United in Joy: Roma Pastors’ Conference in Yundola

Roma Pastors’ Conference
by Jim Krouscas

If there is one word to summarize the recent Roma Pastors’ Conference, it would be joy. There was joy in reuniting with old friends. Joy in coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ to sit under the preaching of God’s Word. And joy in being reminded that God is accomplishing His purposes by bringing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself.

The conference was held at a retreat center in the mountains of Yundola, Bulgaria, and began on June 22. During our five days together, approximately 25 Roma pastors, along with their wives, gathered for a time of training and refreshment. Hitting the ground running, each day began promptly at 7:30am with a time of prayer. This was a rich way to start the day as many would gather in a large circle on the dew of the grass to offer prayer and praise to the Lord. After a quick breakfast, we would then gather in a classroom that was just barely large enough to fit the entire group. Yet the fullness of the room brought much energy and life to our time of singing and teaching. Through the help of some amazing interpreters, I, along with Pastor Pantelis Sidiropoulos from Greece, gave a series of messages throughout the conference. My messages took several passages from 1 Samuel to demonstrate how Jesus is pictured in the Old Testament.

More teaching continued in the afternoon, where the pastors were provided training related to the Gospel, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. While the men were meeting and discussing these topics, the ladies also met as a group and were led through a study on Mary Magdalene. At the conclusion of both sessions, the entire group (men and women) reunited for some Q & A. Although we scheduled one hour for this part of the conference, I think we could have gone on well into the evening! What does it mean that there are no contradictions in the Bible? What are the roles of men and women in the church? How should the church respond to the sexual craziness that is going on in the world? What is the relationship between the church and politics? These are just a sample of the thoughtful and serious questions that were asked. As you can tell the Q & A was anything but boring!

By the end of the week, we were all sad to go and with many tears we said our goodbyes. But even those goodbyes were undergirded in joy. The joy of the Lord! The joy of having been taught from His Word. And the joy of knowing that our labor (especially as pastors) is not in vain.