The circus was a highlight of one of our trips to the city.

Checking out the giant tortoise outside the circus tent

The kids had never been on a carousel, so that was a lot of fun for them

Marius enjoying his ride

Waiting for the circus to start.

We were able to get pretty close to the elephants…….Georgi got even closer….. What a memorable day!

It was such a wonder thing to see four of the young people getting baptized yesterday!  It was an encouragement to me and I’m sure to so many to see how God is working in the hearts of these youth.

Cosmin with Bro. Iovan in the baptistery.

Oti

Flavius

Voichita’s grandpa was the night guard when we were building the fellowship center, so I got to know him pretty well and yesterday he told me with tears in his eyes that there is no greater joy for him besides seeing his children and grandchildren following God.  It was a very proud moment for all of the families.

Voichita with her grandparents

It was also a privilege for me to be part of the family celebrations.  I was able to be with Oti’s family before the service and after church I celebrated with Voichita’s family.

  Enjoying a delicious meal with Oti’s friends and family

There was also a delicious meal for the friends and family of Voichita

Voichita and I shared a few laughs together

It truly was a special day filled with God’s presence and blessings and my prayer is that God will continue to bless these young people in all that they do!

Before the service started, pictures were taken with the ones who were going to be baptized.  Since I’ve been here eight years now, I have seen the youth grow both physically and spiritually.  It has been such a blessing and encouragement to see these young people growing in their faith and my prayer is that they will remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Of course I wanted to get pictures with all of them .

Flavius

Oti

Voichita

Cosmin

Just a week after the inauguration, there was another very special celebration…a wedding.  Sandu and Damaris, both from the church here in Talpos, were married.  The weddings here are different than what we are used to in the states.  The ceremony lasted about 2 hours and during this time, there were several songs by the choir, special songs by our youth group, the orchestra and youth from the church in Salonta and 2 sermons.  It was a beautiful ceremony and most of the youth also were able to attend the reception (that lasted about 5 hours) where we also sang several songs.

Congratulations Sandu and Damaris!

The inside of the new church decorated for the wedding.

The choir sang several wedding songs

Dorin was one of the groomsmen

Of course I had to get a picture with Tibi and Dorin  (they have grown up so fast, I think Tibi is going to be taller than me )

Us girls all dressed up

And the band also played at the reception….notice the groom playing the trumpet

God bless you Sandu and Damaris and may your life together be filled with love, happiness and blessings from above!

Finally I am back to blogging….Again I apologize for the loooooooong silence.  Just a few things have been going on here .  Let me first tell you about the local church’s inauguration.  In just two years, God helped the local church to complete a new place to worship.  Praise His name.  The church was packed for this special service, there were many visitors, the choir sang, the band played and God’s presence was there.

The new church is beautiful (the building to the right is where we have Sunday School and the former church kindergarten)

The choir sang several songs

The band also played several songs

There were also many visiting dignitaries……here are pictures of just a few of them

President of Bihor County

Mayor of Batar Community

The director of 92.1 FM, a Christian radio station, presented Pastor Iovan with a plaque.

It was a wonderful day, filled with God’s presence and I felt blessed to be part of this special celebration.