Sons of Jubal bring message of hope in first Moldova tour

Joe Westbury

Less than 24 hours after their arrival in Moldova, the sons of Jubal were divided into three groups and began presenting concerts throughout the country. Pastors said the concerts, such as this one at a church in Orhei, were strong tools that attracted the unchurched to hear the American singers.

For many Moldovans it was their first opportunity to hear an American male choir in concert in their homeland. For others it was the first time to hear the gospel presented in word and song.

Neither were disappointed as thousands of men, women, and children filled churches in this former Soviet satellite republic to hear Georgia Baptists’ premier vocal group, the Sons of Jubal, present concerts in churches large and small.

From street witnessing through translators to helping to launch three churches, the 70-plus-member group planted itself in the hearts of Moldovan Baptists during their 12-day tour, which ended with a couple of days of concerts in Prague, Czech Republic.

“I can’t tell you how much this tour means to us,” said David Crutchfield, strategy coordinator for Moldova with the International Mission Board.

Gratitude for Georgia Baptists

“Whether through the ministry of the medical team or the concerts or the training sessions for church leaders, we are grateful for Georgia Baptists who sacrificed to make this tour a reality.”

Ivan Antoch, pastor of the Golgotha House of Prayer in New Beltsy, summed up the ministry of the choir and their whirlwind tour of his nation.

“When you come to our country you encourage us, refresh us, and give us the chance to fellowship with other believers. We are praying for you in the States and trust that you will continue to pray for us long after you return to your homes. That’s the way the church should operate, even when separated by thousands of miles.”

Crutchfield said the Moldovan church will grow through a regular program of discipleship, and the Sons of Jubal provided a boost for that effort through the leadership training it provided. Dan Dockery, associational missionary for Carrollton Association, and John Bryan, ministry resource consultant for the East Central Georgia Region, led workshops for pastors and laymen in several churches.

Discipleship is the key to growth for the church in Moldova, Crutchfield explained.

“Moldovans are traditionally a very religious people, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Christ; their relationship is closer to the church as an organization.

“They don’t know the Bible so their understanding of theology is very limited. In the United States discipleship comes after salvation, but here it comes before conversion to provide the foundation for knowing the Jesus of the Bible rather than the Jesus of tradition.

“The Sons of Jubal have helped us to make great inroads in that discipleship process.”

Those inroads were accomplished by singing for more than 10,000 people, of whom at least 100 made public professions of faith. More than 500 leaders were trained through the workshops and more than 300 patients received medical treatment through two medical clinics (see May 3 issue of The Index).

But the group’s contribution to the spiritual healing of the country didn’t end there, noted Jon Duncan, specialist for Music and Worship Ministries of the GBC who lead the group.

Three churches launched

“Three new churches were launched and hundreds of Bibles were purchased to be distributed later. We even had the opportunity to buy several tons of coal for churches to use next winter.

“All of this was done through the strength and empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the glory of our wonderful Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

“To God be the glory, Great things He has done.”

Highlights of the Sons of Jubal Moldova tour

• Nearly 10,000 concert goers heard the gospel in song during the 12-day tour.
• More than 100 decisions for Christ were recorded.
• Leadership training was provided for more than 500 church staff members
• A medical team from First Baptist Church of Blairsville ministered to more than 300 individuals in two locations.
• Three new churches were launched.
• Hundreds of Bibles were puchased for national distribution
• Several tons of coal were provided for churches to use during next winter.

View related photos