Cru - Romica & Adina Tila
Bucharest, Romania
Cru is an interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship ministry committed to giving people everywhere the opportunity to know and experience God's love and plan for their lives. Cru offers spiritual guidance, resources and programs tailored for people from all cultures in every walk of life.
For more information visit www.cru.org
Or contact Romica Tila romicatila@icloud.com
10/8/24
Having a building to serve as a kitchen for camp activities was a distant dream. We thought and prayed about it. God never ceases to surprise us. By God's grace and the dedication of several brothers, including some brothers from Memphis, TN, this was accomplished in record time. Three big-hearted men from LHC (Greg Ward, Tom Phillips, and Chester Ervin) in Memphis, sacrificed their vacation time, energy, and financial resources to support this building project.
Although it is still a few things away from completion, we still hope to be able to use it for the next camp for local and neighboring children. This camp where a small church has started is like a light in the darkness. Some people are intrigued and outraged, but others are attracted by the light of the Gospel. We started almost from scratch, but God made things take shape quickly. Fellowship, prayer and serving together brought us very close to one another and made us feel that we belonged together in the same extended family of Christ.
We want to thank you for all your support and involvement in this work. We have indeed labored with our own hands, but you have fought for us in prayer and you have been involved in support. You and we sowed and watered together, but God made it grow. His name be glorified.
2/1/24
Not long ago this community was known for violence, murder, slavery, and spiritual darkness. It often took several crews of police officers with special car patrols to intervene to stop the violence and all the actions that were happening in this community. Some time ago a woman from a gangster clan came to the Lord. Her confession and public baptism attracted many local people and a church was born. A month ago we organised an evangelistic event in this locality. When we drove into the village in a minibus full of materials, it still gave us chills as we passed by various houses on a tinny road where groups of people were gathered and watching us. Children started running after the minibus shouting “The repenters have come".
It is a majority Gypsy community where mentality and behavior change slowly. Two brothers have been serving here for a few years and, although people from this community are open to the Gospel, the process of change is held back by their gypsy culture and the specific local environment. However, lives are being changed. These changes are taking place more in the lives of young people and children. These children in the picture are a testimony to other Gypsy children and their families. Although many can’t read, these children do and they read the Bible and attend Bible studies at church. In the end, after we finished the event they came to us and said “Please come again. There are not too many people who come and visit us. Don't forget us!" So, a month ago, just before Christmas, Adina and I organized this evangelistic event with those two brothers and shared the Gospel with them. We had a series of activities, games, and discussions on the birth of the Lord. At the end, we handed out surprises and popcorn to everyone. The room was packed and some sat outside the hall. We pray that the Lord will change the lives of these people and that we will see as many as possible come to the Lord.
In this community - Vârfuri - where we also organized an event last summer, the opposition from the priest was constant. However, the Lord is beginning to change lives and mentalities. If until half a year ago people were suspicious and avoided us, now they are slowly starting to come to the meetings. It is very interesting how this Christmas event has led to the formation of a small Bible study group in this community. This event brought children and parents together and on this occasion, we were able to share the Gospel.
Please don't forget us! Come again!
So, a month ago, just before Christmas, Adina and I organized this evangelistic event with those two brothers and shared the Gospel with them. We had a series of activities, games, and discussions on the birth of the Lord. At the end, we handed out surprises and popcorn to everyone. The room was packed and some sat outside the hall. We pray that the Lord will change the lives of these people and that we will see as many as possible come to the Lord. God brings people to the light of the Gospel!
A family with big problems started to participate in this group. He being an alcoholic his wife and children, especially the girl suffered a lot.
However, the Lord brought them to this event and since then they have bee not missed any bible group or church meeting. The group is not large, there are about 10 people, half of whom are Christians, but it's a start, given the opposition they face. A dear family with whom we collaborate and organize these events and, in whose lives, we invest are actively involved in people's lives.
It's a new year and a new beginning. Although many changes are happening in the world right now, the most desirable change we are looking for is people's souls. That is why we thank you so much for the part you are taking to make this happen. Only eternity will reveal that many souls who will be in heaven will get there only by God's grace and mercy, grace and mercy that God has brought to them through Jesus Christ and your service.
Thus we appreciate so much your service and involvement without which none of what we do would be possible. We pray for you, your families, and the challenges you are going through and ask God for his grace to be with you every day.
With love în Christ,
Romica and Adina
9/11/2023 - It has been more than a month since we returned to Romania. We have enjoyed talking, telling stories, and learning how the Lord works in your lives. We have greatly appreciated your openness and your willingness to feel and be with us in the effort to bring the Gospel to the Romanians. Although it has been a busy and quite demanding summer, it has nevertheless been one that has refreshed our hearts to see how the Lord is working. As we told you in our last letter, we were to have a series of meetings, events, and evangelistic projects immediately after our return from the States. God gave us grace and we were able to carry out all these initiatives which we hope by God's grace brought hope to many souls. The first moment was the Mission School for evangelism and discipleship. It was an encouraging and motivating time for the volunteers. They had the opportunity to learn the theory and practice in the daily opportunities they had. The project lasted 5 days, from 31 July to 4 August, and was intense with training every morning followed by practical time in the afternoon. The goal was that through what they were learning they would be able to bring a blessing by serving in their area and investing in other believers. Shortly after we had a training in Fieni city with volunteers from the local church in order to organize the Beyond the Clouds project that was to take place on August 19th. During the project on August 19th many children and parents came. One of the volunteers enthusiastically told how the parents of children who go to the same school as his child were so excited about what they heard and saw. Basically, beyond the activities, they had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and were challenged to spiritual discussions and follow-up meetings.
We are grateful to the Lord who opens doors and makes His Word penetrate hardened hearts. We are also grateful to you who are with us in this work of serving our fellow human beings with the Gospel. Your support is essential and without you, these parents and children would have extremely limited chances at the Gospel. Thank you and we appreciate you!
Here is a short video where we tried to capture as many moments as possible from last month, from our different projects. Hope you’ll enjoy it!
7/26/2023 - The journey of our time here in the States came to an end. We know that summer is a very busy time for all of us and sometimes it is difficult to keep up with our schedules, but we really enjoyed seeing old dear friends and meeting new people. We wish we could have met and chatted with everyone we know, but we fully understand that sometimes it is a challenge, especially during the summer. Now we are heading back home where a number of projects and events from the ministry await us.