked up in town (Targu Mures) today.

Estee (Rick’s wife) picked up a new pair of concert shoes for me today, made in Italy. The soles of the shoes I brought with me started falling off a couple days ago, in great chunks!

Transylvanian audience shows appreciation

IMG_9742, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: Tuesday evening's concert was held in the Palace of Culture in Targu Mures, in the region of Transylvania. The pipe organ has more 4663 tubes.

By Denny Nutter
Received by Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. Pacific

Tuesday, April 21

Tuesday morning provided the first opportunity to sleep in a bit and an optional trip to downtown Targu Mures to visit cathedrals, monuments, and the beautiful plaza in front of the Cultural Palace where we were to sing tonight. (More about the Cultural Palace here.) After a trip back to the Apollo Hotel for rehearsal and lunch, we re-boarded the bus in concert attire and headed back to the Cultural Palace which is one of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls.

What an awesome place to sing! Tonight’s accompanists included Targu Mures’ Symphony Orchestra and brass, a harpist, and one of our Romania chorus brothers playing the pan pipes. Virginia Oliver was able to tickle the keys of the grand organ far better than the usual electronic keyboard or organ – the majestic Cultural Palace pipe organ! The Symphony Maestro was in attendance and seemed to greatly enjoy the program.

Poor Lou probably wondered what he had gotten himself into during the rehearsal immediately preceding the concert. We had fewer Romanian men with us, voices were wearing out, and a frustrating lack of attention, or faces buried in the music instead of watching the conductor. Zach Parks asked the Romanian Chorus member next to him if he was feeling OK and he replied that he was but that he was in prayer for the concert. I’m sure many of us were, at that point as well.

After some serious reminders of what a bunch of amateurs were attempting but privileged to do this evening, the Holy Spirit took over and blessed us with what perhaps has been the best concert to date. The crowd was very receptive and responsive as hearts were touched.

Probably the most memorable moment in the concert came when Lou Wildman gave his introduction to “Deep River,” talking about the dark period of slavery in America’s history and the spirituals that came out of that period. He explained that not only was this piece of music descriptive of the slaves’ longing for heaven but for freedom from bondage in this life as well. He told of watching thousands of Romanians pour out into their streets to reclaim their freedom some twenty years ago as he watched on TV. Many nodded their heads remembering that time. “Tonight,” he said, “not only am I proud to be an American, but I am proud to be in Romania, and I salute you.”

After a moving rendition of “Deep River,” the audience applauded and applauded and then began to rhythmically applaud signaling that they wanted more and our concert wasn’t even over yet!

“The Four Hymns of the Second Coming” was also very well received and brought more rhythmic clapping. After the usual recognitions, gifts, flowers, and expressions of appreciation; the concert ended with a rousing rendition of “Soldiers of the Captain” – the first verse in Romanian, second verse in English, and the third verse sung simultaneously in Romanian and English.

Thank you, Jesus, for not only blessing the audience tonight but both men’s choruses as well!

Unplanned lunch stop brings blessings

By Denny Nutter
Received by Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. Pacific

Monday, April 20

The Lord has certainly blessed us with wonderful weather on this trip. Many of the places we performed or ate at would have been most difficult with inclement weather.

What an awesome day our trip planners arranged for on Monday. A sack breakfast was loaded on one of the buses as we departed Botosani. We stopped for breakfast at the Suceava Fortress built at the end of the 14th century and later modified several times by Alexand cel Bun (1400-1432) and Stephen the Great of Moldova (1457-1504). The group had a great time exploring the ancient fortress and singing in front of the ancient chapel.

The next stop was at the Monastery at Voronet also built in the 1400’s. It was covered in artwork tracing Old Testament history, the life of Christ and the final judgment. A local nun gave the history of the Monastery and described what the paintings depicted. Alin translated for her. When the nun’s tour was over we sang “Soldiers of the Captain” while other tourists looked on and applauded when we were done.

A very moving experience took place when we stopped for lunch at one of our SDA churches on the eastern slope (a different spot than originally planned). After a wonderful lunch and fellowship we slipped into the sanctuary to sing for the ladies who had worked so hard to prepare our meal.

One of the local church members who had enjoyed practicing his English during lunch insisted that we sing “Amazing Grace” before we sang anything else. There were not many dry eyes amongst us as the song came to a conclusion. He then went on to explain that this week had been very hard on their church family because the head elder had passed away. His widow was one of the ladies that had prepared the food and was moved to tears many times during the song. We then knew why God had directed us there and cried and hugged some more as we sang “We Have This Hope” with perhaps more meaning than we have ever felt before.

The remainder of the day we enjoyed the gorgeous scenic views from both sides of the alpine mountain range of Northern Romania. High on the ridge we stopped for photo opportunities and souvenir shopping at Hotel Dracula. The evening was spent descending the western slope to our destination of Targu Mures.

Sabbath concerts to be webcast live via streaming video

The final two concerts of the Mission to Romania, to be held in the Radio Hall in Bucharest, on Sabbath, April 25, will be broadcast live via streaming video on the Internet.

The concerts will be at 7 and 10 a.m. Pacific (5 and 8 p.m. Romanian time, a 10-hour time difference).

Check back on the itinerary page and OAMC website (www.oamc.org) for the link to the streaming video.

Sabbath, April 25 Concerts in Bucharest

• Finale concerts will be streamed live to the web. Check the OAMC home page for details: www.oamc.org

2 p.m. local time – Chorus and musicians depart for Bucharest
5 p.m. (7 a.m. Pacific) – First concert at Radio Hall with TV taping for Romanian Adventist Media. This concert was added because the 8 p.m. concert – seating 900 – sold out.
8 p.m. (10 a.m. Pacific) – Final concert at Radio Hall with TV taping again.

New friends are treasures

By Rick Pummel
Received Monday, April 20, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. Pacific

It is very late Monday night. We are privileged this evening to stay in a wonderful hotel. Last night we (my wife, Estee, my son, Colin, and I) had an even greater privilege, to stay in the home of one of our young Romanian singers.

He checked with his parents and then invited us a couple days ago to stay at his house. Last night after arriving in town with the choir, his much older brother picked us up and drove us out to their parents’ home in a small village several kilometers outside the town where the choir was staying.

We were received VERY warmly and were immediately sat down to a supper prepared just for our family and the boy. Neither of his parents spoke any English, and our Romanian is extremely limited. So, he was kept quite busy translating. We had a wonderful evening together, asking about each other’s country, sharing stories, and so on. We shared pictures of the area around our home, which actually looks rather similar to the terrain surrounding their village.

I was taken back to my days as a student missionary (SM) due to the absence of an indoor toilet. Their bath arrangement was a definite improvement over my experience as an SM, as they had an indoor bath tub with water heated very nicely by a wood burning water heater. The water heater added a nice, cozy warmth to the room.

The morning found us refreshed and invigorated by the wonderful fresh air, the sounds of the chickens and nearby turkeys, and the warm glow of the sunrise. After a very beautiful breakfast of fresh vegetables, boiled farm fresh eggs in cream sauce and homemade bread, we were taken on a tour of their large greenhouse and their 20 or so beehives.

We then were forced to say goodbye to our new found friends, and were sent back to town with someone else, who had hosted Doug Woods for the night.

I thank God that the boy felt so loved and comfortable around us that he went so far as to bring us home. I pray that God’s love may always shine through us and overshadow any differences of culture, race, class, etc.

Nice hotels are a nice treat for a night, but the treasure of new Christian friends is golden and enduring.

Orthodox Passover (Easter) in Botosani

By Denny Nutter
Received Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 10:35 p.m. Pacific

Sunday was another high day for us. As you know, it was the Orthodox Passover weekend (Easter). This is Alin's home town. We were fed twice (lunch and supper) by the church ladies of his congregation. We also had the privilege of meeting his wife and children.

It was exciting to have so many members of Alin's churches in the audience. Singing in the round is always a wonderful experience for members of the OAMC to mingle with the audience and sometimes share a book with them like Lowell and I did yesterday. Love flows as the Spirit moves. Sometimes we have the opportunity to encourage the men in the audience to join the Romanian Men's Chorus."

Recognizing God’s blessings

Received Date: Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. Pacific
By members of OAMC

Rick Martin – The men and women and children of Romania are a happy people in general and under the influence of communism. I feel God has sent us here to experience the reality of true freedom so that we can fight against evil, from taking our religious freedom and to pray that God will come soon, just as our Romanian brothers and sisters her do.

Earle Knowles – I started the trip with the wrong contact lens, and expected to be unable to see my music. But through God’s providence (and Mr. Oliver’s generosity) I “received my sight.” And it has been a blessing to sing between two fine Romanian singers.

Elwood Starr – It was a powerfully moving experience for me as we gathered with the Romanian chorus for the first time in the seminary hall. As voices blended together we become one brotherhood in heart. PTL!

Angel – I did not expect a wonderful experience like this one. I have been blessed by the smiles of the people we sing to, by the fellowship with the Romanian brothers, by the fellowship among the OAMC. I hope that God continues bless our efforts and that when we get home we can pass these same blessings to our communities.

Ron Wearner – I have found the Romanian people to be very warm and friendly. It has been a joy and a blessing to join with the fine group of men that make up the Romanian Adventist Men’s Chorus. Just imagine what it will be like to sing with God’s people from everywhere when we get to heaven!

Doug Woods – I’ve been making friends with many of the Romanian singers. Those that speak some English (or French) are eager to practice it and to ask about America. I’m impressed with their musical ability and voice quality. They’ve been very welcoming and eager to interact. Another impressive thing has been how many of RAMC men are in their teens and early twenties! The camaraderie has been great!

Mike Andrews – I am honored to be in a group of OAMC members, to know that God is using us in a very special way to touch the hearts of the Romanian people. The Romanian people are musical. They love and understand God’s message.

Wellington Manullang – “The Four Hymns” is, of course, about the second coming. But when you hear more than 200 men sing, Romanian and American, it makes me feel as if I am already in heaven.

Steve Chapman – Getting to know my Christian brothers in Romania has been a blessing to me. To sing praises to God in a new country is such a privilege for me.

Dean and Janet Browning – Sabbath morning in the bus, we received such a blessing when a Romanian fellow quietly strummed “When We All Get To Heaven” on his guitar. Our voices blended in Romanian and English as one, all looking forward to that great day.

Leroy James – I want to thank all that made it possible to come. We have had a wonderful week. The brothers and sisters in Romania are wonderful. I have been greatly blessed.

Tom & Brooke Stafford – It is very encouraging to sing songs of praise with believers who have experienced religious oppression and survived. We will need these memories when we experience harassment for our beliefs. It is also great to meet our church members and see their land and its beauty.

Daniel Knapp – As we have traveled from city to city throughout Romania, we have been profoundly impacted by the stark contrasts in culture, architecture and subtle restrictions, the absence of which we take for granted. Yet, at the same time, we sense through their broken English translations with our friends here that, in spite of it, we do have the same hope, faith and understanding of the gospel. We long for the soon coming of the Lord. We are finding it easy to quickly develop intimate friendships with the Romanians involved with the chorus. We are finding frequent opportunities to witness to individuals as we hoped to do. We had a very emotional formal presentation last evening in a large auditorium in Galati. The city has a population of about 300,000. We had approximately 500 in the audience. It was an excellent event.

God’s Gift to US

Received Date: Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. Pacific

April 19, 2009
From David and Mary Jo Cunnard
On the Road from Iasi to Bostosani

God’s Gift to US

What if there is a mission trip announced in your church and you cannot go? Can you still have a part? Can you still have an impact?

Some 15 years ago, John Wesslen planned a mission trip to Vaslui, Romania, from Tabernacle Church in downtown Portland. We were not able to go, but were able to support the trip financially, with our prayers and by sending small promise cards to be handed out to the Romanians.

During this first trip John made contact with a man whose sons and nephews had formed a small singing group. On John’s second trip, John invited these young men to sing during his meetings. One of them, Alin Apostol, expressed an interest in studying in the United States. With the help of those on the trip, Alin was cleared to attend Walla Walla College in 10 days! Alin graduated from WWC and returned to Romania as a pastor. During his time at WWC he was a member of OAMC.

As many of you who are acquainted with the OAMC Mission to Romania know, Alin Apostol is the driving force behind the Romanian Adventist Men’s Chorus and managing the OAMC logistics in Romania.

Saturday night in Iasi (pronounced Yawsh), I talked to Alin’s mother after we completed our second wonderful meal at their vegetarian restaurant. She told me that it was not until she met American Christians that she learned what it meant and how to truly love.

Can you have an impact? If people had not supported John’s mission trip, the OAMC Mission to Romania would probably not be happening. We may never know until we reach heaven how much of an impact our gifts and prayers have had. I never dreamed that I would see any results of my gifts in this life. Please remember that those who are only able to give and pray are just as important to the mission as those who go. May God be blessed.

Romanian musicians enjoying experience with concerts

From Alexandra Honciuc and Mihaela Ivan, orchestra musicians
Received Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. Pacific

Hi!

We are Alexandra Honciuc and Mihaela Ivan from Romania, Iasi.

We're playing violin and viola in orchestra which sang [played] with the choir. We enjoyed a lot this experience because we met new and interesting people, with the same wish to sing.

We love American’s style, their way of living, because we they smile a lot and they are very funny some times. It was a pleasure for us to sing [play] among them. We hope they enjoyed as well.

Maybe next time we will sing also with you, in America....just joking. Good luck in your activities, and we hope we will meet again.


From Emerich Gherca and Emanuela Gherca, orchestra musicians (believed to be brother and sister)
Received Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. Pacific

I'm cellist in the orchestra from Iasi and I like the way I was treated as a person and as an artist. I am glad that I could be part of this project because I have the opportunity to glorify the Lord with my gift.

God bless you all.

Iasi Concert Hall photo

Sabbath-Concert-Hall, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

This is the Concert hall in Iasi where the concert on Sabbath, April 18, was held. Photo by Bob Sproed.

Travel to and concert in Bacau

IMG_8317x, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Click the photo or click here to see more photos.

By Denny Nutter
Friday, April 17, 2009, at 9:38 p.m. Pacific

Today was another beautiful, but very busy day.

After an early breakfast, we left Galati and headed north to Bacau. On the way, our bus drivers were kind enough to take us through the Gypsy town of Ivesti, which had very fascinating architecture. We observed many horse-drawn wagons and brightly-dressed Gypsy women.

We arrived at the Moldova Conference Office about 2 p.m. and walked a few blocks to the church closest to the Conference Office where we were treated to a feast of cabbage rolls, potato salad, fresh bread, corn-meal mush and a variety of desserts – lemon bars being one of the favorites. Apples have been made available to those that prefer fresh fruit or choose to use it for a toothbrush.

Tonight the group is staying at the Hotel Moldova right across from a mammoth Orthodox church under construction.

We were within easy walking distance (about five blocks) of our evening concert, which was held in the Ateneu Concert Hall. Again, nearly every seat was filled by a very enthusiastic audience. As they did last night, the audience responded very enthusiastically to OAMC’s attempt at singing the second verse of “Nearer, Still Nearer” in Romanian. The Romanian men we sing with are always very complimentary and say that our pronunciation is very good and that they can understand every word.

The concert was broadcast live tonight [on the Internet] and some in our chorus were able to get the church website address last minute to some of our friends and family back in the states, who were able to watch it online. [Editor's note: Saturday and Sunday concerts may also be broadcast, but it's not definite. Go here for details.]

The audience lustily joined us on the second chorus of “We Have This Hope” and was so touched by grandness of the men and the orchestra that we sang it a second time as an encore.

Everyday one can observe the friendship grow among the men of both choruses. Truly we getting a small taste of what heaven will be like.

Gypsy village between Galati and Bacau

IMG_8081x, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Scenes from a gypsy village taken as the group traveled from Galati to Bacau.

Go here to see a few more scenes.

Photos by Ralph Stathem.

God in the back of the bus

By Zach Parks, 16-year-old singer
Received Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Pacific

The last time that I wrote for this blog, I talked about the importance of intimacy. Here we are only a few days into the trip, and I had already a fantastic experience to back it up.

As we rode on the bus together yesterday, we got the wonderful chance to put what we talk about into practice. There were seven of us in the back of the bus, and we all slowly became involved in a conversation about the type of music that is appropriate in church. As many of you probably know, that is a very, very touchy subject. We talked and discussed for a couple of hours and after discussing, we decided to open ourselves to each other and become safe, and intimate.

We spent probably three or more hours in the back of that bus as the seven of us shared our life story, and how our spiritual life has grown. It was simply amazing to watch how God had worked, and is still working in people’s lives. The thing that was amazing was the diversity of the group. We had three boys under 16, and a young Romanian pastor, two middle-aged American men, and a 17-year-old Romanian boy.

All I can say is, yesterday (April 16) God moved. We came to Romania to do ministry, and yesterday’s bus ride was exactly the type of ministry that I believe God sent me and my dad here for. We got to listen as people poured their hearts out, and as we sat I believe any one of us would easily tell you one thing about that meeting … GOD WAS THERE.

Young OAMC singer enjoys mission

By Elisha Bailey, 14-year-old singer
Received Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Pacific

I have not written in before. I have been having the time of my life, although I miss my mom and family. I believe that God is on this trip because of the conversations on the bus and people learning to take another’s point of view. I have made many new friends, such as Alexandru Dichiu. I believe that God ordained these friendships. Until next time, Elisha Bailey

Young Romanian singer’s experience with OAMC

By Dinu Cotruta, one of our young Romanian members
Received Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Pacific

Hi! My name is Dinu Cotruta, and I have to tell you that I am having a wonderfully good time with the guys. I didn’t believe that they were so friendly and that’s why I have to say that I am very surprised about this. The first time that I saw Lou, I saw in him a man with a lot of experience and a conductor who knows what decision to make for the good of everybody.

I have met some American people in this chorus that were very sociable with me and I am so glad about this. I wasn’t so decided that I’m going to go to [sing in] all the concerts, but now I want to have this experience with the guys.

I’m very happy and I believe that when our GOD is going to come for the second time, we’ll meet in his kingdom every one of us and we are going to make a huge chorus with the angels and our GOD, JESUS CHRIST. Amen

Overnight in Galati in a Romanian home

By Donna Cavanaugh
Received Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Pacific

What an experience we had yesterday (Thursday, April 16). After a wonderful concert at the Adventist church in Galati a friendly Romanian lady came up to us talking a blue streak. We couldn't understand her at first, but with sign language she indicated she wanted us to come sleep at her house. We got our luggage off the bus concerned if she'd have a car big enough. Not to worry – she called a cab and took us and our luggage home.

She showed us what must be their sitting room and pulled the couch out to make a 3/4 size bed. We asked about the restroom and her husband took us outside down the little trail they'd marked and showed us the outhouse. No lights out there; only had to make one more trip in the middle of the night setting the neighbor dogs to barking.

In the morning they took us to the kitchen where Ioan, Maria's husband, brought us in some water to wash with while Maria cooked us eggs, made a salad of fresh and so tasty tomatoes, radishes, young onions Ioan had just pulled and parsley. Maria had home-made bread and yogurt. We couldn't eat as much as she thought we should so she insisted we take bread and yogurt with us.

After loading us with gifts they called a cab and Maria rode with us to meet our group at the hotel. Maria practiced her Spanish with the driver who had spent a year in Spain.. Through a young Romanian man traveling with us she told us what a blessing the men's singing was to her.

I don't think we could adequately express how memorable her kindness was to us.

Romanians making wonderful meals for group

P1060260, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

From Ron & Rhonda Tilley
Received Friday, Apr 17, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Pacific

April 16, 2009

What a treat! The meals the Romanian women have been fixing for us are simple, but delicious. Lots of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, apples and different cheeses have accompanied cabbage rolls and potato salad and always plenty of bread. They have done a wonderful job preparing food for up to 200 of us.

These women of the Galati Adventist church prepared dinner for the group.

Weekend concerts may be broadcast on web

I've learned -- and this is secondhand information, so we don't know for sure yet -- that this weekend's concerts may be broadcast and viewed on the web via live streaming video. (These broadcasts will not be archived for later viewing, I'm told.)

Please note the local Pacific times in this post. A message earlier got away from me in which I had incorrectly calculated the times.


Sabbath, April 18 – Iasi
6 p.m. concert in Iasi (8 a.m. Pacific) -- Concert might be broadcast
via streaming video on the web.
Check here www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php

Sunday, April 19 – Botosani
3 p.m. concert in Botosani (5 a.m. Pacific) -- Concert might be
broadcast via streaming video on the web.
Check here www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php

This information is also posted on the itinerary page here.

View live concert in Internet Explorer

If you're having difficulty viewing the concert in Firefox, try Internet Explorer instead.

The concert started at 8 a.m. Pacific, 6 p.m. Romanian time.

http://www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php

Direct Link to LIVE Concert video -- NOW (corrected)

(Had to fix something I didn't quite get right the first time around)...

Here's the link that takes you directly to the video page:

http://www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php

OAMC Concert LIVE from Bacau -- NOW

Just received word a few minutes ago that the concert in Bacau is being broadcast live on the Internet.

To see and hear the concert, go to http://www.conferinta-moldova.ro (SDA Church Moldova Conference website) and click on the Video Live link at the top left.

Feel free to leave your comments about the concert and what you see here in the Comments for this post.

First Concert in Galati

First Concert in Galati

By Denny Nutter
Received Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. Pacific

On Thursday our group boarded the buses and headed to the Adventist church in Galati. We were greeted warmly by the pastor, who was with us at during our practice sessions at the seminary. The church ladies had prepared a scrumptious feast for us.

The church was packed for our 6 p.m. concert and the Lord blessed. My personal reward was the warm hugs from one of our church brethren who repeated over and over again with tears in his eyes, “I love you so much! God bless you!” I'm sure that many others in the group experienced the same.

To be perfectly honest, as we sang “We have this Hope,” I had goose bumps all over and tears filled my own eyes as I looked at the sincere faces in our audience. Of course, the other eye was constantly on Lou when I could see him (we were very crowded on the platform)!

The Home I Never Knew

IMG_7352x, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

Pictured: Levis (left) and Paul Dragulin, with Lou Wildman at rehearsal at Cernica.

The Home I Never Knew

By Paul Dragulin, 2nd Tenor, member of Sunnyside SDA church
Received Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. Pacific

My name is Paul Dragulin and I have been a singer in the OAMC for two-and-a-half years. My brother Levis has played trumpet with the group for about 10 years.

Both of us are full-blooded Romanians. Our parents, Victor and Rodica, lived in Romania during the communist years and experienced many troubles. However, by God's miracles and power, they were sustained and were allowed to leave before communism fell in 1989. Levis was about one year old at the time and I was born about a year later in the United States.

We had never been back to visit Romania in about 25 years. It was after I joined the OAMC that I learned of this mission trip and my parents decided to support Levis and me in going to visit the land where we came from.

A week or two before our departure, for a birthday present, our mother surprised our father with a month-long trip to Romania to visit his mother and friends. As I write this, my father, my brother and I are seeing the land that none of us have seen in about 25 years.

Upon arriving in the airport in Bucharest two days ago, we met our father who had already been in the city for a week. With him was a short, sweet old lady who we both knew was the grandmother that neither Levis nor I had ever met. After a short few moments embracing and talking we were forced to part again because the OAMC group had to immediately leave for the hotel.

Just tonight (Wednesday) I met by a Romanian singer in our combined chorus named Titus who embraced me firmly and told me that he had worked with my father fixing medical machines and hadn't seen either of my parents in about 25 years. He offered to drive my brother and me to where my father and grandmother were staying after supper.

When we arrived at their small home in the crowded city a few hours ago, neither our father nor grandmother were there, but instead there were other relatives we had never seen before – our uncle Lucian and a cousin. They were very warm and excited to see us. They showed us the room where Levis stayed for a year, which he immediately recognized.

After about 20 minutes, we had to leave because it was late. However, we have invited my father, my grandmother, my uncle, cousin and their relatives to come to the final concert in Bucharest on April 25. I hope that on that occasion that Levis and I will have a much fuller experience with these people that I should have known already for years. As far as I can tell, from what they've said and pictures in their home, they are Christians. That warms me with the thought that all of my family may be in heaven.

I had never planned to go to Romania nor had I made any specific plans prior to this mission trip to visit these distant relatives. However, this experience has taught me just what Lou and the others have said for years: what we plan for ourselves and our lives always falls short of what God plans to do with us. Just give Him permission to make your life full with many rich experiences and He will do it.

OAMC in Romania route map

OAMC in Romania map, originally uploaded by oamcsinger.

A map tracing the travel route. Travel is in a counterclockwise direction.

Follow the OAMC travels with the itinerary and this map. View a larger version by clicking on the map to go Flickr.com, then choose the "All sizes" magnifying glass icon at the top of the picture to enlarge it.

Another map showing the travel destinations is posted here.

OAMC Mission to Romania Itinerary - updated #2

April 12-26, 2009

I've updated this post with a note about the time difference. Also, I've learned that the Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19, concerts may be broadcast -- there's still some question about it -- and viewed live on the web via streaming video. The link has been posted on the itinerary below.

View a map here of Romania showing the cities.
Times are 10 hours ahead of the Pacific time zone.

Sunday, April 12 – Depart from Portland
Northwest Airlines flight 92 non-stop to Amsterdam

Monday, April 13 – Depart Amsterdam, arrive Bucharest

Tuesday, April 14 – Bucharest
Morning rehearsal at SDA theological seminary in Cernica
Afternoon rehearsal with Romanian men at seminary
Day tour of Bucharest for family members not involved with practice.

Wednesday, April 15 – Bucharest
Rehearsal and audio recording at SDA theological seminary in Cernica
Day tour of Bucharest for family members not involved with the rehearsal and audio recording.

Thursday, April 16 – Galati
Depart for Galati; fellowship lunch at Galati SDA Church
6 p.m. concert at the Galati SDA Church
Accommodations in Galati provided by local host families and/or hotel

Friday, April 17 – Bacau
8:30 a.m. depart for Bacau.
6 p.m. concert Bacau
Accommodations are a hotel in Bacau

Sabbath, April 18 – Iasi
8:30 a.m. depart for travel to church in Iasi
6 p.m. concert in Iasi (8 a.m. Pacific) -- Concert might be broadcast via streaming video on the web. Check at www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php
Accommodations in provided by local host families and/or hotel

Sunday, April 19 – Botosani
10:30 a.m. depart for Botosani; fellowship lunch with Botosani SDA Church
3 p.m. concert in Botosani (5 a.m. Pacific) -- Concert might be broadcast via streaming video on the web. Check at www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php
Accommodations provided by local host families and/or hotel

Monday, April 20 – Targu Mures
8:30 a.m. – Targu Mures via Carpathian Mountains
Accommodations in Targu Mures are the Apollo Hotel, part of the Benta Group, an Adventist-owned corporation. The hotel theme is wellness. Healthy, delicious meals are the norm in the hotel’s attractive restaurant.

Tuesday, April 21 – Targu Mures
Rest day. Optional sightseeing.
6 p.m. – Concert

Wednesday, April 22 – Brasov
8:30 a.m. – Depart for Brasov
6 p.m. – Concert in the Black Church
Accommodations in Brasov will be the former Stupini SDA Seminary, which was taken over by the government during the communist era. Several years ago it was returned to the SDA church.

Thursday, April 22 – Brasov, Sinaia, Bucharest
Rest and touring in Brasov and Sinaia; touring the Peles Castle; travel to Bucharest.
Accommodations are the Adventist seminary in Cernica; students are on break this week.
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Friday, April 24 – Bucharest
8:30 a.m. – Depart for Bucharest
Visit Casa Poporului for a private tour of the seat of the Romanian parliament building and many governmental agencies. The building is the second largest in the world after the Pentagon. Built by the last communist government, many people lost their lives in its construction. Legend has it that there is even an underground marina where the former communist leader had a yacht ready to take him out of the city. After tour, return to Cernica Theological Seminary for afternoon rehearsal and sundown vespers.

Sabbath, April 25 – Cernica / Concerts in Bucharest
9 a.m. – Worship service at seminary in Cernica

• Finale concerts will be streamed live to the web. Go directly to the video streaming page at www.conferinta-moldova.ro/live.php. Or link from the OAMC home page at www.oamc.org.

2 p.m. – Depart for Bucharest
5 p.m. (7 a.m. Pacific) – First concert at Radio Hall with TV taping for Romanian Adventist Media. This concert was added because the 8 p.m. concert – seating 900 – sold out.
8 p.m. (10 a.m. Pacific) – Final concert at Radio Hall with TV taping again.

Sunday, April 26 – Portland
3 a.m. – Bus departs for Otopeni International Airport, Bucharest.
6:05 a.m. – Flight NW 8358 (KLM 1358) departs for Amsterdam. Breakfast served en route. Arrive Amsterdam 7:50 a.m.
9:15 a.m. – Assemble at Northwest Airlines flight 91 departure gate for security screening and passport check.
9:30 a.m. – Commence boarding.
10:30 a.m. – NW Airline flight 91 departs Amsterdam for Portland
11:50 a.m. Pacific – Arrive in Portland. You will complete Immigration, Agriculture, and Customs inspections on arrival. You and your luggage will then board the International Arrivals bus to the main terminal. You will be exiting into the terminal next to baggage claim 10.
A ride will be provided for those that parked their cars at Sunnyside SDA Church.

Family at home can monitor the progress of domestic flights at www.FlightAware.com. In the box in the left-hand column that says “Track Commercial Flight,” enter the airline and flight number.