From May 3-5, over 200 disciples from 16 countries came together in Bucharest, Romania for the “Into All Nations” Eastern European Discipleship Summit, celebrating the Bucharest church’s 30th anniversary. Brothers and sisters ranging from nine days to 54 years in the faith rejoiced together in the work of the Holy Spirit, and new dreams for an evangelized Eastern Europe were born.
On the first day of the conference, old friends with Caleb-like zeal were reunited; teens, campus students, and young professionals arrived with a spirit of joy and excitement; and new relationships across the generations began to form. The morning session kicked off with nine classes filled with teachings, the sharing of real life experiences, and discussions specific to all stages of life. Afternoon plans were canceled due to unforeseen weather conditions, so a local mall became the destination of choice. Disciples filled the food court with fellowship, engaged in creative activities throughout the mall, and reached out to many people! AT Arneson (Chicago) led the evening session with a message titled “In Christ” and inspired the churches to be filled with people who are filled with Jesus.
The second day of the conference kicked off with nine more classes that encompassed teaching and training to grow in love, grace, prayer, sharing the good news, leadership, and apologetics. Overall, so much encouragement came from seeing classes led by passionate disciples of various ages and life stages, and from two young married couples from the RevivEE team, Ian and Tamar Watson and Mark and Diana Zhygulin. Afternoon activities remained at the conference venue where teens, campus students, young professionals, and young marrieds played interactive games to know each other on a deeper level. When sunny skies appeared a couple hours later, many disciples were spending time in pairs and in small groups outdoors, making memories with each other. The evening session began with a message from Ed Anton (Boston) titled “Into All Nations” and ended with the celebration of the Bucharest Church’s 30th anniversary.
To conclude the conference on Sunday, Valdur Koha (Boston) delivered a message titled “The Lord Has Risen,” which compelled all in attendance to live in such a way as to show that the resurrection is true. Many visitors and people from Bucharest who are studying the Bible were greatly impacted by the message, the worship, and the love among disciples. God’s kingdom was truly on display the entire weekend. Songs were powerfully sung in many languages including English, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Polish. Many disciples, including those younger in age, spoke of how this experience had deepened their convictions and confidence. We look forward to the next conference and to the miracles God will continue doing in Eastern Europe!
