THE YOUTH OF BETEZDA church are a welcoming and friendly bunch comprising a whole spectrum of age groups. At their Wednesday night meeting you will find youngsters fresh out of Sunday school (ages 15 and less) all the way to seniors hovering around 30. Regular attendance is between 40 and 70 people; for a church of about 300 members (not including children), this turnout seems impressive. And their unity is remarkable when looking at the communication between age groups and across circles of friends. They love their church and their pastor, brother Simi Timbuc, who guides them with vision. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS start out with an hour of song and prayer led by the junior worship team and overseen by brother Simi. Afterward, they split into three groups for Bible study. The first, ages 15-17,are are taught by Dorin about the stages of spiritual growth. The second group, ages 18 and 19, led by Moise, are delving into the meaning of worship. Those 20 and older, taught by brother Simi, are exploring the dispensation of Biblical time line Once a month, they all join in one group for an open discussion (channeled by brother Simi). After closing, social time flies by as the doorkeeper patiently waits to lock the church. One can enjoy endless delight as our artists hone their skills at the guitar and microphone.  

WORKING FOR GOD, the second hour is dedicated to preparing for the convention. The choir, whom you’ve probably witnessed already, is practicing hard, being instructed by Ciprian and Ela. Youth from all the churches in Detroit (and Windsor, Ca) have harmonized to make the four voices you hear. The weekly offering at this hour is also dedicated to this cause; otherwise it helps support the missionary in Africa that went out from among them- Chris Grozav. On the prayer side, Saturday night there is a struggle by the youth to lift up the cause of this convention before God. 

Other FUNDRAISERS undertaken have been bake sales, ping-pong and basketball tournaments (“ Roball”). They have also teamed up with the youth from Golgota church in the all-out car wash to support the orphans mission in Moldova. Some of them even went over as counselors to treat those kids to summer camp. 

Further more, some of these youth have heard God’s call and dedicated themselves to full-time mission. Simona Stan and Chris Grozav are in intensive training at Team Mania in Gardenvalley, TX. To help the rest get a taste of this experience, they were taken downtown with the God news Gang to some of the poorest areas in Detroit. There, they had the chance to minister by caroling and distributing the clothes, food they have gathered. Simina Timbuc was also a pioneer in cooperating with the American brothers, as she participated regularly in these missions with Detroit World Outreach (DWO). May these actions become part of life for many Romanian youth in America! 

It is a great example of walking in the vision received. This vision was expressed clearly by Moise in a purpose/method formula: to grow warmer through fellowship, deeper through the Word, stronger through worship, broader through ministry, larger through converts.  

PERIODICALLY, the youth have also had sessions on essential doctrine led at times by brother Simi, Dorin, Moise or Joseph. Topics included the role of the church, youth relationships, conscience, personal evangelism through friendships, the world, sin and salvation. And, if one desired more enrichment, he could participate in special study groups led by Daciana and brother Vali Vaduva. Their studies covered faith, the disciple and the word, perspective on the world and the second coming of Christ. 

They are also  taught (and entertained) by the DRAMA TEAM, led by Andreea. Past performance included the Good Samaritan (modern setting), a Christmas Poem, the Devil’s Temptation to Jump and the Puppet master, currently in progress. 

SEASONAL OUTGOINGS are also well organized beforehand in counsel, from camping in the summer, to the ski trip in winter. The caroling tradition was especially unifying last year, as they all ( well, most of them) crammed into a school bus, lent by DWO. Not to be overlooked is the privilege of spending New Year’s Eve together at church in the dynamic fellowship room. 

EVIDENTLY, there is something for everyone to do, for each member to contribute to the growth of the body of Christ and in turn, receive His edification, just as brother Simi encourages them. This is a blessing. 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE a new generation of youth at Betezda is constantly rising up to do their part for God’s glory. They are surely growing in character and fellowship. Part of this can be seen in the eagerness of Sunday school graduates to start helping the younger classes, then in the consistency of the younger musicians as they come to practice and are trained by Cosmin. Every other week they share the ministry with the senior worship team in leading the church. In this manner, may the torch of God’s praises be faithfully carried forward( Psalm 110:3). 

There are many other initiatives not mentioned here. Some of them speak from themselves and some are not easily noticed. But they all serve a vital role in building the youth of Betezda into the body of Jesus Christ. Glory to Him forever and ever!