SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Bryan & Pam Risner • Romania

Furlough is a wrap! It has been busy, busy. We have truly enjoyed every minute with our family, especially our kids. While on furlough, we visited 23 churches. Bryan preached at a youth conference at Grace Baptist in Russellville and spoke at several men’s Bible studies. Pam spoke at several ladies’ events, and we attended the BMA National Meeting. In addition, Bryan participated in Skylar Haden’s ordination service.

This furlough was extra special because we celebrated Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s and Easter with our families. We also celebrated the birthdays of Lindsey, Landon, Bryan and Pam.

We departed Arkansas to return to Romania on May 8. Thank you for your prayers as we said our “see ya laters” and traveled back to Romania.

Our kids completed their sophomore year at CBC on April 30, and each of them is employed part-time. Landon is serving on staff as the children’s minister at Parkview Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Lindsey is waitressing and Melody is working at a local boutique.

On April 26, Skylar Haden surprised Melody with a wedding proposal. They are in no rush and plan to enjoy a longer engagement.

On May 3, Bryan and Pam graduated from Central Baptist College with Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Bryan earned a BS in Leadership and Ministry, while Pam earned hers in Psychology.

We both have plans for the future to pursue a master’s degree. However, during this academic year, we are choosing to focus on specific certifications while engaging in church planting in Romania.

While we were stateside, we were fortunate to complete the Coaching Model workshop offered by Healthy Church Solutions (Larry Barker). Additionally, we obtained our certifications with CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management Procedures) and Assisting Individuals in Crisis.

We were blessed to deliver approximately 150 shoes, jackets, and Christmas gifts to three different Gypsy communities. The families also received food bags and will receive Bibles. Please pray for a new and fresh attempt at Evangelism in these communities.

We are truly blessed by our church families who love and support us. Although we have been fortunate to visit many churches, we always feel sad when we cannot make it to them all. If you would like us to add you to our next furlough list, please feel free to reach out now.

Bryan, Pam and Candra met with the mayor of Tarian before the Risners’ furlough. Candra began the English Club while she was in Romania, and we will pick up the torch when we return. Please pray that this outreach opens doors for gospel conversations and Bible studies where we would like to plant our next church. We rejoice and give thanks for the following:

• Furlough church visits and safe travels

• Bryan and Pam graduated from CBC and received certifications

• Our kids’ completion of their sophomore years at CBC

• Time spent with our children and families in America

• Melody’s engagement to Skylar

• Landon serving as the children’s minister at Park View

• Operation Christmas 2024

• Weekly English Club meetings in Tarian

• Weekly Backyard Bible Study

• Romanian partners for their efforts to serve the people of Zambia

• Replanting of Tetchea Church (Porumb Family)

• The faithfulness of Giris Church (Toma Family)