Trip to Europe 2009

My trip to Europe was earlier than usual this year; from June 6 through August 30. I started in England and specifically for the baptism of Marg Thornber, but also had great fellowship with all the brethren there. Next, I went to Romania for 10 days where I had a very active time of studies and fellowship with the brethren in Cluj. Their Wednesday evening study group has grown a lot in size, and the Sunday fellowship is also somewhat larger. After 10 days there I went to Italy for a week. Being my first trip there to meet brethren, it was very interesting and a large blessing. Though I read and understand Italian quite well, I do not speak it, and with the translator sick most of the time, I had to learn more Italian than anticipated. The brethren were all patient with me, and it worked out very well. I also saw much beautiful scenery.

I next went to Austria for the second time and met Miriam, the new three week old daughter of Harald and Sandra Ofner. We had a special child dedication service for her while I was there, and I also had the privilege of fellowship with other brethren on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday morning and afternoon. It is always a rich blessing there and had many great discussion with Harald.

I returned to Romania and had a lot more travels to many places in the country including Baia Mare, Alba Iulia, Lugasu de Jos, and Tirgu Mures and many villages around there. While in Cluj we had a great convention one weekend with Sebi Neagu, an ex-Adventist minister was present, and many others from the area. There were probably around 45 present. I also had a special week in Baia Mare with the young adult seminar where I had three topics and two workshops to present. Austin Williams from America led the seminar. And specially memorable was the wedding of Diana Balanean to Daniel Achim. I have been very close to Diana and other young ones for all the years I have gone to Romania, so this was specially touching, Pat was very sorry not to have been there also.

I returned to England for the High Leigh convention. Though smaller than usual, it was uplifting and a blessing. In the following week I stayed with Alan and Jean Buxton while attending the studies and Sunday at Crick, and visiting a number of brethren in more isolated locations. There were many blessings as usual throughout the trip. I returned home on 30 August, well blessed.

Joe Knapp