EuNC - Central Europe Field

In the early 1990's, the world saw the church enter multiple new countries in the heart of Europe and in the CIS within a short period of years. Today, Central Europe is beginning to reap the harvest of the seeds that were planted here more than a decade ago. Beginning in 2009, men and women called to ministry and committed to remain in their home country throughout the course of their study have begun to celebrate the fruition of their years of theological preparation. Graduations and ordinations are starting to be a consistent part of district assemblies across the field.

In October, Elke Kaci was ordained. She is the second EuNC graduate and elder for the Albanian-Kosova District. Elke is the mother of two and deeply involved in ministry as the pastor of the Lushnje church. At the Albania-Kosova assembly, her husband Ilir Kaci, who is a physical education teacher, received the CM certificate for his years of study.

In Romania, Cristi Boseff, pastor of the Bucharest Blessings church and district licensed minister, Dan Cristea, were honored for their continuing commitment to theological preparation. The Romania district celebrated with them as Antonie Holleman recognized the years and the progress both of these men have invested in their studies.

In Hungary, the Wesleyan partnership has coordinated efforts to be a well organized and effective Learning Center that serves a wide range of students from several sister denominations. The Hungary Learning Center is a convincing example of the academic levels that can be reached in theological education and pastoral preparation with a commitment to excellence.

Tim Green from Trevecca Nazarene
University teaches in Romania

The Bulgaria district has several students close to completion of their course of study. The 2011 assembly celebrated the graduation of three Bulgarian students and the 2012 assembly anticipates more graduation celebration.

While students from the earliest cohorts progress toward completion, three districts are watching a new influx of Nazarene students. The Albania-Kosova district has 18 very motivated learners who have completed a record 6 classes in the 2011/12 academic year. Romanian Nazarenes are excited to see God calling many youth to ministry - youth who are now answering their calls both by taking classes and by becoming actively involved in leadership. In Bulgaria and in Romania, church growth and development in Romani communities is creating opportunities to provide contextualized theological education as Roma men and women deepen their faith foundations. It is probable that in those earliest years, the seed planters had hopes for what God would faithfully do. They could not have definitively known how He would accomplish the spread of His gospel nor could they have written a more beautiful story. Over these two decades, men and women have sacrificed time, energy, and resources in order to immerse themselves in study and preparation for ministry. Most often, they did this in conjunction with the faithful fulfillment of their roles as parents, spouses, professionals, and ministers. Their dedication is inspiring. Their celebration is earned. Most importantly, their testimony speaks clearly of a faithful Gardener who provides the resources necessary for a kingdom harvest. Today, the Central Europe field is praising the Lord of the harvest for His goodness even as we labour to plant more seeds in anticipation for the future.

Cezarina Cufaj, EuNC alumni 2011 and administrator of the Albania learning centre writes: “Coming back to Albania after 10 years and working on education was easy and amazingly challenging for me. The quality education I received at EuNC changed my life and equipped me for ministry. I want the same for the people of Albania. When I came to Albania I found a fertile ground for education and this made my work fruitful. My role was to be a facilitator because the students of Albania are hungry for knowledge and very committed to their studies. Their sacrifices for education have motivated my sleepless nights to prepare classes for them. So far, this journey has been transformational for the students and for me. God is doing great things in Albania, and I feel so privileged to be a part of it!”


This article was originally published in European Nazarene College's "In Touch" newsletter, April 2012 edition.