Prayer Focus, Day 9, Sept. 29

Romania Mission, Day 9

Monday, September 29, 2014

Location: Day off! Trip to Mountains. Lodging at Sibiu

Scripture and Meditation:

Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:10).

The most wonderful discovery I ever made was that God had things to say to me! And He has things to say to you, too. 

Prayer is communication with God; it is dialog with God. Thus, there should be two voices in prayers -- both your voice and God’s. The Bible is filled with examples of God speaking to His children, directly and personally. Since He is the same yesterday, today and forever, it stands to reason that He still wants to speak to His children today. 

If the essence of Christianity is a personal relationship with God, we can assume that He will want to speak with us. Bill Hybels said, "It makes no sense to believe that God lost His voice at the end of the first century."

Today’s Prayer Challenge:

On this day off, take time to read God’s Word and listen to His voice.

Safety as we enjoy the mountain scenery

Singers/Staff for prayer:

All basses in the chorus.  The Romanian support staff

Prayer Focus, Day 8, Sept. 28

We invite you to join us in prayer daily for the Romania mission. We pray that you are blessed by joining us in this daily prayer mission.

Romania Mission, Day 8

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Location: Concert at Alba Iulia Catholic Cathedral in afternoon. Travel to Sibiu for lodging.

Scripture and Meditation:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my han” (John 10:27, 28 NIV). 

“Dear Jesus,” prayed our son at age two, “Thank You for being my Good Shepherd. I am Your little lamb. Please take my hand and lead me.” (Silence… He looked at one opened hand and then the other.) “Jesus, I can’t see you holding my hand. I don’t even feel you holding my hand. But I know You are, ‘cause You promised!”

Today’s Prayer Challenge:

No one can snatch you out of God’s hand! Claim His promise!

Take extra time praying for God’s guidance and His will for the chorus today.

Singers/Staff for prayer:

Those whose last names begin with the letters M through R.

Prayer Focus, Day 7, Sept. 27

Romania Mission, Day 7

Happy Sabbath! September 27, 2014

Location: Chorus sings for church. Evening concert 4 at Timisoara Catholic Dome. Back to Arad for lodging.   

Scripture and Meditation:

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them ... Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures (John 10:3, 9 NLT).  

When Ron, our videographer, was a boy he cared for 90 sheep. A sheep was wedged against a hill with its feet in the air—he grasped both legs and flipped it over. A sheep got caught in black-berries—he clipped off the brambles, and set it free. The Good Shepherd is willing to save you, too, and those we minister to.  “Jesus, I give you charge over my life. Take away my sins. Help me trust You to lead me to green pastures.”

Today’s Prayer Challenge:
“Sheep” who are searching for Jesus
People coming to concerts

Singers/Staff for prayer: Local pastors and Romanian staff.  

Pray for 1st and 2nd tenors of the chorus.

Prayer Focus, Day 6, Sept. 26

Romania Mission, Day 6

Friday, September 26, 2014

Location:  Travel to Oradea for concert. After concert to Arad for lodging.

Scripture and Meditation:

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God Reigns’ (Isaiah 52:7 NASB).

Look at your feet. Your gospel shoes are polished and ready to carry the good news of the gospel today at our Oradea concert!  Ask God to put your feet in the right place and right words in your mouth to bring someone the joy of salvation.

Today’s Prayer Challenge:

Those attending the concert

Those providing our food

Singers/Staff for prayer:

Those with last names begin with letters G through L

Planning Team

Romania Report for Sept. 24 & 25 - Louise Craig

Romania Update
By Louise Craig, OAMC executive director

Wednesday, Sept 24

It's 5 p.m. (1700 h). We are gathering on the stage of the concert hall in Sinaia for rehearsal. What a whirlwind.

We just wrapped up a full day of rehearsals at the Adventist Conference center in Stupini on the outskirts of Brasov. We had hoped to be able to leave early enough for some of the group to go to the old part of Brasov, the site of the Black Church (Biserica Negra). Instructions relayed through several layers delayed lunch service, which actually turned out better for everyone, at least for gathering all of our things in preparation for tonight's concert.

Last night, during worship, several individuals shared how God had worked in their lives. Stay tuned for their stories!

Mokale Koapeng was granted a visa to Romania, but other members of the South African contingent encountered difficulties in dealing with the Romanian consulate. The embassy offices in Pretoria were closed, which meant a trip to the consulate in Cape Town. They asked for different types of letters of invitation from Romania but continued to reject each invitation.

Finally, Alin went to the Religious Liberty director at the Romanian Union office. He called a Romanian government minister, a friend of his. The Minister was in Germany, about to board a plane to attend a NATO meeting in New York. He answered his cell phone! Within a half hour, the African contingent received word that their visas would be granted, after nearly a week camping out in Cape Town!

They are joining us in Cluj-Napoca, a little delayed but on their way.

Thursday, Sept 25

 Last night's first concert in Sinaia went quite well, better than we expected for a first concert on a tour. There were a few little glitches but the biggest problem was the stage configuration put the singers in a bad spot for best sound.

Tonight's concert in Clug-Napoca was wonderful. The stage was perfect for projecting singers, and the singers responded with enthusiasm. The audience gave them a standing ovation, one man who didn't seem to be at all familiar with "We Have This Hope" stood with tears streaming down his face.

We have been busy rehearsing, traveling, preparing, singing and praying. Each day, we are going through the daily prayer journal prepared by our prayer team. The experience has been spiritually enriching and fulfilling.

It's time to say "noapte buna" after a long day so that we can get some sleep and be ready to board the bus at the much later-than-usual hour of 9:30 in the morning.

Prayer Focus, Day 5, Sept. 25

Photo: Ralph Stathem

Romania Mission, Day 5

Thursday, September 25, 2014 
Location: Travel to Cluj for our 2^nd concert

Scripture and Meditation:   

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Prov. 31:30, 31; 1Cor. 15:57 NIV

Like the horse made ready for battle, we are setting out to accomplish God’s mission. Ready or not, here we come! Pray before, during, and after every task we set to do. Pray, not only because we need God to keep working big miracles, but because we also need to be in constant touch with Him. We need to reach for God the way young lovers need to keep touching each other. We need to place our hand in His to feel His presence and victory.

Today’s Prayer Challenge: 
That we will be one voice in concert
That Jesus will shine through our music

Singers/Staff for prayer: 
Bus Drivers/safe bus travel.  Accompanists – piano, organ, orchestra

Photos from first concert

First concert, Wednesday, Sept. 4

Here are a few photos from the first concert on Wednesday evening, Sept. 24, provided by Ralph Stathem.