March 20, 2004
Tom Langley writes, “Four Romanian cities will be hosting WEI short-term mission teams this summer. Approximately 50 teachers will be teaching the word of God one-on-one, using the WEI material. These teachers will represent approximately 10 different states of the U.S.
“The church in Oradea, Romania will be hosting their fourth summer WEI short-term mission. Since the summer of 2001, scores of students have studied the word of God in Oradea and have success-fully completed the basic WEI course. As a result, many have been baptized into Christ. The church has more than doubled in size during that time.”
“This short-term mission is always led by Oradea’s sponsoring church, the Tenth Street Church of Christ in Opelika, Alabama. This year, Tenth Street will again be sending many teachers—who look forward to renewing relationships with the Christians in Oradea.
“The Christians in Oradea begin praying months in advance for the return of their dear brothers and sisters in Christ from Opelika, and for the success of their mission.
Alin Ardelean was the first WEI student to be baptized in Oradea in 2001. “He is now the primary song leader at the Oradea church.”
“Larry and Kay Little, missionaries in Arad, Romania, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of teachers—predominately from their sponsoring congregation, the Grant Street Church of Christ in Decatur, Alabama. Larry mentioned to me several times that this four-week WEI short-term mission in July will be the highlight of the church’s many activities this year.
“Scott Karnes, campus minister at the University of Arkansas, will again be leading teams of WEI teachers from his Razorbacks for Christ ministry this summer. His desire is to introduce college students from the campus ministry to the mission field, knowing that this will instill in them a lifelong passion for missions.
“His group will return to Cluj, Romania for another meaningful mission experience in that city, working with missionaries Dan and Jan Davis.
“The church in Bucharest, Romania will be hosting their second WEI short-term mission this summer. Missionaries Bubba and Lavinia Cook will enjoy the presence of WEI teachers from their sponsoring congregation, the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Elders Marcus Brown and Carol Anderson will be leading two two-week teams from May 7 to June 11. One of the teachers, Marty Stewart said, ‘I just can’t wait to return to Romania. We’re all looking forward to seeing everyone again.’”
Tom concludes, “Recruiting teachers from U.S. sponsoring churches to go and teach in the mission field they support is the goal of our WEI short-term mission ministry.”
