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On the 7th, 8th and 10th January we went to The Republic of Moldova with 15th boys from our church for the Christmas celebration and Evangelistic meetings in a few schools. It was a great time of fellowship and witnessing about our Saviour.

We left at 5 o'clock in the morning from Siret with two minibuses and drove to the Moldovan border on a very icy road. It was cold about - 14C. We managed to get to the first Church, Boghiceni (about 30 km from the border) just half an hour later. The church was packed with believers and they had invited their unbelieving

relatives.  We sang and preached and God was honoured. They had prepared a very basic meal for us even though we had some sandwiches with us. At this meal of fellowship we had a great opportunity to talk to the members relatives and to make new friends.

At 3 o clock we had another meeting in Balceana about 20 km from Boghiceni. They were all there waiting for us to come. It was great to see most of the formerly communist members, now a sweet people who love Lord. We were so impressed with these people’s prayers and their high respect for God and for Christian people. They also tried to give us something to eat but we convinced them to enjoy that meal together with the people from the village who were invited.

We left the place about 5 o'clock and we started to move to Rascaieti about 270 km South east near Ukrainian border. The road was very icy and in some places we had to drive through the fields because it was blocked by snow. No body clears the roads. We got to Rascaieti safe at about 11.30 pm. Some of the ladies from the church were there, waiting with some food. No body was feeling able to eat because we were so tired, after driving on that road, but we had some food. The ladies were so happy being able to serve us. We went to sleep in the church, most of us on the floor. They had made it very hot and it was almost impossible to sleep, some did, but it was most difficult. In the morning, there were people coming to church to make breakfast for us. So about 7 o’clock we had to be ready for a  meal of tea, bread, jam and coffee.

We had to sing songs in the church first, then at 10 am go to school where the children and teachers were expecting us. The meeting room in the school was really packed with students, parents and teachers. Some were seated but most were standing. The believers from Rascaieti decided to stay in the hall. We sang and preached. The teachers asked for more, and more. Paul was exhausted but he kept on. At one o clock we decide to stop and to give them the Christmas presents from Romania. Some of the people had promised to come in the evening to the meeting in the church. We spent time giving away the gifts and talking with the people, had  lunch and went on to other school, called Viisoara, about 7 km away, at 3pm. There were less people but finally the small group of students and teachers were very happy and invited us come at Easter and to have meetings in the school. Moldovan law doesn't allow meetings like this in the school but we hope to be able to go at Easter, because there is a family who are believers and 2 ladies gave their lives to Jesus on the day that we were there. We came back to Rascaieti and had a meeting in the church, for the believers, but some people came from the village so the church was packed again. In the end 3 ladies gave their lives to Jesus. We sang and prayed for them. We had dinner, but the people didn't want to leave and finally we had to ask then to go. We slept again in the church and next day in the morning at 6 am we started to move to Transnistria area. It was Monday and we planned to be there at 9 o'clock. The road was very difficult, it was icy and it was snowing with a strong wind. We managed to cross the bridge and to get to the border, but it was impossible to move further. Brother Cornel from Suceava called the believers from Dorotskaya and two brothers came to the border. We meet them, sang a few songs, prayed and gave then some Christmas gifts then we left them to go home. We recrossed the border and bridge and decided to go to the North area. We got to Biliceni at 1 o'clock , we had some sausages  which we gave to  a sister to boil  for us, and had them with bread which we had with us. At 2 o'clock we had a meeting including a baby dedication. It was very hot inside, outside very cold and snowing. After an hours meeting we rushed to Ciuciuieni about 20 km away where there was  also a lot of people, we were tired and people felt it. We had to go to another place about 130 km to North east called Pistruinei  near Stefanesti(where the church was burnt out about 4 years ago)even though we were tired Mirel and Dan Tiprigan had very good

messages and made us fresh again. There were not very many people but the leaders from the other 3 churches in the area were there. They asked us about the bible studies, asking if it is possible to have one in Moldova in some place because it will cost less. It would be great but it is impossible for us because the authorities don't allow us to stay more than 72 hours without special registration which must be done in the police office, and permission to stay longer depends on what you want to do. Also, it is better for the brothers from Moldova to come into Romania because they can all stay for all the full period for the study.

We left at 9.30 pm and had until midnight to cross the border, before our permission to stay in Moldova expired. About 5 o’clock in the morning we got back to Siret, exhausted but thankful to the Lord for all the blessings that we had, and being able to serve others. If the Lord will help us and provide the resources for the trip at Easter time all the boys are very happy to plan it.

We all pray for it.

With love in Christ

Cornel Haures.

Praise God for safe travel during this past trip, for the ladies who came to the Lord, and for the many children and adults who were reached with the gospel.

Praise too for the commitment of the men who were willing to undertake this difficult and exhausting trip.

Pray that the seed sown will bear fruit, and that the believers will be encouraged.