Recently, Marieke started a women’s group focused on sharing what’s going on in life, and praying for those things. A number of the women have seen family members come to follow Jesus.

It is interesting for the Baks to observe the change and fruit that has results from the prayers in the group. For example, one woman invited her sister and brother–in–law to a church service. “It was the perfect moment,” Jeroen said. She gave her life to Christ after that.

“It’s really special to see how it is their own decision and how God moved in their lives. You can see how it was not just to please their sister,” Jeroen explained.

One man was recently diagnosed with a serious medical condition – there was nothing else the doctors could do, so they sent him home, near death. In this crisis, he realised that he needed to make things right, and gave his life to Christ.

The church continued to pray for his condition. His condition affected mostly his lungs and breathing, so he needed an oxygen tank. After getting baptised, he was able to quickly stop smoking and began to walk. He became motivated to make changes in a helpless situation.

“He is still weak, but he is improving. It is a miracle; he is a changed man,” Jeroen said. 

During the summer time, they’ve remained optimistic that God will continue to work and answer prayers in their community.

Together with their church, they ran two summer camps: one for church kids and their schoolmates and another for gypsy (Roma) children from the surrounding areas.

There was a lot of enthusiasm from the parents in the Baks’ son’s class. One father was particularly excited about the church’s programs and encouraged the other parents to send their kids.

 “We want to show them God’s love because they are a rejected group,” Jeroen said. “And that’s what they need. God’s love.”

It is exciting to see how involved their church is in all of these things, from prayer to discipleship to evangelism. They are actively training young people and are seeing encouraging results in involvement. 

“The church is active. It’s not hard to find helpers,” Jeroen said.

Praise God for many answered prayers! And thank God for this church that is so eager to serve and reach out to their family members, community and beyond.

Find out more about Romania and ECM’s work here