January-February 2024
We have started the second semester at The Baptist College International, and I am officially a teacher this time, loving every minute of it. I get the privilege of teaching students who want to serve in the same way I want in the church and in the community. The two classes I have this semester are English Composition and The Art and Science of Teaching. These classes are such a fun scenario since I am also teaching ESL English to Ukrainians, which challenges me to use as many different methods I can to keep the students engaged. As I have mentioned before, Salvați Copii is the organization that I have connected with through some other members at the church, and these members have been such good examples of witnesses in their work community. We have had several from this organization: students, parents, and workers attend various ministries at the church, and we are praying for their faithfulness and salvation.
At the church, we have had two kids clubs so far this year, with our second one reaching back up to twenty-four kids, which we are thrilled about. We are all enjoying the theme of these clubs this year, not to just be centered on salvation, but also showing how wonderful our God is in His creation.
So my weeks are filled with the secretarial side of a church service, tract distribution, teaching English, teaching at the college, and of course, learning Romanian. I am very slow at piecing a sentence together, but my understanding and hearing has developed very well. I have even pushed myself to not use a translator during the Wednesday night services. My grammar understanding is there, even though it supersedes the amount of English grammar, but now I just need to buckle down and work on vocabulary memorization.
Working at the college has rewarded me in many ways than just teaching, they also hold events for other people and churches in both Romania and Europe. Last semester, we had a pastor’s conference, a modular class on “Confronting the Charismatic Movement,” and a choir tour to churches in Ireland. With this semester’s events I leave you with some prayer requests. We will be having another modular class called “Baptist History in Europe,” a youth conference, and a choir tour to churches here in Romania.
The last request I give you is also an answer to prayers from previous newsletters. Last year, the church was able make purchases with repairing the roof and obtaining a new modular building, and this next month, they will finally be able to purchase a new van. So thank you so much for your prayers and support for this ministry!
In Christ,
Olivia West
