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.