Veritas Teens Study Science

Adapted from Veritas View newsletter spring 2019

In mid-March the teens at Veritas began to study science with the help of Roberta Bustin. Roberta taught chemistry in college and worked as a NASA scientist in the summers. Her first lesson included information on space and each teen was able to set off their own rocket. They were even able to hold an authentic space shuttle tile and see how it was insulated. Roberta will continue this series once a week for several months, leading the class in discussions and experiments in ecology and chemistry.

Roberta Bustin in her NASA suit

Roberta demonstrates how a torch does
not burn through a space shuttle tile.

Scottish lad volunteers at Veritas

Originally published in the Veritas View newsletter, Spring 2019

James Clarkson moved to Sighisoara in February of this year. He is volunteering in Romania under the Nazarene Church and spent the summer and fall of 2018 living in Brasov. On James’ Facebook page he describes himself as, “Just an ordinary guy following God's call to do extraordinary things.” For Veritas, that has meant using his skills with technology to set up networked computers for the teen club, and answer questions from staff who are experiencing problems with their computers. James’ degree from Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, was in accounting and finance. But if he doesn’t know how to do something on the computers, he knows how to find the answers. He has saved staff a lot of time and stress! James also volunteers one afternoon each week with the Special Needs club.

James says of his time in Romania, “It’s challenged me to do things outside of my comfort zone: trying new foods, trying to learn a new language; working with children. People have been very hospitable and helpful.” 

Veritas has benefitted from James’ desire to follow God’s call by coming to Romania. We wish him the best as he returns to Scotland at the end of May, where he will continue his education.

Elderly Club leader retires

Mia Golea

Originally published in Veritas View newsletter, Spring 2019

After 20 years of working in a variety of roles at Veritas, Mia Golea has retired. Her work was celebrated in a special devotional and reception time on February 22. 

Mia’s work with Veritas began when she became the first manager of the International Café. She took care of the paperwork necessary to start this for-profit business, never easy here in Romania. 

Mia’s real love, however, was caring for people, so when asked to consider leading an Elderly Club in the Baragan area of Sighisoara, she went door-to-door to see if people were interested. The club began, grew rapidly, and exists today as one of three Elderly Clubs. Mia worked with clients in all three locations. 

Mia expressed her care for the elderly in quiet service. She knew their names, their family histories, their preferences, their struggles. She laughed and cried with them. She baked cakes and visited those who couldn’t leave their homes, she visited them in the hospital. Dorothy Tarrant said, “She brought joy, peace and hope into many fragile lives.” 

Jonathan, Mia, Petra and Roberta look 
at the scrapbook gift given to Mia.

Of all her jobs, Mia enjoyed most working with the elderly. She said, “They needed attention and it felt good to be able to give it.” At the time of Mia’s retirement, it was decided to have the Elderly Club that meets at the Nazarene Church become a program of the church, rather than one of the clubs within Veritas. So, now as a volunteer, Mia continues her work with these club members. This was very important to Mia, both for the clients so their club wasn’t disrupted, and for herself. 

The Veritas staff wish Mia God’s grace and presence as she enters this new stage in her life.

Romania NYI Leaders Meet

By Teanna Sunberg

Romania NYI leaders met this past weekend in Sinaia, Romania to make plans for the future. There is a concerted effort all across the field to focus on reaching young people with the awesome message that Christ loves them and wants them to be a transformational part of what is happening in the world.

Pastor Relu Cristurean came home from Field Conference in September and said, "Well, we have to do something to reach youth in our community." He created a team and they have seen the youth group grow to 15 young people consistently showing up for weekly games and Bible study. Suddenly, the church is filling with young people.

The retreat at Sinaia was organized by Alexandra, who is the Romania district NYI leader. Eurasia Regional NYI director, Diego Lopez, was a part of the weekend. Carol Skinner, volunteer at the field office and part of the NYI Field Focus team was able to be at the weekend as well.

Go Romania NYI!!

Missionary Prayer Focus: March 20

Join in prayer for:

Joshua “Josh” and Shannon Herndon, serving in Romania

• REQUEST: Please pray for Josh and Shannon as they disciple and teach those who desire to serve.
• REQUEST: Please pray for compassionate ministries within the Church of the Nazarene in Romania, serving many people in various walks of life.

Jonathan Phillips, serving in Romania

• PRAISE: In the past two years, the Central Europe Field has emphasized new ways to prepare and support ministers. These efforts are producing tangible results.
• REQUEST: Pray for Romanians who are answering God's call to ministry, and for those working towards the completion of ordination requirements.

Missionary Prayer Focus: March 13

Joshua and Shannon Herndon, serving in Romania

• PRAISE: The Herndons give thanks to God for seeing some youth grow deeper in their relationships with Christ, and others making the decision to be baptized in the faith.
• REQUEST: Please pray that the young people of Romania will maintain a passion for Christ and service, and will consistently live out their faith.
• REQUEST: Please pray for Romanian leaders to be called, or to follow their calling, into ministry.

Jonathan Phillips, serving in Romania

• PRAISE: In the past year, the Church of the Nazarene has developed the Romania Learning Centre of European Nazarene College (EuNC). There is now a stronger system to deliver theological education courses for Romanian students.
• REQUEST: Pray for EuNC students who balance studies with ministry and secular work. Pray for the teachers and administration of EuNC as they support students and train them for ministry.
• REQUEST: Please pray for Jonathan, as he is on home assignment in the U.S. this spring. He asks for prayer for safe travels, for people to commit to support him through prayer and other ways, and that he would effectively communicate what God is doing in Romania.

Video: Veritas Special Needs Program

Emese Kiss, coordinator for Veritas Social Services, shares about the Veritas Special Needs Program. This program for adults with disabilities was the first of its kind in Sighisoara. The program currently serves 35 adults and provides support for their parents.