Moldova

TCM has been involved in Moldova since 1995.  For six years all classes were in Romania or Austria, and there were four students from Moldova.  Now there are over 130 students from Moldova and 25 from Central Asia.  They are professors, pastors, church planters, teachers, etc.

There is a strategic partnership between TCM and the College of Theology.  Students are working in 11 countries.  Five Bible schools have been established, three in Central Asia and two in Russian-speaking churches, with faculty trained by TCM.

TCM teaches people in four specific areas:

1.      How to build a team – For example, instead of rivalries between schools and faculty from several places, TCM helped them build a team.

2.      How to develop strategic ministry – Practical ministry, prayer, and discipleship.

3.      Increased vision – “How big is your vision?”

4.      How to live a dedicated life – TCM works with people who are very busy.  TCM trains people who are already very busy and involved in many different things.  The secret is that the one who is not busy with Kingdom business is not growing.

TCM never stops growing!  From Romania, to Moldova, now to Central Asia. [Pictures shown of graduation service and classes.]  Classes can be translated into three languages simultaneously.  A recent class was composed of a group from Central Asia.

TCM is helping with a strategic ministry with theological programs in Central Asia.  At first, Mihai said, “We will never be involved in this area.”  Now, the approach is to build a Christian community in Central Asia. Last year in one Central Asian country, people asked TCM students to speak about Jesus.  They have a very dynamic way of teaching about Jesus.  We need to be more and more involved in helping former Muslims.

Next year, two classes will be taught by TCM in a school in one country in Central Asia.  There is also a great need in another country, which is a very mountainous and a “gateway” for heroin trafficking.  The TCM ministry area is very large!

Updates on some TCM students (names removed for security):

One student became a Christian in 1987.  He is from a family of ten, and when he accepted Jesus, his family became his enemies.  He was stopped by police and told not to talk about Jesus.  Police told his father to stop him from talking about Jesus.  He was put in the hospital and given injections.  Now, only one of his brothers is still not a believer – all others in his family are believers in Christ!  He is a very talented musician who has put several of the Psalms to music.  He has recorded an album which is broadcast on the radio.  Many people like his music and are drawn to the Lord because of this.

One student is from Central Asia.  When he became a Christian, the Imam told people to spit on him.  He and others started house churches; now over 10,000 believers in Christ are gathering in homes to worship.  He organized two schools for key leaders:  12 people who met for training sessions for eight days, then every Friday and the first Saturday of every month they go and teach groups of eight to ten people.

Another student and his sister work in radio ministry, the first Christian radio production in their country.  The secret police confronted her with a CD of one of her programs, and told her, “Stop or we will damage your life.”  They did not stop!  They are very creative in radio broadcasting.

One couple is working in a very difficult environment.  The area was badly polluted by experiments, and many people living there suffer from leprosy and tuberculosis.  The wife works with women’s ministry, many former Muslims.

Please pray for TCM students in Moldova and Central Asia.  It is very difficult for these students / graduates to go into these areas.  They are stopped by the secret police and their names are on the KGB lists.  These students need God’s protection.  Pray for the persecuted church in Central Asia.  For example, a house church where 18 people were meeting was surrounded by more than 50 police. Pray for Christians in Moldova and Central Asia to remain focused.

 Thank you for being a great blessing!  Let’s get on the wagon and fulfill the Great Commission!