Head of Bible Department Speaks In Romania

During the month of January, Brother Rick Houk, chairman of the Bible department of West Coast Baptist College, and Mrs. Houk, had the opportunity to travel to Romania to speak at Missionary Tim Tyler's church for their Fifth Annual Church Planters Conference.

Brother Tyler graduated from West Coast Baptist College six years ago and has been faithfully serving in Romania since. The Tylers have two children enrolled at West Coast and one daughter who has graduated and is presently serving the Lord in ministry with her husband. Currently the Tylers are ministering in the city of Timisoara where they rent space in a business complex which provides rooms for church services and classrooms.

The theme of this year's conference was Servant Leadership. Brother and Mrs. Houk's desire was to encourage those in attendance to develop a servant's heart in leading others in their churches.

In preparation for the conference, Brother Tyler and his church systematically planned how they were going to knock every door in one particular portion of the city. By the conference start, God allowed the Tyler's church to accomplish that goal.

While there, Brother and Mrs. Houk were able to witness first-hand the love that the Tyler family has for their church family and the Romanian people. It was a blessing to see the church get behind the Tylers and prepare for this conference. Many were there Saturday night getting the church cleaned and ready for Sunday's services and conference. Several of the members brought first time guests during the conference. The zeal of the Romanian Christians was an encouragement to Brother Tyler and all at the conference.

In attendance were local missionaries and church planters throughout Romania. Seeing many pastors and missionaries bring their church leaders and new converts with them was a blessing to the Houks and Tylers.

Brother Houk challenged the conference delegates throughout the week with sessions on the following topics: Reaching the Lost; Godly Characteristics of Servant Leadership; Building Teamwork in Ministry; and Qualities for Serving and Ministering in the Local Church.

Brother Houk spoke through the interpretation of Mihai, a Romanian Christian who in the following weeks will be starting a new church plant two hours north of Timisoara through the support of Brother Tyler's church and other churches.

The conference also contained a portion of split sessions that spoke directly to men, ladies, college and career young people, and teens. The Houks enjoyed the more personal interaction these small groups provided.

A highlight of the week for the Houks was to hear Missionary Brian Nibbe, who is also supported by Lancaster Baptist Church. In his session, Brother Nibbe spoke about beginning an RU (Reformers Unanimous) ministry. Brother Nibbe had a few RU members with him who were able to give testimony of God's work in their lives.

The Holy Spirit was working in and stirring the hearts of those in the conference, and the altars were full after each service. Many made outward professions of what the Lord was doing in their hearts, which is not natural in the Romanian culture.

Overall, the conference proved to be an excellent source of preparation and encouragement to those serving in Romania. It bonded many pastors and missionaries together and stirred anew the passion to conquer Romania for Christ. Praise God for the wonderful work He has done and continues to do in Romania!