The recent history of the evangelical churches in northern Moldova is one of Gospel expansion. Since the fall of Communism there has been a consistent and strategic plan to plant new churches in villages and towns where no Gospel witness previously existed. We praise God for all that has been accomplished over the years.
However, it should not surprise us to learn that such growth has attracted opposition from many quarters. It is a sad reality that there are places in Moldova where the Gospel is still actively opposed today.
Nicu Bargan is a missionary and church planter who has been working in the village of Gura Cailarului for several years. He was sent out with the blessing and help of another church, with the aim of establishing a Gospel witness in a place that has none. It has taken some time, but the Lord has blessed this initiative, born out of faith in God who is able to do the impossible.
Today there is a small church made up of people of different ages, meeting in a new building. However, this growth has attracted the attention of the local Orthodox priest who has attempted to hinder the work and prevent people from attending the services. He has been condemning the ‘repenters’ and has gone as far as to stir up the villagers to surround the House of Prayer during services to prevent others from going in.
Nicu attempted to speak to the people to help dispel the tense situation, but the crowd has become more hostile towards him. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident in the region. In another village, not too far away from Gura Cailarului, a similar situation arose where again the local Orthodox priest sought to prevent the ministry of the evangelical church. On this occasion, the intimidation included physical damage to cars.
It would be wrong to suggest that such direct opposition is typical in the villages of northern Moldova. Nevertheless, these examples are not unique. As the Gospel has been brought to new people and places, God’s people have faced opposition. This should not surprise us, but it should stir us up to pray that the enemies’ actions will not prevent the Word of God from spreading, and that while some of the 18 SGA-sponsored missionary families in Moldova encounter opposition, they will have determination to finish the task.
