2023

MAY

Dear friends,

I hope that your projects and resolutions at the beginning of the year for the increase of the Kingdom of God, bring you many moments of joy and strengthen you in your relationship with God.

For the past few weeks I have been reading the books of Chronicles in the Bible. At the beginning of the chapters for the kings of Judah and Israel, we can read either…He did what was right in the sight of the Lord…or He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord.

It’s a short phrase to sum up a person’s life, like those words in the New Testament about talents. “Very good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will entrust you with much, enter into the joy of your master…. And cast the useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I’ve been asking myself these questions for the past few months… how to manage time, finances, my goals in life, relationships with others and God, in order to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and be a good and faithful servant. Because not only our joy and peace here on Earth depend on it but above all our eternal future which will be with God or far from Him.

My prayer is that each of us may hear from the mouth of God saying to us, “Come you who are blessed of my Father; take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Math 25:34)

Missionary News:

-For the Christmas and New Year celebrations, I have been with 2 churches. One with the Gypsy Church in the village of Doburca and the other with my church in the town of Hateg. We have organized several days of recreational activities and meals for children and teenagers. In the church of Gitan, 184 people with their children and teenagers came to participate in 3 days of meals and activities presenting the massage of the gospel. At the church of Hateg, 122 children and teenagers from 8 to 14 years old participated during a weekend in our various activities to present the gospel. In these 2 churches, more than 80% of the children and teenagers who participated in the activities come from families outside our churches.

-We organized 2 ski camps. The first for a week with 60 children and teenagers from Hateg, most of whom did not know how to ski. The second for young adults aged 20 to 30. During these 2 camps, every evening we were able to sing and praise God.

-Once a year, we organize a camp for all our young people who are volunteers week after week in all our activities in the 11 regions where we present the Gospel. Last year they were 30 youth but this year they were 70 youth. It is a very good opportunity for these young people from different regions and ethnic groups (Romanians, Hungarians and Gypsies) to get to know each other and encourage each other.

-Every week, in my church, I am part of the technical team. Every other week I take care of the sound mixing for the worship group and the sermon. And the other week I take care of the lights.

-I am also in the children’s and teenagers’ team. Twice a month, we have special activities especially for those whose parents do not attend churches. 

We have 15 teenage children from our church and 45 from outside. The activities are varied such as Cooking, Sports, Visiting social centers (orphanage) etc.

Personal News:

-Since November 2022, I have been living in the small town of Hateg, where I am building my house. For 3 years I lived in our christian camp in Garbova (the sheep gate). But in recent months we have found two families who now take care of the management of our camp. A Colombian American family (with an 8 month baby) and a Romanian family with 3 children. Of which my permanent presence on site is no longer necessary. This is the reason why I moved to the town of Hateg which is 1h30 from the camp. Of course, as needed, I will help them.

-The construction of my house. Since buying the land, I knew that I didn’t just want to build a house just for me. The goal has always been to make a mini missionary center where I can organize activities for children, teenagers, young people and parents. The main idea is the story of Noah. Because the house will be placed on the 63 pestles. The land is very long 20 m wide and 180 m long. I will be building 2 parallel zip lines that will end in a small boat. And there will be other activities. One of the goals is that this mission house be a place where teenage and young children can organize their birthday and invite their friends. I want to create a place where the Gospel is easy to share and live.

For all of you if you have any name suggestions for this center, send me name ideas, many thanks.

-In the last letter you read that I wanted to finish the construction before July this year. I am very far from my forecasts. Because I do everything by myself to save money. At the end of 2022, I have 3 churches that announced to me that they were stopping supporting me financially. And a 4th church that was supposed to shrink 50% but would support me 100% again when their financial problem was over. Here is the situation, I have between 900 and 1100 Euro per month depending on the period. Thank you for your prayers. For those who know me know that I don’t want to complain about the situation because I know that many people are suffering financially and have difficulty finishing the end of the month. When I made the decision to become a missionary, one thing I learned was to adapt to conditions and situations. That’s why I want to build the most by myself and that your money is used to buy only the materials for the house.

I want to end this chapter by warmly and sincerely thanking the 6 people for their special gift for the construction of the missionary house. A warm thank you

Prayer topics:

-For the two new families who will manage our Christian camp.

-For all summer activities. 12 camps in our center in Poorta Oilor

-For my physical health, that my arthritis of both hands does not worsen.

-For my financial support which is currently 1000 Euros. That I can find new people and churches that can help me.

-For the construction of my house. For protection against accidents and also for wisdom.

A big thank you to all of you who have supported me for so many years. Many thanks for your loyalty.

Your brother in Christ, Myung Soo Merchie

You will find on my missionary site more information if you wish to help me more concretely, a big thank you.