By Matt and Michelle Wilks
This past fall, we were able to participate in a Gateway Romania mission trip with the NAB Executive Team and Regional Ministers. We found our time to be deeply enriching and incredibly powerful. There were so many highlights with the team that was assembled to go on this trip. One in particular was the intentionality of the trip. From the time we arrived in Cluj, Romania, we had the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Romania and the Hungarian Baptists living there.
Throughout the trip, we were immersed into the Romanian and Hungarian culture and history. We particularly enjoyed the insights provided into the Hungarian Baptists’ community, highlighting the depth of the NAB’s partnership with the Hungarian Baptist Convention of Romania. This collaboration, spanning over three decades, has been instrumental in initiatives like Camp Falcon Rock, which focuses on evangelism, education, social development, and leadership training. The gift of staying at Camp Falcon Rock helped us to see firsthand the impact of this partnership.
It was our privilege to meet with the Hungarian Baptist leaders and to minister with them as we facilitated training for some of their churches. The two of us stayed for the weekend with Pastor Erno and his family. This time provided a unique perspective on ministering within the Hungarian Baptist Church’s diverse cultural landscape. The country’s blend of Romanian, Hungarian, and Roma cultures presents both challenges and opportunities for ministry. We are excited to see this relationship continue through the concept of sister-church partnerships facilitated by Gateway Teams.
The NAB’s commitment to supporting local leaders and fostering community through projects like Camp Falcon Rock is a testament to the impactful partnership between these Baptist communities. It was our pleasure to contribute, even in a small way, to the ongoing mission of empowering the next generation of Christian leaders in Romania.
Matt serves as the associate regional minister for the Alberta Baptist Association and as the lead pastor of Renfrew Baptist Church in Calgary.
Even as we affirm the relationship with our partners in Romania, we want to share an update regarding one of our missionary couples currently serving in Romania at Camp Falcon Rock:
Over the past two decades, the country of Romania has become synonymous with NAB International Missions alongside Japan, Brazil, and Cameroon; and for a large portion of that time, Tanya and Paul Gericke have been serving in Romania among the Hungarian Baptists. As you might have already been notified directly from the Gerickes, they have prayerfully discerned that their time in Romania is nearing its end.
As they complete their final summer in Romania in August 2025, we want to take this opportunity to share our appreciation of them and their service for the Kingdom. . . .
It is only a little more than two months before Super Week 2025, a handful of annual events for key NAB leaders from across the conference. Registration for Multipliers Summit and Bonfire are open, so be sure to lock in your spot early. In addition to these two gatherings, Blue Ocean, Year of Equipping, the Missions Advisory Team, and other crucial meetings will also be taking place this week.
Click on the link below to find out more details and register. (Cost varies depending on the events you attend and whether you pay by USD or CND.)
Register for Multipliers Summit / Bonfire
Each year, Christians around the world take part in the season of Lent to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday. As part of this practice, the NAB releases daily devotionals for churches, individuals, or small groups to use.
These devotionals, written by pastors and leaders from across the NAB, are designed to help us look at the story of the cross and the larger redemptive narrative through the lens of unity. At the link below, you will find materials to help you promote the devotionals in your church or small group, as well as the full slate of devotionals – once they are available the week before Lent, which begins March 5. You can also sign up for devotionals at that link.