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Page 1: HeartCry - Amazon S3...Ion and Ani Tomeci, and Cristi and Brigitte Ciuca. 20 The Forest Church: A touching account of Brother Tomlinson’s most recent teaching trip to Romania 21

HeartCryThat His Name be Great among the Nations...

Missionary Society

Volume 44: April 2005 - May 2005

Good Newsfrom Aroundthe Globe

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2 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

Our Purpose &Passion

“‘For from the rising of the sun evento its setting, My Name will be greatamong the nations, and in everyplace incense is going to be offeredto My Name, and a grain offeringthat is pure; for My Name will begreat among the nations,’ says theLord of hosts.” - Malachi 1:11

The chief end of all mission work is the Glory ofGod. Our greatest concern is that His Name be greatamong the nations, from the rising to the setting of thesun (Malachi 1:11). We find our great purpose andconstant motivation, not in man or his needs, but inGod, His commitment to His own glory and our God-given desire to see Him glorified in every nation, tribe,people and language.

Although HeartCry recognizes the great impor-tance of sending missionaries from the West to theun-evangelized peoples throughout the world, we be-lieve that we are led of the Lord to support native ornational missionaries so that they may evangelize theirown peoples. Therefore, we seek to work with godlymen and women of integrity and vision in theunreached world to help them evangelize and plantChurches among their own peoples.

Our Principles* While we recognize that the needs of mankind are

many and his sufferings are diverse, we believe thatthey all spring from a common origin - the fall of manand the corruption of his own heart. Therefore, webelieve that the greatest benefit to mankind can beaccomplished through the preaching of the Gospelof Jesus Christ and the establishment of churches

that preach the Word of God and minister accordingto its commands, precepts, and wisdom.

* Every need of this ministry will be obtained throughprayer. We may share our missionary vision withothers and even make known to them the specifictasks which the Lord has laid on our heart to do, butwe may not raise support through prodding or ma-nipulating our brothers and sisters in Christ. If thisministry is of the Lord, then He will be our Patron. IfHe is with us, He will direct His people to give and wewill prosper. If He is not with us, we will not andshould not succeed.

* We intend to never enlarge our field of labor by con-tracting debts. This is contrary to both the letter andthe spirit of the New Testament. In secret prayer, Godhelping us, we will carry the needs of this ministry tothe Lord and act according to the direction that Hegives.

* We will not compete with other biblical mission agen-cies, but use the resources that God has given to usto work in partnership with them. If the Lord directs,we will sacrifice our own goals and resources thatother mission works may be helped and the Kingdomof God increased.

* In meeting any need, those of us who are supportedfinancially by this ministry will be the first to sacrificeall things necessary for the advancement of His King-dom.

* We will not measure the success of this ministry bythe amount of money given, Bibles distributed or na-tional missionaries supported, but by the Lord’s bless-ing on the work.

* Our Goal is not to enlarge ourselves, or to become akey figure in the Great Commission, but to be faithfuland obedient stewards by the grace that is given tous, that men may see our weakness and glorify Godfor His strength; that they may see our inability andglorify God for His faithfulness.

2 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

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Volume 44 3

4 - 5 From our Desk: Sound doctrine is extremelyimportant in the Christian life, but it isNOT the Christian life. Christianity is morethan factual, it is relational - a personalrelationship with God, through His Son,and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Christis our life!

6 - 9 Ambassadors of Christ in the 10/40 Win-dow. A yearly report from James Dhale andhis wife Komuni. James is director of theGrace Himalayan Mission. They care forseveral indigenous missionaries in someof the most unreached parts of Asia.

10-12 Updates from Israel. An encouraging wordof what God is doing in Jerusalem fromAntony Simon, Slava Spataru, and LeonidBanchik.

13-19 News from Campus: Reports from those whowork with student ministries throughoutRomania: Alexandru and Simona Palade,Ion and Ani Tomeci, and Cristi and BrigitteCiuca.

20 The Forest Church: A touching account ofBrother Tomlinson’s most recent teachingtrip to Romania

21 More than Missionary Support: The Heart-Cry Missionary Society not only caresabout planting churches, but we also careabout those who plant them. We are wellaware of the trials that the indigenous mis-sionaries must often face and it is our de-sire to stand beside them in their time ofneed.

Hallowed be Your Name!Your Kingdom Come!

Your Will be Done!

Good News from Around the Globe

HeartCry MagazineEditor: Paul David WasherArt and Graphics: Jonathan GreenText Editor: Rita Irene DouglasWeb: www.heartcrymissionary.com

Front Cover: Indigenous missionary James Dhale baptiz-ing believers in northern India.

Volume 44 2

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4 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

From our DeskGreetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ who abolished death and brought life and im-mortality to light through the Gospel (II Timothy 1:10).It is our great joy and privilege to bring to you anotheredition of the HeartCry magazine. As always, it is filledwith testimonies regarding the wonderful works of God.We have nothing else of which to boast, except of Hispower and goodness to us. As it is written, “Let himwho boasts, boast in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:31).

We hope and pray that this month finds you grow-ing in the grace and knowledge of God, and that youare living a life pleasing to Him. As days turn intomonths and months turn into years, I am increasinglyaware that our time on this earth is fleeting and subjectto many uncertainties. It is, therefore, most necessarythat we give the time we have back into the hands ofthe One who gave it. The wasted life is the one kept foritself. It is a hoarded talent, buried in the ground, andof no use to its Master. The life poured out freely forthe glory of the Lord will see its reward and rejoice.

In this month’s edition of HeartCry, we have newsfrom all around the world. James and Komuni Dhalegive us a brief summary of what God has done in Asia.Brothers Simon, Spataru, and Banchik bring us an en-couraging word from Israel. Brothers Palade andTomeci send testimonies from the student workthroughout Romania.

These are the best of times for the Kingdom ofChrist. Although unnoticed by the secular world, theGospel is spreading throughout the earth as never be-fore! It is our great joy to share with you at least a smallpart of what is being done. We hope that every pagebrings to you a special blessing.

The following is a short note written in hopes ofencouraging you to seek the face and good pleasureof God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

More than KnowledgeAt HeartCry, it is our conviction that we should

have the greatest concern for preaching the truth andthe true Gospel. We are aware that our country and theworld is filled with countless distortions of even themost foundational doctrines of Christianity. Superfi-cial gospels, easy-believism, spectacular media presen-tations, and clever marketing strategies seem to be therule of the day. Biblical doctrines like the radical de-pravity of man, the justice of God, the blood sacrificeof Christ, repentance, holiness, and eternal judgmentonly seem to get in the way.

In opposition to our times, we must be diligent inour studies, zealous for the truth, and careful in ourlanguage. The souls of men and their eternal destiny

hang in the balance.Truth and doctrine are

important, nevertheless, wemust also recognize that we canhave all of these things and stillnot have enough. The propositional truthsof Scripture must be believed, taught, and defended,but the Christian life involves much more than propo-sitional truths, it involves a living relationship withGod the Father, through Jesus Christ, and in the powerof the Holy Spirit. To the church in Ephesus, Jesusgave a great warning:

“I know your deeds and your toil and perse-verance, and that you cannot tolerate evilmen, and you put to the test those who callthemselves apostles, and they are not, andyou found them to be false; and you haveperseverance and have endured for Myname’s sake, and have not grown weary. ButI have this against you, that you have leftyour first love. Therefore remember fromwhere you have fallen, and repent and dothe deeds you did at first; or else I am comingto you and will remove your lampstand outof its place -- unless you repent” (Revelation2:2-5).

Here we see a great example of what happens whenthe truth of God takes precedence over the God oftruth, and propositions about God become more im-portant than God Himself. It is the grossest form ofidolatry! We must be aware that God is not a proposi-tion to be learned, but a treasure to be discovered.Truths about God are not to be stored away like somany books in an old library, but they are to be es-teemed and applied to our lives. The Christian life isbased on facts, but it is more than factual. It is rela-tional.

Out of the Mouthof Babes

As I read through the articles for this edition ofthe HeartCry magazine, I was especially moved by theyoung students and their accounts of being used ofthe Lord. Their language is sometimes awkward andthey do not communicate their ideas with the precisionof a trained theologian or the caution of a mature be-liever, but they have some things that are often miss-ing in the most theological and mature among us - azeal for serving the Lord, a childlike faith that seeseverything as an undeniable miracle of God’s provi-

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dence, and an almost uncontainable excitement andappreciation for being used of the Lord.

In my Christian life, I have discovered that my abil-ity to learn a truth is often greater than my ability toretain it. How many lessons must I learn over and overagain? Every time I listen to the testimony of a “babe inChrist”, I realize that they are experiencing truths that Ihave “stored away” in my library of knowledge, but nolonger seem to experience.

As we are admonished in Jesus’ warning to thechurch in Ephesus, it is often necessary for those of uswho have many years in the faith to “remember fromwhere we have fallen.” The following is a list of thingsthat have been helpful for me to remember:

Remember when...Remember when the disgusting sight of your sin wassuddenly eclipsed by a vision of Christ dying on Cal-vary for you?

Remember the first time you realized that God lovedyou?

Remember the moment you first believed?

Remember when you first realized that God had takenaway all your sins and you were really forgiven?

Remember the first time you felt clean? Clean by theblood of the lamb?

Remember the first time you sang, “Amazing Grace”and understood what the author was saying?

Remember the first time you told someone about yourconversion?

Remember the first time the Holy Spirit gave you powerover a certain besetting sin?

Remember the first time you sensed the presence ofChrist?

Remember the first time you were alone with the Scrip-tures and God showed you something in His Word?

Remember the first time after your conversion whenGod revealed to you a little more of what it meant forChrist to die for you?

Remember the first time you wept with joy because ofwhat God had done for you?

Remember the first time God gave you a promise?

Remember the first time God answered your prayer?

Remember the first time you shared your testimony infront of the church?

Remember the first time you led someone else to Christ?

Remember the first time God brought you through atrial?

Remember the first time God disciplined you and yousaw the value of it?

Remember the first verse you ever memorized?

Remember the first time you tithed or gave sacrificiallyto meet a need?

Remember the first time God led you to do somethingand it really was God?

Remember when you cherished time to be alone withGod, to pray, and read His Word?

Remember when you could not wait to go to church inorder to worship and hear the message?

Remember when you sought out fellowship with otherbelievers just to talk about Jesus?

Remember when you did not want to talk about any-thing or anyone but Jesus?

Remember when you could not think of anything oranyone but Jesus?

Remember when your zeal for the Lord caused you toturn away from evil?

Remember when you prayed for God to make you likeJesus no matter the cost?

Remember when you prayed for God to use you?

Remember when you were willing to risk it all for Christand His Kingdom?

It is good to remember...

In ChristPaul Washer

“Remember His wonderful deeds which Hehas done, His marvels and the judgmentsfrom His mouth.”

I Chronicles 16:12

Therefore remember from where you havefallen, and repent and do the deeds you didat first.”

Revelation 2:5

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6 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

James Dhale and his wife Komuni are indigenous mission-aries serving in Imphal, India. They are founders of the GraceCovenant Baptist Church, the Grace Himalayan Missionwhich trains indigenous missionaries, and the Christianschool - the Royal Ambassadors Academy (RAA). HeartCrysupports several missionaries under the direction of brotherDhale. These missionaries serve in India, China, Burma,and Nepal. The following report is from 2004. Due to theabundance of reports that we receive and the limited size ofour magazine, several months may pass before a report ispublished. We have chosen the following reports becausethey reflect the trials and victories of the indigenous mis-sionary - Paul Washer

James and Komuni Dhale“ If anyone serves Me, I will honour him.”

- John 12.26

The above passage was the THEME of our mission forthe year 2004. The urgent Macedonian call continues toecho...

... from the Icy Himalayan Mountains

... from Africa’s sunny fountains

... from India’s coastal stand

... from Ceylon’s isle

... from many an ancient river

... even from far Southeast Asian nations

... They call us to deliver their land fromerror’s chain.

The Grace Himalayan Mission is spearheading a move-ment to reach some of the least evangelized nations that fallwithin the 10/40 WINDOW, especially within Southeast Asia.We thank our Almighty Father, the Lord of the harvest, whoenables us to continue enlarging the place of our tent. Wethank God for the churches and individuals who feel the painof a dying world and join the rescue operation through theirprayers and financial support.

One of the greatest joys for the year 2003 was the bap-tism of 22 Hindus, 8 Buddhists, 10 primitive animists and 11RAA students. This conservative figure seems to be so littlecorresponding to the numbers of missionaries we send. How-ever, strict instruction was given and utmost care was takento make it as sure as possible that there are no non-Christiansin the churches we established. Of course, we have otherconverts who are ready for baptism in some of our fields, butwe must take the utmost care with their souls. Baptism ser-vices are conducted either in an open village pond or nearbyriver. In winter, the waters are icy cold and it is not conve-nient to baptize most people.

It is heartening to know that six of our thirteen churches,namely, Grace Covenant Baptist Church, United CommunityBaptist Church, Terekhong Baptist Church, Maharabi Bap-tist Church, Phaknung Baptist Church and Gaipuinang Bap-tist Church will soon be self-supported. They have their ownworship places with qualified pastors who can take care oftheir flocks. In the upcoming year, we have decided to directthe focus of our mission toward South China, Bhutan, Tibet,and Bangladesh. We are seeking to mobilize the nativechurches to be fully involved in foreign missions. Our re-

Ambassador’s of Christ in the 10/40 Window

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sources are limited, but the need is too great to ignore. Wemust create an awareness for missions among our churches.The following are some of the latest updates from our mis-sion fields:

Our three missionaries from Malom fields (at ImphalAirport) write: “We go out almost every day for outreach tothe Hindus. The most difficult problem we face is the people’sbelief about the oneness of all gods and goddesses. Theirargument is that all religions lead to salvation and Christian-ity is only one of them. In spite of all this, there are otherswho are very open. They certainly see something differentand peculiar in the lives of the believers, especially their for-giving attitude, peace, joy, and courage in the worst situa-tions. Nolini, a heart patient who has been advised by thedoctors to give herself to complete bed rest, recently broughtfour of her converts for water baptism. She helps us in evan-gelizing the women (Philippians 4: 3) and recently testifiedthat her sickness has made her more effective in her ministry.She frequently quotes II Timothy 4:2: ‘...preach the word; beready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort,with great patience and instruction.’”

Joykumar and Sanathoi of Lamlongei report: “TheLord is doing wonderful things at Lamlongei. In this area,there are more than ten thousand Meiteis who are Hindusand yet there is not one Christian church. Ever since webegan our little church, the number of converts and visitorsis on the rise. God has blessed us so that our church has oneof the best buildings in the area and we have the full supportof the local leaders. We are on our way to establishing an-

other church next to our village.”Surchandra and his son Ningam of Phaknung write:

“Even though our church building was twice destroyedand burnt down by hostile neighbors, the faith of our fa-ther is living still. After the visit of some American pastorsin May 2003, we could really see the grip of Satan loos-ened. The ringleader and the mastermind behind the at-tacks on our church building was given a gift of a Bible andan American towel. It was accepted with a sigh of apologyand regret. Some of the former “underground” Christianshave come out openly to join our church activities. Hinduparents who cannot do anything to control their childrenhave started sending them to our church for biblical in-struction. We are amazed at how things are changing thisfast.”

Ritesh Ranah from Nepal called us over the phoneand reported: “Our mission in Nepal has been badly af-fected by the Maoist rebel movement. They attacked bothcivilians and missionaries. Hence, I have been forced totemporarily move to Kathmandu and Pokhara for shelter.The Lord gave me another opportunity to work with twochurches in these cities. Please pray for me as I work amongthe youth and try to reach out to the people with the helpof the local pastors.”

Samuel Phairong from Myanmar (Burma) came andreported to us that their house church at Leichi remainsfaithful to God. Mrs. Mary, a young woman who workswith him to evangelize the women (Philippians 4: 3) hasbeen kind enough to let them use her house as a place of

HINDU CONVERTS (BAPTISED) UNDER THE MINISTRY OF LOVINGSTON

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8 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

worship. For reasons known to all, it is still illegal for them tobuild an official church building. In spite of this, they wouldlike to further expand their ministry to the neighboring vil-lages of Mintha, Koudong, Anjnkong, Chomintha, Thugatinand Nongkola. These are Buddhist villages and presentlyunder military rule with communist economic policies.

Allen Chiru has established a new church with his col-leagues Joykumar, Sanathoi, and Ashie Koireng atLamlongei. He is also very glad because he has obtained thenecessary permit to preach inside the Manipur prison. Be-cause of security reasons, preaching inside the jail wasbanned for a decade. His recent sermon series on the love ofGod has brought great change among the inmates. The prisonauthorities are very relieved and doing everything necessaryto help brother Chiru. Instead of preaching on the verandahas in the past, our missionary teams are now allowed to comeand preach in the prison hall. Imo Singh is the first Hinduconvert in the prison. Although he is on death row, he hasbecome a faithful chaplain. He preaches well and leads dailyworship in his cell. Sunday is the only day when all the pris-oners get the chance to worship together. Chiru and his teamappreciate your prayers.

M. Lovingson and his sixteen missionaries fromSenapati continue to send us many encouraging reports. Heworks in the Senapati District, Manipur. The Maram tribe inthe district has been declared to be the most primitive tribe inManipur. Lovingson and his sixteen missionary students have

been assigned to reach the Nepalis, Maram tribesmen, andother Indian nationals (Hindus) who reside in the district.Apart from his training ministry, he is taking care of a recentlyestablished fellowship at the district head quarters.Lovingson goes from village to village preaching libertythrough Jesus Christ. There are rare cases when incurablediseases are also healed by the power of God. This usuallyoccurs where the name of Christ has never been mentioned.Praise God for His unchanging promise: “…and lo, I am withyou always, even to the end of the age.”

David, our oldest missionary (74 years old), works atMaharabi, Imphal West and has faced severe trials in thepast few months. Our Grace Himalayan Mission purchasedthe plot of land for his present church in 1999, but he and hiswife must live in a different village because there are no ac-commodations for them in Maharabi. Presently the churchhas a severe conflict. The church treasurer has been accusedof misusing $70 from the money set aside for the construc-tion of pastor’s quarters. Until this matter is resolved, pastorDavid will not have a place to stay.

I wonder if our letter has become too lengthy again. Wewill write you again and tell you more about our works. Untilthen, may God bless you!

In His Royal Service,James and Komuni Dhale

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10 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

Antony SimonThe following is a report from brother Antony Simon whoworks as a missionary – church planter in Jerusalem. Thereport centers mostly around this last year’s youth camps heldon the Sea of Galilee.

Out of the Mouth of BabesShalom from Jerusalem! May we see the Lord high and

lifted up! This past month was a very busy time for us becausewe held three youth camps on the Sea of Galilee - one for smallchildren, another for youth (12 to 16 years old), and still anotherfor those seventeen and above. It was an interesting experi-ence to say the least. It was wonderful to spend several daystogether camping out under the stars next to the Sea of Galilee.We had some very difficult children, but after we laid down thelaw and enforced some rules, things ran a little smoother. Someof them come from difficult families, but it was a privilege to beable to encourage them to go in the right direction.

One evening we were having a Bible lesson about how torespond biblically to those who do us harm. In the middle of ourlesson, we were interrupted by a group of religious orthodoxJews who began shouting abuse at us and warning the childrennot to listen to us. Apparently they had overheard our discus-sions. We responded by blessing those who cursed us. Theythreatened one of our helpers, but we had the privilege of pray-ing for them and giving thanks to the Lord for what happened.They were very angry and aggressive. I rejoice that one eleven-year boy had a discussion with one of the orthodox Jews anddefended the Faith. As the Word says “out of the mouth ofbabes.”

One Orthodox man said to me, “God does nothing new so,therefore, the New Testament is wrong.” I pointed out to himthat using the same reasoning, Judaism must be wrong be-cause of all of its rabbinical additions to God’s Law. Sometimesit is very hard to talk to people who do not want to listen. Isuppose it is what Jesus meant when He said that we shouldnot cast our pearls before swine. The rioters called the police,thinking that we would be arrested, but the police only askedus to move to a different place. They ask us to move, not be-cause we were doing anything wrong in their eyes, but onlybecause they could see that our persecutors were unreason-able. One policeman asked, “Who are you?” This gave us theopportunity to share our faith. Please continue to pray for thosewho attend our camps that they might come to know the Godwho made them.

At the moment, we have one volunteer who has just left usand a few others who are about to join us. One of them will belong term. Another family from South Africa will also be comingto help us for one month. If anyone has some free time andwould like to serve the Lord short term in Israel, they shouldplease contact us.

The work is going well in Jerusalem, Kiriat Gat, and TelAviv. Our evangelistic tours are doing very well and many areattending each week. We are also in the process of preparing anew leaflet (i.e. flyer) from which people can order the New

Testament. We thank the Lord for all He allows us to do. Myfamily is doing well. We have just returned from a family holi-day in Turkey and it was a great blessing. We were able to visitEphesus and also found many opportunities to witness. It wasgreat fun.

I have a cousin who is the same age as me. We were broughtup together and were very close. I witnessed to him many timeswhen he lived in Israel. He now lives on a Spanish island. Re-cently, he was very sick and near the point of death. When Icalled him to see how he was, he told me he had wished that Ihad been by his side when he went through everything. I toldhim that I was praying for him. He said that he remembered allthat I told him about Jesus. He also said that he agreed with methat Jesus was the Messiah, but he could not accept that Jesuswas God. He then requested a Bible from me. Please pray forhim. His name is Andrew. I hope to visit him in the near futureand spend some time with him. Hopefully, I will be able to ex-plain the Gospel to him more fully.

For those of you that have supported us and prayed for us- thank you. We appreciate your encouragement and prayersand all the gifts that have been sent to us. We have sought tobe faithful in all that we do and with all that we have. We thankyou for the part that you have played in this. Thank you foryour trust. Our greetings and prayers,

In Messiah,Antony and Dona Simonand the Voice in the Wilderness team

AnAnAnAnAntttttooooonnnnny Sy Sy Sy Sy Simimimimimooooon (an (an (an (an (abobobobobovvvvveeeeerrrrriiiiiggggghhhhht) and St) and St) and St) and St) and SlllllaaaaavvvvvaaaaaSSSSSpppppaaaaatttttaaaaarrrrru su su su su seeeeerrrrrvvvvviiiiing ing ing ing ing innnnnttttthhhhhe Le Le Le Le Looooorrrrrd id id id id innnnnJJJJJeeeeerrrrruuuuusssssaaaaallllleeeeemmmmm.....

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Greetings to you from Jerusalem!We continue to distribute the Jesus video and follow up

those who are willing to receive it. It often provides us with agood opportunity to preach the Gospel to people. Recently, wemet a family in Neve-Yakov where we had worked for a few weekshanding out tracts and putting order forms for the video in themailboxes. By God’s grace they gladly opened their doors to us.Nina, the wife, shared with us that she was very depressed andlooking for the way out. Because of the severe illness of herhusband, Michael, she had begun to question the purpose of life.It is amazing how people are ready to reveal their thoughts andproblems to us even though they have just met us. It was such ablessing to share the Gospel with them. God willing, His Word willbring the fruit of repentance in both their lives. We hope to visitthem again and again, and to visit anyone else as long as the Lordopens the doors to us!

We continue our evangelistic tours to the Old City. I thankthe Lord for the opportunity that He has given me to lead thetours and to be there to help the other brothers and sisters whoare serving in this field. We always work as a team because newpeople often join the tour without any notice. They becomeinterested in what we are saying and simply follow along. Forexample, I met a Romanian speaking couple who were just walkingaround in the Old City. We began to talk and it turned out that thegirl, who was not Jewish, wanted to convert to Judaism. God gaveme the opportunity to speak to her and her companion about thetruth of the Gospel. They gave us their address and we will bevisiting them very soon. Another lady who joined our tour talkedto me the entire time about her life. She said that she had beenbrought up in a family with very definite ideas about religion, butwas confused because she was hearing different things from us.She said that it would be difficult for her to deny everything thatshe once knew to be true because it would demand a total changein her way of seeing the world and in her way of living. I explainedto her that it was the hand of God that had brought her to our tour

so that she might hear the Gospel and recognize her need tochange. Please, pray for this woman.

We recently wrote a constitution in hopes that it would makeour church more organized in the ministry. The constitution wasused by God to wake up the members to their responsibilities inthe ministry. They are now much more zealous in doing the workthat God has called us to do. It is a blessing to have more of themworking with us. The church is more united and ready to serveGod with more passion than ever before. We are not only puttinggreat emphasis on evangelism, but we are also working very hardto disciple those who come to believe.

Please, pray for our work. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem andall Israel. I am thankful to you for everything. May the Lord blessyou!

Slava after a hard day on the field. Too many “tours of duty”preaching the Gospel can wear a man out.

SLAVA SPATARU AND FAMILY

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12 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

Leonid BanchikFor the last several months, brother Leonid has received minimumsupport from HeartCry, but he continues to serve the Lord withvery little means. We have recently decided to substantially in-crease his support so that he might give greater time to the minis-try.

Shalom from Israel!Recently the congregation “A Voice in the Wilderness” in Jerusa-

lem decided to start home Bible studies for Russian-speaking peoplein the city. I praise God that I have been granted the privilege toteach His Word in these meetings. We have begun with the veryfirst book of the Bible (Genesis), and relate each study to the Chris-tian faith and life. There were eight people who came to the firstmeeting. In Jerusalem, it is a wonderful beginning. Please, pray thatthere will be more!

We continue our home Bible studies in Tel-Aviv. We are cur-rently studying the epistles of John. Last month we had our firstbaptism. Please pray for the woman who was baptized. Her name isSvetlana. She wants to be in all our meetings, but she has an eveningjob that does not allow her to come.

In the last magazine we published, “Hear, O Israel”, I wrote anarticle discussing the question of Giur (converting to Jewishness).The article is called “Giur, Who Needs it?” In some present dayMessianic congregations, they are teaching Gentile believers to“become Jewish” through a process known as Giur. In my article, Itried to show Gentile believers that going through Giur is not a wayto become Jewish, but rather a way to convert to Judaism. A Gentilebeliever who goes through Giur not only betrays his faith, but moreimportantly, he betrays Christ. I truly hope that the article will keepGentile believers from making this terrible mistake.

Please, pray that the Lord will continue to show me the way inwhich I can serve Him. I feel that I would be more useful to Him if Imoved to Jerusalem. It would be easier for me to see my brothers

and sisters, and I could help them to lead the evangelistic tours inthe Old City of Jerusalem. I will wait upon the Lord, because He hasnot yet opened the doors! Thank you for all your support andprayers. May the Lord bless you!

Handing out Gospel tracts and evangelizing the lost. Leonid demonstrating his future resurrection by busting forth fromone of the historic tombs in the Old City.

Above: The Orthodox Jews have placed Leonid’s picture and de-scription throughout the city in order to warn the Jews of his desireto convert them to Christianity.

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Making Fishersof Men

One of our greatest joys at HeartCry is to be able tosupport the young men and women who are evangelizingthe lost and making disciples on the college campusesthroughout Romania. It is not an exaggeration to saythat they are some of the finest, most dedicated evange-lists, disciplers, and prayer warriors that we have everhad the privilege of knowing. In the following are a fewbrief reports from Alex and Simona Palade and Ion andAni Tomeci.

on to the campus, we prayed and asked for God’swisdom and power to boldly witness about His Son.

The first two students we met were sitting on abench in front of their dormitory - Alex from Sibiu andMihai from Botosani. Mihai told us that he and hisother colleagues were bored with life and that theyoften spent their evenings going to parties and get-ting drunk. They were open to the Gospel so Leonardshared his testimony with them and explained to themhow the Lord had changed his life. I saw tears inMihai’s eyes as Leonard spoke of the love of God. Icould tell that Mihai knew something of the Bible, buthe did not understand the way of salvation throughChrist alone. Even though neither of the two youngmen confessed Christ, they did hear the Gospel andGod seems to be working. It was also a great and un-forgettable experience for Leonard.

Otniel Witnesses to Lawand Journalism Students

Otniel is a believer in Christ who is beingdiscipled by Alex. He is learning to be bold in hisfaith and witness. He assists Alex in door to doorevangelism in the dorms. The following is Alex’s ac-count of a recent evangelistic outing with Otniel.

Otniel and I went together to the student dormi-tory. There we met three young students who weretogether. Two were law students from the city of Gorj,and the other was a journalism student from Fagaras.

After we introduced ourselves, we asked themquestions about the university, the professors, andtheir future plans. These questions opened the doorfor us to speak about God and His will for their lives.We asked them to describe the differences betweenthe world’s values today and God’s eternal values.

HeartCry missionary Alex Palade (right) with new disciple Leonard(left) sharing Christ on campus.

Alex and Simona PaladeWe have supported Alex and Simona for many years

and they are very dear to our hearts. Their zeal and dedi-cation to the Lord’s harvest is unsurpassed. The greatestproblem that we have with Alex is that he often overworkshimself and we must hold him accountable with regard tohis health and need for rest. In the following are someexcerpts from his monthly reports. Take note of how Alexand Simona are not only winning young people to Christ,but that they are discipling them and teaching them to befishers of men!

Leonard becomes a WitnessLeonard is an engineering student at the university. He isbeing discipled by Alex. He has become a strong witnessfor Christ on the campus. The following is Alex’s accountof a recent evangelistic outing with Leonard.

As Leonard and I were driving to the university cam-pus in Medias, I was fully aware that God had answeredmy prayers to start a work among the engineering stu-dents. It was less than a year ago that Leonard, an engi-neering student at Medias, had turned to God throughfaith in Jesus Christ, and now he was accompanying me topreach the Gospel to the other students. Before we walked

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One of them responded, “In our world today, if you donot have money, a BMW, and fine clothes you are noth-ing, a nobody. I know that such values are false, but thatis simply the way it is, that is the reality in which we live.”I then asked them about God’s values and how they stoodbefore Him. They made it clear by their answers that theyhad no peace with God because of their style of life. Wethen spoke with them about Christ and the peace withGod that comes only through Him.

After we left the dorm room, Otniel said somethingvery insightful: “When young people sit down and thinkabout the realities of life, they realize that prestige, repu-tation, money, and sin can never bring them fulfillment.The problem is that the young people do not sit still longenough to think.” Let us pray that God will make all theyoung people disgusted with their sinful lives so thatthey might turn to His Son with repentance and faith.

Bogdan Witnesses the Power of GodBogdan is another believer in Christ who is beingdiscipled by Alex. He also accompanies Alex in door todoor evangelism in the student dorms. Recently, Alexand Bogdan witnessed the power of God in the conver-sion of a young man full of scars.

Bogdan and I often visit the university dormitoriesin Bacau. Recently, we were received into the dorm roomof four young men from Moldova, Transylvania, andUkraine. As we spoke, God gave these young men thegrace to hear about salvation in Christ alone. Three ofthem - Vasile, Tudor, and Ivan - seemed to be very opento hear about God, but Sergiu looked very disturbed fromthe moment we began to speak about the things of God.

While I was speaking, Sergiu was lying in his bedwatching television, but when I finished, he confessed,“When I was in high school I had a friend who was a“repenter” from the city of Onesti. She took me to herchurch, but I did not like the man who was speaking. Icould see that he was trying to put ideas in everyone’shead.” After speaking with Sergiu a little while longer, Ilearned that he had been involved in a yoga movementand believed that God was just an entity. I prayed forwisdom and grace, and God gave me the strength to shareChrist with him. As I spoke, his anger and sorrow beganto disappear and He accepted the True God and the sal-vation which is found in Jesus alone. When he finishedcrying out to God, he confessed to me that he had beensexually molested and that his life was full of terrible night-mares. I explained to him that only Christ could heal him.It was amazing to us that we were the first persons withwhom he ever shared his terrible story. It was truly a workof God!

There are many cases similar to this where confusedand hurting young people have opened their soul to us.Most young people do not share the hurt that is in theirlives because they fear that others will laugh or rejectthem. You and I can be the one’s who listen to them andgive them the message of salvation. We are the ambassa-dors of Jesus and we have received the command to “Goto all the world and share the Gospel to all mankind!”(Mark 16:15)

Anca’s First Time to ShareAnca is a new believer who is growing and learning

to minister with the help of Simona and Alex. The follow-ing is her account of the first time she did door to doorevangelism in the university dorms.

The first time I visited a university dormitory to sharethe Gospel was with Ani Tomeci (another HeartCry mis-sionary). We knocked on the door and the girls invited usin. They were second year students.

I was a little intimidated, but we began sharing withthe girls from a tract based upon the prodigal son of Luke15. I was excited to discover that some of the girls hadalready attended some of our meetings and that one girlhad heard the Gospel last summer through one of ourmissionaries in Costinesti.

When we left the dorm, I had a very strong desire towitness to others. I went immediately to a colleague ofmine who is very opposed to Christianity and has manyprejudices against all “repenters” (This is what evangeli-cal Christians are called in Romania). I had never sharedthe Gospel with her before, but the Lord opened the doorand I was able to present the Gospel clearly to her forthirty minutes.

Giorgiana is Used by GodGiorgiana is a young girl who has come to know Jesusas Lord and Savior. She is growing with the help ofSimona and Alex. The following is an account of how theLord used her to bring another to Christ.

Giorgiana is a student in the capital city of Bucharest.After she tasted of the goodness of God, she began towitness about Christ to all of her colleagues at the univer-sity. One day as she was explaining the way of God tosome students, a young man named Florin began to laughat her. At that time, he was practicing Yoga. Giorgianainvited him to one of the campus meetings and he came.

During the meeting, he asked for a missionary to comeoutside and teach him how to pray. That evening, Florinasked the Lord to enter his life as Saviour and Master.From the moment of his conversion, his life began to

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Ion and Ani TomeciWe have supported Ion and Ani for many years, and

they are also very dear to our hearts. God has given themsuch a love for the souls of the lost that it is a source of greatconviction for the rest of us. The following are some ex-cerpts from their monthly reports.

Evangelism at the Black SeaBetween July 31 and August 6, we traveled to Costinesti

(the Black Sea) for the Summer Evangelism Project with thestudents we are discipling. There were 104 participants (stu-dents and missionaries) from Timisoara, Brasov, Sibiu, andIasi). The theme was “Overcoming with God” from the Epistleto the Romans.

Although there were many obstacles, God blessed uswith His presence. There was some rough going in the begin-ning, but each day we saw more and more visible sign thatGod was working. God began to open up the students’ heartsand the fellowship grew every day. I saw students and mis-sionaries alike growing in their prayer life, in their opennessto the Word of God, and in their relationships with one an-other. From the outset, we knew that some of the students inour group were not converted, but there was evidence thatGod was doing a work in them. God used our main speaker,Paul Dan, to challenge every student to repent and be recon-ciled to God through Christ.

To summarize everything that happened that week, I willhave to say that God surprised us all by working in us andthrough us. He also provided us the opportunity to share theGospel with many who were lost. It was a challenge and a

triumph. During our six days at the Black Sea, God openedthe door for us to share the Gospel with 650 people. Many ofthem were very open and some even received God’s messagewith joy.

Student’s TestimoniesIn the following are some of the testimonies of the studentswho participated in the evangelism at the Black Sea. Formany of them, it was their first attempt to share their faith insuch a setting.

Ana Reprincev from BrasovAfter we presented an evangelistic film, we attempted to

talk to the people about the Gospel. It was not long before Isaw a man coming towards me and I began to talk to him. Hetold me that he did not see the movie, but that he was willingto talk. I had only said a few words to him about God when heinterrupted me and asked: “What do I have to do to be saved?”For a few seconds I could not say anything because I was soamazed by his question. After I gathered myself togetheragain, I shared with him the Gospel and he prayed to receiveJesus Christ in his heart. Afterwards, he told me that he hadbeen reading the Bible and searching for God. He said thatGod had been preparing him, and that he had been waitingfor a long time for such a moment!

Lydia Sibisan from SibiuI began witnessing to two girls who loved the beach and

the life-style that is lived there. I thought that they wouldreject the message, but I threw the thought from my mind andrelied on God’s Word: “The things that are impossible with

Ani Tomeci (on the left) and Claudia. Claudia is one of the younguniversity students that Ani is currently discipling.

Ion Tomeci (on the left) is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ toa group of university students.

change and it was obvious to everyone around him that he had been “converted”. He gathered together all of his yogabooks and threw them into the rubbish bin. As it is written in Acts 19:19-20: “Many of those who practiced magic broughttheir books together and burnt them in public… in this powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growingstronger.”

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people are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). As I was tell-ing them about Jesus Christ and about His forgivenessand redemption, I could see that He was opening up theirhearts. From time to time, they interrupted me to tell mewith amazement that it was the first time that they had everheard anything like what I was telling them. At the end ofour discussion, the two girls wanted to receive Jesus Christas their Lord and Savior. Later, when one of their friendsappeared, they told him the Good News. Before we parted,we exchanged addresses and they told me with tears intheir eyes that they were grateful because we told themabout God. Praise the Lord!

Silviu Apostol from BacauFor me it was a beautiful experience. It was amazing to

see God’s hand at work. It was the first time that I had evershared the Gospel on the beach and I must admit that I hadmy doubts. I was sure that the people on the beach wouldnot be willing to talk to us, but the experience proved thatI was wrong. There were many people whose hearts hadbeen opened and prepared.

When I went to the beach on Monday to share theGospel, I did not have much faith, but I kept praying thatGod would put in my path a person who would be respon-sive to the Message. God answered my prayer.

After many frail attempts on my part, I found a personwho proved to be interested in the Gospel message. Shefilled out a questionnaire with me, and then I presented theGospel to her. During the entire time, her friends tried todivert her attention and made fun of her. I was so sad anddefeated that I was ready to give up, but God did not letme. Something or Someone kept saying, “Go on! Go on!”

As we read through a booklet on the Gospel, we wereinterrupted so many times that I thought the girl was nolonger listening to me. Honestly, I did not expect anythingfrom her. I thought that it was a lost cause, but throughGod’s Grace and to my amazement, she sincerely wanted toreceive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In that mo-ment, I experienced a great feeling of joy because it was thefirst time that someone wanted to be saved after listeningto my words about Jesus!

I learned many things from this experience, but themost important to me is the fact that no matter what ourfeelings and thoughts tell us, God is the only onecapable of working in the hearts of people and producing

real transformation.

Leonard from SibiuWhen I heard that our camp was to take place at the

Black Sea, I did not think it was a good idea. I knew that thepeople who went to the seaside were wealthy and couldafford anything they wanted. I was sure that we would notfind even one person who was “burdened and heavy laden”enough to want the Gospel, but I was wrong. The very firstday was a shock for me. A young man stood and listenedto me for almost an hour and half and did not even pretendto be bored. He actually enjoyed listening to me! At theend of our conversation, he prayed to receive Jesus as HisLord and Savior. I encouraged him to write to me about anyof his problems and I promised to help him anytime I could.Please pray for him. His name is Alex.

Bogdan Sorea from SibiuAt the beginning, I was very concerned and confused

about going to an evangelistic meeting at the beach. I didnot have much confidence about what was going to hap-pen. I was convinced that the program was wrong and thatthe beach was not an appropriate place. Needless to say, Icame to the camp a skeptic.

On Saturday I was bored and very disappointed, buton Sunday the Lord began to work. The messages thatwere preached by Paul Dan were used by God to changemy attitude. While I was at the camp, there was a constantbattle within me. I wanted to follow God, but there wereother temptations pulling against me. While I was on thebeach, I even met an old girl friend who invited me to herroom, but I resisted. This is just an example of the struggles

that I was facing.Every morning, I experienced an extraordinary feeling

of peace and rest in my soul when I listened to the testimo-nies of the Christians. I was fascinated by what I was see-ing and hearing, but the conflict inside me was increasingevery day. I praise God for brother Paul Dan and brotherAlex Palade. Their testimonies had the greatest impact onmy life. Because of them and brother Nicu from Iasi, I sawmy great need to repent and follow Christ. I knew that therewas no escaping the truth and that I would have to givemyself to the Lord sooner or later. I praise Jesus Christ forthe new life that He has given me. Please pray for me that Imight remain constant in following Him.

Above:Leonard,Marilena

& BogdanSorea

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Cristi and Brigitte CiucaCristi and Brigitte Ciuca are supported by HeartCry

in partnership with the Holy Trinity Baptist Church ofBucharest. They both have a passion for sharing the Gos-pel among the youth and investing their lives in theircontinuing growth in Christ. We thank God for them andcount it a privilege to be involved in their ministry. Thefollowing testimonies are from their monthly reports.

Preaching the Gospelin Switzerland

I thank God for this month, for all the things that Hehas done, and the things that He has taught us! It is sogood to know that He has the best plan and even thoughsometimes He tells us in the last minute, it is good to trustHim! I have learned that it is important to be sensitive toHis Spirit in order to make the right decisions!

In the beginning of this year, we were invited to aninternational evangelistic camp in the city of Moscia, inthe south of Switzerland, near Italy. The experience wasfantastic! God moved in tremendous ways and as a bonus,we were able to see some of the most beautiful parts of thecountry! The purpose of the camp was to evangelize theinternational students and refugees that had come to Swit-zerland from all over the world. This year, there were 80people from 29 different nations! Most of them were unbe-lievers and many of them were Muslims. The fellowshipwith the other Christians from several countries and cul-tures was wonderful and the morning worship serviceswere heavenly! We worshipped on the balcony of a greathotel overlooking Maggiore Lake and surrounded by won-derful mountains covered with snow. The praises went upto the Lord in many languages and it made me long forheaven!

Everything was beautiful, but the most special timeswere when people from the Muslim countries drew near to

From Ani TomeciWhile I was travelling by train from Timisoara to

Bucharest, I met Marilena, a student in Timisoara. ThoughI was not feeling very well and she slept for most of thejourney, I began to read the Bible and pray for the Lord togive me the strength and the opportunity to talk with her.

As I spoke with Marilena, she told me that she wasgoing to see her boyfriend in Bucharest. I asked her abouttheir relationship and she told me that she wanted to marryhim. When I shared with her about my marriage and thefriendship which I had with my husband, I could see in hereyes a great joy and desire to listen. I told her that if amarriage is not based on the knowledge and love of Christ,

it may not survive. Then, I spoke to her about what itmeans to have Jesus in one’s heart and what it means tobe obedient to Him. I asked her, “Would you like to havesuch a life ?” She said, “Yes.”

As we spoke, Marilena told me that her parents haddivorced many years before and that it was very difficultfor her mother to play the role of mother and father. Sheshared that her mother often fell into deep depressionand sometimes became terribly angry with her daugh-ters. I then asked Marilena what she intended to do inorder not to fall into the same trap as her mother. She didnot know and could not give me an answer. I then sharedwith her about the help that only God can offer. In theend, I gave her my phone number and promised to con-tact her in Timisoara. Please pray for Marilena!

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us and asked us to tell them more about our God! On thevery first day of the camp, an Algerian couple asked us fora Bible! The woman returned every morning for the wor-ship and often prayed with Brigitte. She would put herhands together and say, “Amen!” Once, she even askedBrigitte to pray for a specific need! There were others atthe camp who were not so open. One man from Iraq askedthat the U.S. and U.K. flags be taken off the front of thehotel! In spite of those who were closed to the Gospel, ourdiscussion groups were made up of Muslims, atheists fromChina, and people from Tibet, Nigeria, Turkey, Kosovo,Macedonia, Burundi, Cameroon, France, Spain, Peru, Leba-non, U.K., Australia, Germany, and many other countries!It was like the tower of Babel in reverse. God had not scat-tered the people in judgment, but had brought them alltogether in mercy!

I am so thankful that God allowed me to see Him mani-fest His power among so many cultures! It is a marvelousthing to see His beauty declared through so many lan-guages and in so many people! I am also very glad that theyoung Christians we brought from Romania were able towitness such a work of God first hand, and to have theirvision widened. I also praise God because we did not havea single problem with our old car during the entire 5500 kmtrip.

Back in BucharestLast summer we decided to use the nice weather for

the advancement of God’s kingdom. I began to see that itwas not very wise to be in church on Saturday while all thelost young people were in the park. I decided that we woulddo our Bible study during the week and evangelize in thepark on Saturday.

At 5PM every Wednesday and Friday, a group of ouryoung people go to the park to play basketball and partici-pate in other recreational activities. On Saturdays, whenthe park is packed with lost young people, we have thesame activities, but on a larger scale. Our main purpose isto reach young people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One Saturday, we organized a group to play volleyballand another to play basketball. Three boys and a girl whowere unbelievers saw us playing and asked if they couldjoin us. In the beginning, they cursed and used bad lan-guage, but they stayed with us for three hours and had awonderful time! The following Saturday, the three joinedus again along with many other unbelievers who broughteven more of their friends. Soon, there were too many peopleto play our game! We had such a wonderful time that thepeople from the park were staring at us and even the cabdrivers got out of their cars to see why we were having somuch fun! A girl from a secular youth organization saw usplaying and asked what organization we were from. Shewanted to bring her group to the park so that they could bein the activities with us. What a great opportunity to be atestimony!

A Mission Project in BahneaOn top of all the other things that the Lord has done,

He moved in a great way through our mission project in thesmall village of Bahnea, in Mures county. We (a large groupof youth from our church) left on Friday, and after ninehours of driving, we arrived in Bahnea. The next morningwe met for worship with the group from the church andplanned the activities for the day. We decided that onegroup would do personal evangelism, another would visitthe members of the church, another would prepare the wor-ship for the evening program, another would go to theparks and playgrounds and invite the young people, andtwo girls from our team would help in the kitchen.

In the evening, we went to the town’s Cultural Centerto hold an evangelistic service. There were many children,a good group of young people, and some adults. We pre-sented worship music and an evangelistic movie. Thepeople from the village were very impressed by the mes-sage communicated in the movie. When the night was over,we invited the children to church on Sunday and asked theyoung people to stay and talk. There were so many oppor-tunities to witness that we did not get back to our sleepingquarters until 11PM. It was a great opportunity to sharethe Gospel with many people! On Sunday morning, weheld services in the church. There was a worship time, atime of testimonies, and the preaching of the Gospel. Twopeople received Christ! The following is a brief account ofhow God worked in their lives:

A Young Girl with Painted HairWhen we arrived at the church on Friday evening , we

saw a girl who was dressed in a very provocative way andher hair was dyed a bright violet color! I talked to the pas-tor and he said that she was a lost girl from the village whowas attending the church, but was still unconverted. Inthe prayer meeting the following morning, one of the mem-bers of our team prayed an unusual prayer that no onereally understood. He said, “Lord, I pray for the only youngperson that you will save during our time here!” As a leader,I was a little disturbed about the prayer and wondered tomyself, “Why did my brother pray that way!” The nextmorning, Claudia, the young girl with the painted hair, wasconverted. She was the only youth to be converted duringour mission trip. It was a great lesson for me about thevalue of a soul - God is able and willing to move manypeople and many resources to save just one person! Wewere so happy to see her giving her life to Christ! Sheinvited us all to return to Bahnea for her baptism!

The Gospel and a Blind DogThe following was written by Magda, a girl from our mis-sion group that was used to bring the Gospel to the sec-ond person who received Christ during our mission trip -Cristi Ciuca.

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The way that God arranged things so that I would andcould go on the mission trip to Bahnea is clear and simpleproof that it was His will. I am constantly amazed at theway God works in every detail of my life.

I had previously decided to go to a youth conferencein a nearby city with some of my friends, but I did not havemuch peace about my decision. A few days later, brotherCristi gave me a call and asked me if I was sure about mydecision because our youth group needed me to help withthe Bahnea project. I told Cristi that I had already decidedto go to the youth conference, but when I hung up thephone I did not have peace about what I had told him.Because of this, I prayed and looked to God for an answer.After prayer, I felt that I needed to go to Bahnea. I couldnot understand why God wanted me to go, because thereare many young people in our youth group who are morecapable than me.

I was exhausted the very first evening we arrived atBahnea. I had been struggling with terrible headaches,money problems, and a difficult trial in my family. I realizedthat Satan was trying to destroy my usefulness to God andso I prayed. I asked God to control the situation and I wentto sleep.

The next day, when we were doing sports activitieswith other youth from Bahnea, I followed a little puppythat was acting very strange. I do not like dogs and so itwas another proof that God was working and arrangingeverything! I soon discovered that the dog was blind. Icontinued to follow the dog with a friend until it led us tothe owner. A forty year old woman who felt desperatelyalone. She told us that both her parents had died of cancerand that she was very alone in the world. When I heardthese words, I knew that I needed to share with her aboutour Hope! I then invited her to the evening program andprayed throughout the day that she would come! Thatevening she came to the program and sat beside me. Dur-ing the worship time, she cried and held my hand verytight. She came again the next evening and heard a power-ful message on eternity. She was shaking throughout theentire message. I closed my eyes and began to pray whenthe preacher invited the people to come to Christ. When Ilooked up, I saw that the lady was raising her hand! Mysoul was dancing with joy because God had chosen me tobring someone to Him. The angels were rejoicing in heavenand I was fellowshiping with them in their joy! Once again,I realized that everything is garbage compared to the Lord’swill for our lives.

Romania was know for it’s beauty before communismwhich left it’s scar on the architechture, turning the his-toric downtown into a grid of shoebox appartment com-plexes.

Pre Communist historicBucharest

Post Communist Bucharest

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The Forest Churchby Mack Tomlinson

The following is a touching account of BrotherTomlinson’s most recent teaching trip to Romania. BrotherMack has been a true blessing to HeartCry and the be-lievers in Romania. We trust that his account will be ablessing to you.

Dear Ones,

I wanted to share the event that was the single mostsignificant thing I experienced in Romania this recent trip.I was sent to preach in a village 1 1/2 hours west of Iasi(“Yash”) where, in recent years, the Romanian Baptistshad suffered severe persecution at the hands of the Ortho-dox Church. After preaching in the morning at the Baptistchurch and then having lunch with the pastor and his wife,I was told that I would be taken to a forest village up in themountains to meet with a small group of believers. I knewthat it was not an “organized” church, but I did not knowwhat to expect. I was told that I would have one hour withthem since we had to be back in Iasi for the Sunday eveningservice.

We drove about 15 miles into the rural area, then upinto the hills, to a remote mountain village. We passedthrough very rough dirt roads over which one would thinkthat a car could not pass. We finally stopped at a house inthe village and went inside. I found ten people waiting forme. They were sitting in a circle in a small 8 ft. x 8 ft room.There were two women, one woman 60 years old, who isthe only Christian in the village, and her grown daughter.She was not yet a believer, but was counting the cost as towhether or not she would repent, identify with Christ inbaptism, and forsake the Orthodox religion. She has notcome through yet, but was obviously being drawn by theHoly Spirit. Two women and eight children were sittingtogether in the room.

The old woman had been meeting with the eight chil-dren in the forest, for they had nowhere indoors to meet.They had become a “forest” church, meeting regularlyoutdoors in the trees. I learned that one day a little girlamong them prayed to the true God that He would givethem a room to meet in that was out of the cold and rainthat frequented the forest. God answered her prayer whenthe daughter’s husband finally allowed them to meet in the

small room where I found them.As I wondered what to share, I went to John 3 and

began to talk about Moses, the children of Israel, and theserpent in the wilderness. I had not gotten far when thetranslator stopped me, and quietly said in broken English,“They do not know who or what is Israel and they do notknow who was Moses.” I was startled and moved in myheart, as I realized that I was standing before a group ofpeople that knew NOTHING AT ALL. What was I to do? Idecided to share the same truths that Paul preached inActs 17. Afterwards, I identified Israel and Moses, andthen I went to John 3 and explained the meaning of theserpent in the wilderness. I shared with them that like theserpent, the Son of God had been put on a pole to die forsinners. I closed by exhorting them to put all their trust inChrist and give themselves without reservation to Him. Ithen taught the people a children’s chorus which I thoughtthey would remember long after I was gone.

When I closed, I did not know what to do. The chil-dren were dirty, ragged, beautiful Romanian children whowanted to know the true and living God. As I drove away,I could hardly take it in. God had given me the unspeakableprivilege of at least once in my life doing what the apostlePaul was able to do many times - share the Gospel withthose who have never heard. I will never forget it. If I do,may God smite my heart!

There were other outstanding experiences in Romaniaand Moldova this past trip, but none for me compared tothat of meeting with the forest church - one godly woman,one seeker, and eight children. Please pray for them. Andpray for me, that I will never get over it!

Love in Christ,Mack Tomlinson

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Volume 44 21

From Frank KarimuThe following is a letter from Frank Karimu thankingHeartCry supporters for their help after his near fatalaccident on the highway. It is a demonstration of howyour giving is meeting the needs of those who have left itall for the sake of the Gospel.

Dear Pastor Solomon Owalabi and brother Paul Washer,

I asked Pastor James to thank you both for your timelyintervention on my behalf. Your financial help was a greatrelief to me as I was suffering on my hospital bed. I did notknow how I would pay the bill, but God has helped methrough you. I therefore write to acknowledge my receiptof $600.00 (six hundred dollars), which was delivered to meby Pastor Holdbrook and James. I have been taken to theThirty-Seventh Military Hospital and the doctors are con-fident that they can help me in my condition. I am nowundergoing treatment on my fingers, which are still notmoving very well. Because of your help, I am able to paymy hospital bills up to date. Once again, thank you verymuch indeed.

In Christ,Frank Abdul-Karimu

From Jesus Riofrio CastilloThe following is a letter from Jesus Riofrio thanking theHeartCry supporters for their help to pay a medical debt.HeartCry does not support Brother Riofrio, but he is afaithful missionary pastor who works with brother AngelColmenares in northern Peru.

Dear Brother Paul and those who helped me,

I write to you to thank you for the offering that yougave me through brother Javier Carhuapoma. My familyand I are very content to have paid our debt to the hospitaland doctors. Now we can work for the Lord with peace inour hearts. We are opening a new work in a place calledNuevo Horizonte [i.e. New Horizon]. We ask that you prayfor us. Thank you very much. It is our prayer that our greatGod will keep blessing you.

Your brother,Jesus Riofrio Castillo

From Florencio ChurataThe following is a letter from HeartCry missionaryFlorencio Churata. He has planted and is nowpastoring a thriving work in the city of Sullana innorthern Peru. He had a financial need do to compli-cations with his wife’s pregnancy and delivery. We wereable to intervene by God’s grace and through yourgiving.

I greet you from Sullana,

The purpose of this letter is to thank you for yourfinancial support that has resulted in the full recupera-tion of my wife. Two weeks have now passed since theoperation and there seem to be no further complica-tions. Praise the Lord and give thanks to His Name! Wewill return to the doctor in another week for the lastcheck up.

Honestly, it was impossible for us to obtain theneeded money by our own power, but we did not doubtGod. We give thanks to Him that we are now contentand very relieved. My wife is very happy and thankfulfor what you have done for her. It was so difficult towatch her crying because of the pain and because wehad no money to go to a doctor. But now everything isnormal and the burden has been taken off our backs.We are happy to have brothers and sisters in Christ likeyou who help us without tiring. ¡DIOS LES BENDIGAHERMANOS! (God bless you, brothers).

We are thankful to God and to you beloved broth-ers. We only ask that you continue praying for ourministry and us. Although the doctor has ordered mywife to rest, she has already visited several sisters inthe church to encourage them in their Christian life.She says that it is difficult to rest when there is so muchwork to be done in the Lord’s harvest.

Your servant,Florencio Churata

More than Missionary Support

The HeartCry Missionary Society not only cares about planting churches, but we also careabout those who plant them. We are well aware of the trials that the indigenous missionarymust often face and it is our desire to stand beside them in their time of need.

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22 HeartCry Missionary Society, April - May 2005

�The Attributes of God� �The Attributes of God� �The Attributes of God� �The Attributes of God� �The Attributes of God�There will be a total of ten teaching sessions that will cover such themesThere will be a total of ten teaching sessions that will cover such themesThere will be a total of ten teaching sessions that will cover such themesThere will be a total of ten teaching sessions that will cover such themesThere will be a total of ten teaching sessions that will cover such themesas the Holiness and Beauty of God, His Justice and Wrath, His Poweras the Holiness and Beauty of God, His Justice and Wrath, His Poweras the Holiness and Beauty of God, His Justice and Wrath, His Poweras the Holiness and Beauty of God, His Justice and Wrath, His Poweras the Holiness and Beauty of God, His Justice and Wrath, His Powerand Sovereignty, His Love and Grace, and many others. Considering theand Sovereignty, His Love and Grace, and many others. Considering theand Sovereignty, His Love and Grace, and many others. Considering theand Sovereignty, His Love and Grace, and many others. Considering theand Sovereignty, His Love and Grace, and many others. Considering thetheme, it is understandable why we have never been more excited andtheme, it is understandable why we have never been more excited andtheme, it is understandable why we have never been more excited andtheme, it is understandable why we have never been more excited andtheme, it is understandable why we have never been more excited andmore fearful about a conference. It is the preacher�s glory to exalt themore fearful about a conference. It is the preacher�s glory to exalt themore fearful about a conference. It is the preacher�s glory to exalt themore fearful about a conference. It is the preacher�s glory to exalt themore fearful about a conference. It is the preacher�s glory to exalt theattributes of God and yet it is a humbling and fearful thing. �And who isattributes of God and yet it is a humbling and fearful thing. �And who isattributes of God and yet it is a humbling and fearful thing. �And who isattributes of God and yet it is a humbling and fearful thing. �And who isattributes of God and yet it is a humbling and fearful thing. �And who issufficient for these things?� Therefore, pray that God will et glory forsufficient for these things?� Therefore, pray that God will et glory forsufficient for these things?� Therefore, pray that God will et glory forsufficient for these things?� Therefore, pray that God will et glory forsufficient for these things?� Therefore, pray that God will et glory forHimself out of the weak vessels of clay that will be speaking. There willHimself out of the weak vessels of clay that will be speaking. There willHimself out of the weak vessels of clay that will be speaking. There willHimself out of the weak vessels of clay that will be speaking. There willHimself out of the weak vessels of clay that will be speaking. There willbe several speakers at this year�s conference. So far, we have confirmedbe several speakers at this year�s conference. So far, we have confirmedbe several speakers at this year�s conference. So far, we have confirmedbe several speakers at this year�s conference. So far, we have confirmedbe several speakers at this year�s conference. So far, we have confirmedonly three: Pastor Mike Morrow, Pastor Charles Leiter, and Paul Washer.only three: Pastor Mike Morrow, Pastor Charles Leiter, and Paul Washer.only three: Pastor Mike Morrow, Pastor Charles Leiter, and Paul Washer.only three: Pastor Mike Morrow, Pastor Charles Leiter, and Paul Washer.only three: Pastor Mike Morrow, Pastor Charles Leiter, and Paul Washer.We look forward to fellowship with you.We look forward to fellowship with you.We look forward to fellowship with you.We look forward to fellowship with you.We look forward to fellowship with you.

HeartCry Missionary Society, 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.HeartCry Missionary Society, 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.HeartCry Missionary Society, 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.HeartCry Missionary Society, 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.HeartCry Missionary Society, 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.Phone: 618-564-2770 Web: www.heartcrymissionary.com Email: [email protected]: 618-564-2770 Web: www.heartcrymissionary.com Email: [email protected]: 618-564-2770 Web: www.heartcrymissionary.com Email: [email protected]: 618-564-2770 Web: www.heartcrymissionary.com Email: [email protected]: 618-564-2770 Web: www.heartcrymissionary.com Email: [email protected]

ConferConferConferConferConference Fence Fence Fence Fence FeeeeeeeeeeThere will be no charge for this year�s conference. However, we willThere will be no charge for this year�s conference. However, we willThere will be no charge for this year�s conference. However, we willThere will be no charge for this year�s conference. However, we willThere will be no charge for this year�s conference. However, we willreceive donations to offset the costs incurred.receive donations to offset the costs incurred.receive donations to offset the costs incurred.receive donations to offset the costs incurred.receive donations to offset the costs incurred.Registration will be required.Registration will be required.Registration will be required.Registration will be required.Registration will be required.A registrationA registrationA registrationA registrationA registration form will be mailed to you shortly form will be mailed to you shortly form will be mailed to you shortly form will be mailed to you shortly form will be mailed to you shortly

SaturSaturSaturSaturSaturdaydaydaydayday, September 10th, September 10th, September 10th, September 10th, September 10thSession #7- The Love of GodSession #7- The Love of GodSession #7- The Love of GodSession #7- The Love of GodSession #7- The Love of GodSession #8- The Mercy and GraceSession #8- The Mercy and GraceSession #8- The Mercy and GraceSession #8- The Mercy and GraceSession #8- The Mercy and Graceof Godof Godof Godof Godof GodSession #9- The Glory and BeautySession #9- The Glory and BeautySession #9- The Glory and BeautySession #9- The Glory and BeautySession #9- The Glory and Beautyof Godof Godof Godof Godof GodSession #10- The Glory of God inSession #10- The Glory of God inSession #10- The Glory of God inSession #10- The Glory of God inSession #10- The Glory of God inthe Face of Christthe Face of Christthe Face of Christthe Face of Christthe Face of Christ

ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday, September 8th, September 8th, September 8th, September 8th, September 8thSession #1-The Holiness of GodSession #1-The Holiness of GodSession #1-The Holiness of GodSession #1-The Holiness of GodSession #1-The Holiness of GodSession #2- The Justice of GodSession #2- The Justice of GodSession #2- The Justice of GodSession #2- The Justice of GodSession #2- The Justice of God

FFFFFridayridayridayridayriday, September 9th, September 9th, September 9th, September 9th, September 9thSession #3- The Truth of GodSession #3- The Truth of GodSession #3- The Truth of GodSession #3- The Truth of GodSession #3- The Truth of GodSession #4- The Power of GodSession #4- The Power of GodSession #4- The Power of GodSession #4- The Power of GodSession #4- The Power of GodSession #5- The Sovereignty of GodSession #5- The Sovereignty of GodSession #5- The Sovereignty of GodSession #5- The Sovereignty of GodSession #5- The Sovereignty of GodSession #6- The Wrath of GodSession #6- The Wrath of GodSession #6- The Wrath of GodSession #6- The Wrath of GodSession #6- The Wrath of God

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Catalog of Resources

COMPACT DISC AUDIO - CDHeartCry’s 1st Annual Conference 2003 (4 CD set)HeartCry’s 2nd Annual Conference 2004 (6 CD set)Youth Conference 2002, Montgomery AL (1 CD)Biblical Assurance, Austin TX 2004 (3 CD set)Clothed with Christ, Austin TX 2004 (2 CD set)No Greater Truth, Austin TX 2004 (2 CD set)There’s too much Riding on Eternity, Austin TX (2CD)To Love The Word of God, Austin TX 2004 (2CD)

MP3 AUDIO - CD ROMHeartCry’s 1st Annual Conference 2003(single mp3 data CD)HeartCry’s 2nd Annual Conference 2004(single mp3 data CD)

DVD VIDEO7 Years of HeartCry - Single Disc DVDA missionary Letter - Single Disc DVD** Available April 2005

CD ROMThe HeartCry Magazine Archive CDROMHeartCry Magzines volumes 11 - 40(single CDROM)

CD$15.00$20.00$6.00$12.00$8.00$8.00$8.00$8.00

Mp3$8

$8

DVD$15$15

PRE-ORDER

$10

Resource Suggested DonationM

P3

AU

DIO

Name:_____________________________________ Total Donation:$____________

Address:_____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Any and all donations from the distribution of this resource will be used in support of indigenous missionariesthroughout the world. Please send a check or postal order along with this form to:

HeartCry Missionary Society - 6970 Waldo Church Rd, Metropolis, IL 62960

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HeartCryMissionary Society

That His Name be Great among the Nations...Phone: 618-564-2770

NEWNEWNEWNEWNEW

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HEARTCRY MISSIONARY SOCIETY

HeartCry Missionary Society

c/o Waldo Baptist Church6970 Waldo Church RoadMetropolis, IL. 62960

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDBrookport, IL.Permit No. 10

What part of “GO” do you notunderstand? Matthew 28:18-20

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our Web Sitewww.heartcrymissionary.com

Phone: 618.564.2770 Fax: 618.564.3471