In October, Harvest Bible Fellowship organized a team from several Harvest Bible Chapels to bring encouragement and edification to this plant. Working together with ministry leaders from Metanoia Braila to teach about leadership principals, elder government, small groups, and Children’s Ministry, they're happy to report that this international plant is beginning to thrive.
Braila missions team members from the Fellowship
and Harvests Naperville, Houston, and Poland.
"The leadership team is growing in unity, direction and purpose as they are called to set vision before the people. The church is filled with committed and passionate followers of the Lord Jesus who are worshiping, walking and working for Christ with diligence and determination. It was such a blessing to participate in what God is doing in Braila and to worship with those whom the Lord has called to be part of this great movement. The church is influencing their community and regional churches as they model scriptural relevancy and boldness in the proclamation of God’s Word." (Kirk Van Maanen, HBF)
An agenda filled with leadership and ministry meetings, along with conducting a 2-day conference to strengthen and equip other area churches, didn't prohibit the team from coming alongside Metanoia in their outreach efforts...
Boys who've been welcomed into a family of the Home of Hope ministry.
Metanoia Braila partners with the Home of Hope, a ministry that brings the hope of Christ to abused or neglected children by placing them in Christian families - up to ten children in each! - and is committed to reaching the unreached in their community, as well as encouraging families of gypsy believers to continue pressing on.
Missions team members with Romanian gypsy believers.
The fragrance of Christ is going out from Metanoia and the members of this church plant are committed to spreading His sweet aroma in the areas God is calling them to influence.
Marius Mezin, Harvest Pastor in Braila, shared heartfelt thanks. “The people from our church had this feeling that you are part of our family. I thank my God for your kindness and humbleness that touched so many lives. You are a blessing and the echo of our time with you is still heard around our church.”
Marius Mezin, Senior Pastor of Metanoia Braila, and his family.
In return, Kirk Van Maanen reflected that; "it was such an encouragement to our team to see the Lord Jesus high and lifted up through this new work. The faith of the people at Metanoia has been tested and their walk with the Lord is fervent, growing and urgent as they proclaim the richness of gospel. It is a testimony to God’s grace and His promise to build His Church. The fulfillment of that promise is being realized in Braila.”
Also, Alex Zhdan of Harvest Naperville says, “I rejoice in the progress of people there and praise God for His mercy, grace and favor toward people at Metanoia church. My heart is stirred for the opportunity that Harvest Naperville has to partner with people in Braila.”