For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.   –  1st Timothy 3:13

Cupcini Church Congregation

God has blessed a special celebration at the Cupcini Christian Church.  Planted 15 years ago, the church is now over one hundred and ten church members, and ministers to over seven hundred people in schools, orphanages and prisons.  In spite of many people moving out of the country, missionaries that have moved to other cities to plant new churches, and a large number of students that move to bigger cities and join universities, the church is growing. Because of this, in addition to Victor Vasciuc, our first deacon, God has showed us the need to ordain a new deacon in our congregation.

Dumitru Rusnac was recently ordained as a deacon at the Cupcini Church.  He is a man whose testimony of turning to God continues to encourage many. During Soviet times, Dumitru was looking for a Bible to buy, but could not find one for sell. Finally he found a person that owned a Bible and let Dumitru borrow it for two weeks. Dumitru decided to read it and copy, by hand, just the most important parts. To his surprise, he could not leave out even one chapter.  Everything was very important.  Disappointed he could not copy the whole Bible, two weeks later he returned the Bible to the owner. But he rejoiced as he still got to read it for 2 weeks day and night. Several years later, he found a Bible for sell.  For the price of three months salary, he purchased it as soon as he could.

Years passed and nine years ago Dumitru’s family was saved. First his son, Vasile, second his wife, Lidia and finally his daughter, Oxana. Dumitru decided he would continue reading the Bible, but always was postponing his decision to trust Jesus personally.  He thought he  was religious enough. One day, as he was on the street, he spotted a Christian track on a side of a garbage truck. After asking permission from the driver, he got the track and read God’s simple plan of salvation. Next, right on the street, he stopped and prayed to God, asking forgiveness for being stubborn and for not trusting Jesus. At the next church service he trusted himself to Jesus and asked to be baptized.

Ordination certificate for new deacon

Since then, for nine years, Dumitru has proven himself trustworthy and faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He never missed a Bible study or a church service.  He has a good reputation at work, with neighbors and church members. Both he and his wife, Lidia, are always ready to help with anything needed at the church.  Through both both physical help and spiritual, they prove their spiritual maturity in Christ.

We pray God will bless and grow the church through Dumitru’s ministry.  We pray God will bring many to salvation through the ministry of this couple.  They are dedicated to the Lord in Studying the Word of God, teaching home Bible studies, witnessing door to door, and encouraging and ministering to many church members.