October 10, 2010
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Where no one desires to go
After 15 months in the states and having nearly no opportunity to speak the language nor did I study (all at my own fault) I am quite rusty in my language speaking and listening skills. Working very hard to get my ear back to listening to Romanian all the time. Slowly it is coming back and with lots of hard work, studying and practicing I will continue to grow in my second language. The first couple weeks here have been filled with unpacking all my stuff, washing all my clothes from being in storage, taking two weeks intense language studies daily and setting up my home. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in a children’s outreach in a neighborhood here in Bucharest we have never been to before but our team was so excited to partner with a Christian leader in the area to go to a place where most people do not desire to go to, mostly out of fear.
Our contact and new friend, Robert and his wife and child arrive at our ministry center anxious and ready for us to work. Robert’s story is remarkable, from what I understand of it. At one time in his past he had been in jail and it was during his time in jail that he came to know the Lord and committed his life completely to serving Him. He met a young man in jail and they became friends. After they left jail Robert’s friend returned home, which is in the center of a very violent Gypsy, gang/mafia neighborhood. Many live in fear in this area because of the violence. At one time, in this man’s courtyard a gang fight took place and this young man’s life was cut short as a result. The family asked Robert to come and do the funeral service. It was at this funeral service that many people’s lives were touched by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. They were hungry and wanted more of what Robert spoke to them about. Something so terrible and violent resulted in transformed lives and new hope. Now every Saturday a small group meets at the very home where this violent death took place. I’m reminded of Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
I was so humbled as we pulled into this courtyard, parked our ministry van and began to unload the supplies, knowing the realization of what took place in the past in this exact location. God was, of course, faithful to our prayers (and your prayers) and the rain stopped. We worked around the mud and puddles to set up our puppet stage and sound system as children and adults began to arrive for their first ever children’s program. Never once did any of us ever feel in danger as we knew that prayers were being offered up for our protection and God is faithful.
God never ceases to amaze me how He works in and through our weaknesses. Although I fumbled and struggled with the language and got frustrated with myself at times, God came through and everyone did a fabulous job in communicating our simple point that God loves us and forgives each and every one of us. The kids enjoyed the puppets, clown skits, songs, object lessons and playing a game. Even the adults joined in and played along with us. We then all prayed.
As we packed up our supplies and began to load our van we were each handed an envelope with a handmade card and pin. Alot of work went into making this for each of us and I was so moved at such generosity from one who has very little. They looked at us and asked “will you come back?” ”Of course we will” was our response.
Please do pray for this neighborhood as many want to come to the small group meetings but many are afraid of the violence. Please pray as we make plans to return often to this neighborhood that God will continue to work in the lives of children and adults through our programs and pray that God will raise up a leader in that area who will take on the ministry to the children and we can work along side of them to provide training and resources they need.
Here are a few pictures from this event.
Comments (1)
fantastic!