The pastor of Golgotha Baptist Church has been an evangelical pastor in Romania for 25 years. Daniel Cocar's soft-spoken demeanor and kind expression betray the decades of persecution he has endured for being a Christian pastor. He was with us in our meeting this morning as we gathered to prepare our hearts for the day and he spoke about his love for God, the gospel, and Romania.
"It was easier under Communism." I think the statement surprised all of us. "Under Communism," he continued, "there were only two places to go. The pub or the church. The smart people chose the church. Today, under capitalism, there are so many choices that the church is in fierce competition with them all."
He went on to explain that under Communism, Christians were persecuted. But under capitalism, the scriptures are neglected. The spiritual battle in Romania is fought long and hard and requires faith that the Holy Spirit will soften and break the hearts of the people.
Romanians have multiple generations of Orthodox families. When you ask them, they say, "Yes, I believe in God. Yes, I believe in Jesus. Yes, I believe in Heaven and Hell." But when you ask where they'll go when they die, they don't know. "It's up to God to judge my goodness after I die. I hope I go to Heaven. I'm a good person. I pray diligently that I may go to Heaven. But I don't know."
My heart sings Blessed Assurance when I think of these wonderful, hard-working people. Pray that the Word of Truth will penetrate their hearts and that they will come to a life-transforming, ever growing relationship with our loving Father.
The picture is of the old Bisceria Baptista in Biled, once a personal residence, that still stands next to the new modern church building. (Click to enlarge)
4 comments:
It is 9:30 pm and I am sitting here watching the beautiful fireworks and I can only dream of what you did on your 4th of July.
Wow what wonderful memories of doing God's work in the mission field. You are all truely blessed and loved. We will continue to pray to reach one more for Jesus !
Happy 4th daddy, we miss you bunches. Love to you all
Cameron , Caleb, Sierra, Beth Gilbert.
Independence Day takes on a new meaning in Missionary work...not just freedom from politcal oppression, but also from Satanic.Open their eyes to the TRUTH..John 8:32, then remind them...John 8:36.God's anointing Grace be upon all of you.
Love in Christ and Saved by Grace,
Lisa Brown
Still praying for you guys... Bill P. could you bring back some of those "delicious" apricots for me??? :) In all seriousness I am praying that God will bring a great harvest in His time for the work you are obediently doing(Matt.13:36-43). You're such a bleassing to our church family. We love and mis you guys.
Mark Forehand
What a blessing to see the work that all of you are doing. Bill P. is my boss and I am so very proud of him for doing what God called him to do. We in Franklin Tennessee are praying for all of you. Keep spreading the Word.
The Pearson Family
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