November 2020 Update
Greetings from Romania!
I am writing to update you on the things which happened in the past months since my last newsletter. It has been an eventful year with many ups and downs.
First, I am thankful to our Lord for sustaining my wife Lidia and I through the COVID19 disease. Lidia was the first one to be infected in early November at her workplace, then we both became sick and Lidia was tested positive. We had mild to moderate symptoms and our son Albert was asymptomatic. It was a strange couple of weeks with the most difficult symptom for us being an extreme fatigue which meant we could barely do the most basic things. We are glad that because of the distancing measures and because of our subsequent quarantine, the people of our church plant were not affected by this virus. As we are healed and the quarantine has ended, we will resume worship services.
Although masks make singing more difficult, we are thankful the Romanian government is allowing churches to hold services.
Second, I praise the Lord for continuing to bless our church planting ministry here. Although we face many restrictions because of the pandemic, we are thankful for having the opportunity of meeting new people who contact me and then start attennding the church services. Two new people became members of our church and four new people started attending as regular visitors. I also had the joy of conducting the first wedding ceremony. The progress here is still small and slow, but we rejoice in the fruits we can see.
During the summer when the COVID cases were low, weddings with up to 50 guests were allowed by the government
Third, we continue to use all means of outreach that are available at this time. In late September we published the Romanian translation of Dr. Godfrey’s book John Calvin: Pilgrim And Pastor. There was great interest for this book and we were able to distribute a significant number of copies. Most new contacts I make come through my vlog Theology And Coffee which has proved to be a great tool on Youtube alongside the video recordings of sermons. Two other books are in the last stages of the editing process and we will publish them soon.
Earlier this year I was invited to participate on a TV show where priests and pastors meet to discuss theology. The show went on a hiatus during the lockdown but it will be restarted soon. I was invited back to participate once a month in the new season of the show. This is a great (and free) opportunity to raise the awareness of our church plant.
The most exciting part of book publishing is picking up 1000 copies fresh and hot off the printing press
We ask you to join us in prayer for God’s continued provision in our church planting work. Pray for the visitors of our church so that the Lord might strenghten their faith and grow their commitment. Pray for me as I continue to preach and to engage with new people. Also, please pray for our financial needs and for the 2021 budget.
Warmly in Christ,
Rev. Mihai Corcea
P.S. Donations to support the church planting work in Romania can be directed to Christ URC Santee 10333 (Mast Blvd. Santee, CA 92071 USA - please indicate your support is for Romania). Donations can also be made online via PayPal.