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."
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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.
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.
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
This is the Concert hall in Iasi where the concert on Sabbath, April 18, was held. Photo by Bob Sproed.
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