FBC Taos NM goes to Romania

Here’s a pair of video message from Munich!

I’m sitting in a coffee shop in the Munich airport talking with Ray right now, mostly about how much longer we have t stay awake. I;m sucking down a cup of coffee that cost about $7.00 US and seriously rethinking my plans to buy a souvenier from this place! Anyway,it’s now been decided that my new name, or at least the proper way to address me is either “Mr. Incredible” or “Pastor Incredible” since our ride in the van on the way to the Denver airport. I think I rather like the tag, so all of you normal little people back in Taos can begin using it on the this blog or when you see me again. Can you tell I’m tired? Anyway, things are going swimmingly so far. Everyone has proved to be just the sort of outstanding individual I knew they would be. More later.

Pastor Incredible!

From Ray – Well we’re off! With some hugs from members of our church family we loaded up the van for the 5 hour ride to Denver. It was a smooth trip filled with a live reading from the book Romania – Customs and Etiquette in hopes that we would have SOME clue once we get there! There was quite the lightening storm with a bit of rain but we finally got to the hotel. 

After we checked in, a run to the Flying J truck stop for a bite to eat was in order. Edwin fought the urge to purchase a CB radio while the rest of us grabbed any sandwich that’s ingredients did NOT contain the word “salad”. Yum.

It was then off to bed. 

The morning found Selah at the coffee pot downstairs where Brandy, Jessie Marie & myself took in a bagel and whatnot. Haven’t seen the dudes but I am sure they are here somewhere.

More later!

Well, it’s 2;20 on Wednesday afternoon and Ray and I are sitting in my office taking care of last minute details for the trip.  I’m really excited about this opportunity and somewhat humbled.  I originally planned that we would offer to do some type of service ministry or outreach help with the churches in Romania to support the work they were already doing.  What a surprise when Rev. Bogdan asked me to do the preaching for their annual revival services in Severin!  I am greatly honored to be asked to bring the message of God’s Word to people who have given up so much to follow Christ, knowing that I come from a country where it seems so often to be something that is easily taken for granted.  Remeber us in your prayers, especially the days of revival services (July 3-6).  The other days, we will be involved in witnessing ministries to people of Severin, so please pray for us then too!  Ray will be teaching and training the Youth, along with the help of our own young people, so remember to be in prayer for his work among the teens and young adults of the churches.  All in all, we are being given a remarkable opportunity to minister among some great people.  Once again, let me say “thank you” to all of you who share in this work because of your faithfulness in giving to amke it possible for us!  Godspeed! 

Well it’s Monday afternoon and we’re all pretty much ready except for loading up the van.  This is a dream come true for me.  I have wanted so very much to be able to meet the remarkable people of Romania who are followers of Jesus ever since I met Rev. Bogdan and heard her incredible testimony and her vision for reaching the people of her nation with the Gospel of Christ.  I am so grateful to everyone of you who have helped to make this dream come true, not only for me, but for five other members of our church.  If it were not for your generosity and faithfulness in giving, I would most likely be going alone!  Thank you to everyone who has donated money, items to be auctioned off in the fund raisers, offered us work to help raise money, or bought something from one of the fund raisers.  Becasue of your support, we will be preaching, teaching, and working in evangelistic witnessing with the Romanian churches in the cities of Timisoara and Severin.  It is my earnest prayer that each of us will be used of God in some way that brings Him glory and which lasts for eternity.  Please be in prayer with us each day for the work of the Gospel ministry to go well.  Don’t forget to check this blog for daily updates on how God is using you through the ministry of prayer to partner with us in the ministry of preaching.  Thanks again. 

From Ray – Well it seems that Lufthansa aircraft & airports will be our home for the travels to & from Romania.

We leave Denver Thursday the 26th in the morning for a flight to Munich. After 6 hours there we will fly to Timisoara. From there it’s a 4.5 hour drive to our final destination. Total travel time 18 hours 5 min.

On the way back we reverse the plan with the addition of an “Epic” 15 hour layover in Munich. Total travel time 27 hours 30 min.

Red Bull anyone?

Ray here – So this was our last meeting. We have met every Friday over the past few months & today was our last one. There were all the last second questions possible but all answers seemed to end with “Don’t forget your passport!”  After a rainy/hail-y afternoon, the sun came out so we could get a group pic.

Standing from left to right – Ray, James, Edwin. Seated left to right Selah, Jessie Marie, JB

In just over 10 days we will be off to Romania. This is a trip long in the planning. There are six of us from First Baptist Church in Taos, NM. Our group consists of Pastor James Nickell, Jessie Marie Maestas, JB Maestas, Selah Shumpelt, Edwin Steimling and myself Ray Seale. We are excited to see what God has for us as we join Romania for Jesus and the Rev. Elena Bogdon and her team. Bookmark this blog to keep up with what’s going on. You can also find out more about FBC Taos by visiting http://fbctaos.org. More soon!