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The story of the call of Teen Challenge Romania's Director, Catalin Buciu.
Long term addiction, crime, loss of material goods, broken homes and death, are tragic elements that are part of a complex and painful structure of a drug addiction problem. Sleepless nights, incapacity for work, rejection by the society, loneliness, irregular nutrition, and distorted life conditions are an every day occurrence for people who are addicted to drugs. Even if a fallen person makes the decision to go for a treatment, a series of new problems hit him and his family. Thousands of people have high hopes in the cure for their loved ones provided that they get a place in this or that institution. However, quite soon they find out that they have to wait several months for a place, and that the available help lasts no more than a few weeks. Even for those who succeed in securing a place, the outcome of the treatment is utterly uncertain because, unfortunately, the existing programs and approaches to treatments are known to have very little success.
The number of people needing help greatly exceeds available space in the existing institutions which can give them hope for healing. Teen Challenge Romania fills the gap between the drug prevention activities and hospital beds. Teen Challenge Romania has the purpose to offer concrete and complete help and save those who are suffering because of addiction. Teen Challenge Romania provides a protected and structured environment favorable for making a new start in life. Our students often compare us with their families. It is a place where the broken and rejected feel accepted, and where they are being enabled to help themselves. It is a place of refuge where they can rebuild their dignity through work and genuine friendships. Teen Challenge Romania is committed to its goal to continue providing help to those who are in the greatest need - addicts and their families.
This incredible ministry in the heart of Romania is led by Catalin Baciu. Catalin recently told us about the beginning of his call into ministry which just happened to superimpose itself on his first encounter with Next Level International and in particular, Ian Green. The story begins a few years after Next Level International was birthed, Ian took a trip to Romania. The year was 1995 and Catalin was a baby Christian having been born again for less than twelve months, was invited and attended the youth conference in Oradea where Ian was ministering. Catalin described his first encounter with Ians ministry as, one crazy preacher, Ian Green, start prophesying over the people, during his leadership session, in a theater building full with over 200 young people. I couldnt understand it all but those ministering had amazed, impressed and gained his respect, he really wanted to know if the prophecies were of God or not. An avalanche of thoughts invaded his mind and spirit, and he requested that if it were from God, to make the preacher, Ian, look straight in my eyes.
Catalin was sitting in the far right corner of the audience, surrounded by his youth group. Ian stopped prophesying and continued his teachings. Catalin was disappointed but felt relieved that he didnt have to worry about the gift of prophecy that was enacted during the meeting, nor the substance of the prophecies. He started to relax and immediately Ian started becoming agitated and for a moment he was silent. Ian then started looking in the direction of Catalin and fixed his eyes on him. Catalin didnt move an inch. Ian then pointed at Catalin and said you there, stand up please as the Lord has some words for you. Catalin didnt stand, but began looking around as if Ian was pointing at somebody else. But in character, Ian did not relent, and after a few attempts to make Catalin stand, he started describing his clothes. Catalin was getting agitated and whispered, Lord this is enough. I believe this is your work, make him stop! but he wouldnt. Trembling and under a great pressure Catalin stood up and listened to an amazing description of my thoughts. Almost word by word, feeling by feeling, question by question. Then Ian prophesied over Catalins future and the impending call into social outreach and ministry. At that point, Catalin had clear plans which did not include ministry and what Ian described is an exact description of what Catalin is doing today. Ministering amongst young people in chains; people that need direction and discipleship in life.
Catalin stated that Ian became a special prophet for me that night; one that I will respect for the rest of my life. He played an important role in the decision I made to obey Gods plan instead of following my own.
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