Romanian pastor to lead Russellville revival
RUSSELLVILLE – A revival July 30-Aug. 2 led by Romanian Pastor Petru Bozian is headed for Russellville Baptist Church.
Bozian is the pastor of Resurrection Baptist Church in Arad, Romania. Also coming for the revival is Petru’s wife, Maxi, and Radiana Barb, who works with the churches in Arad.
In the winter of 2004, Russellville and Resurrection entered into a partnership of ministry and service. Gayle Garrison is one of several people from Russellville who are a part of the Romanian team through previous mission trips to Romania. Garrison talked about meeting Petru and the impression he made on her.
“While we were there, the family was very giving with anything and everything they had to people that had a need,” Garrison said. “We had people coming to their door on a daily basis. They would receive gifts of food and encouragement from the pastor’s family.”
“When the team first approached the church early this year about the possibility of bringing church members here from Romania, the church voted that night to do it,” Garrison said.
Garrison went on to explain that the purpose of the partnership between the churches is to “further the cause of Christ, both here and there.” Garrison explained how the Acts 1:8 Challenge has been at the core of their partnership.
“The Acts 1:8 Challenge is something we are trying to implement on our part,” Garrison said. “Bringing the Romanians here to reach out to us allows them to implement that mission in their lives as well.”
Garrison said the revival is open to all. If a church has not partnered with a church overseas, this revival would be a good way to see how it can bring excitement to a church, she said.
Ruth Jones, a Russellville member who has gone to Romania, talked about how the trip changed her life.
“They were so gracious and loving,” Jones said. “They put a lot of emphasis on their people and God’s work. I think sometimes it puts us to shame a little bit over here.”
The Memorial Baptist Praise Team will lead the music for the revival, which will start each night at 7 p.m. For more information about the event, call Russellville Baptist Church at (573) 782-3314.
“I hope a lot of people attend so they can get a small glimpse of what we saw happen in Romania,” Jones said. (John Inman is a senior journalism major at Lincoln University and is a summer intern with The Pathway.)