2008 Conference - Day 1

With the excitement befitting family reunion, brethren from four Moldovan cities greeted one another with hugs, kisses and smiles. What a wonderful way in which to begin the 2008 Moldovan conference. There were smiles; lots of laughter; and joy all around. Our brethren greeted one another and welcomed us Americans with the kindest of hospitality. It was a heart-warming beginning to our conference. In preparation for the conference Steve, Sid and Daniel worked hard carrying supplies and making sure they had been distributed. To facilitate note-taking and serious study, we provided each person with a note pad and pen.

There were many emotional moments. A older sister from Balti came up to hug Sid and with halting English said, “I love you.” That was not an isolated event. I was especially moved by the concern expressed by many brethren over my health and expressions of joy that I was able to return. Among the shouts of joy a few tears were suppressed as we observed and received the joy of our brethren.

After a few minutes of singing, I had the blessing of opening the 2008 conference. I spoke from Luke 13 on the desire of Jesus to gather the people together under the safety of His wings. It seemed to be well received even when I spoke of the possibility of bring tears to the eyes of our Savior by rejecting His call.

After that lesson we entered into break-out sessions with Dan and Steve speaking to the men and Connie and Ernestine speaking to the ladies. The ladies studied the woman’s role in the church with Steve and Dan presenting lessons on the role of man in creation. Sixteen men were present for the men’s break-out session. Among the Moldovans men from three congregations were represented.

After and enjoyable supper together, we returned for a period of singing. Following the singing, we entered into a question/answer session. Each question was submitted in writing giving us a few minutes to collect our thoughts before speaking. I took the first question (an easy one) giving the rest of the team time to begin formulating their answers. Questions were submitted on a wide range of topics. Among the questions were ones involving the nature of repentance, the nature of the kingdom heaven and earth, should every one teach, should we drink blood and what was the last work that Jesus did before the crucifixion.

During the q/a session, Connie and Ernestine conducted a private study with Diana the translator from Balti. She is an extremely sweet and intelligent young lady. She is interested in spiritual matters and searching for truth. Please pray for Diana’s search for truth.

A total of 43 people attended the conference.

We are now grabbing a few hours of rest before beginning a very long and difficult day tomorrow. God be praised for the day He placed into our hands.