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 Cristi & Monica, Marius & Adrianna For the last year or so I have been coaching a new church here in Arad called Adoram. Sunday evening we were privileged to celebrate the ordination of two of their leaders, Cristi G. and Marius P. The Adoram church has chosen to remain independent at this point, so the ordination was performed by an independent ministry here in Romania called Christ for the Nations. We were blessed to see this step of leadership in God’s Kingdom! It’s been just over a week since we finished our first cell leader training class. We met for eight two-hour sessions, and things went really well. The materials we used were new to us (though the content was not) but worked well. Participation was strong. Several people commented after the training about how the class had helped them overcome fear and resistance that they had at the beginning of the class so that now they feel ready and even excited to begin. We trained people from two churches here in Arad (our own Emmanuel and a new church, Adoram, that Scott has been coaching). The Adoram church launched their first six groups this past week, and all initial reports are very encouraging. The Emmanuel church will launch one new group in the next couple of weeks in addition to the one that Paula and I have been leading, and our teen leaders are implementing cell group principles in their youth meetings. One other group may launch in the near future as well. I’ve been able to gather pictures of most of those who went through the training (still missing 3), so as you see their faces please take a moment to pray for God’s blessing on each one as they serve as cell leaders and assistant cell leaders.
Paula and I begin another round of cell leader training this week on Wednesday. We will be training a smaller group this time in a nearby village. So pray for us as we discover how the materials will apply in a village setting and among a church that is ethnically different (Roma, often referred to as Gypsy). Crossing cultures once again! ok…you gotta watch the video on Scott’s Feb 13 post…!! I haven’t been on this road in Romania yet with my convertible…but Spring is coming…!! To all who receive…
Today I received one of those story emails…telling of a woman who purchased a meal in McDonalds for two homeless men. Then it told me to “send it back” so my guardian angel will care for me…or something like this. I’m not making fun, really. I just don’t believe in “gimicks”…and I really don’t know if the story is true or not. But, this one strikes me…and I hope you will understand why. This is a true story!
 We have been living in Romania now for just over 4 years. I have fed the street boys from my box of pizza, I have given my Pepsi or a few coins to children as they beg at my car window at a stop light (they cannot go home until they have received a certain amount of money), I have drank coffee in a one room shack, I have given bread and food from my shelves to people who stop by our house… I don’t say any of this to make you think well of me…for there have been many times…many times…I am sure, that I have missed the opportunity to minister because I was too busy…or grumpy…or selfish…or whatever. For this, I am truly sorry. However, this week, I received a tremendous blessing…
For several months now, a very poor gypsy man, woman and her sister have been attending our church. They brought their baby to our church for dedication. Why to us? Because we are one of the few churches in town where the gypsies know they are welcome. They are so poor and from any standpoint, unkempt. They literally have no money and they cook outside over an open fire. One of our church leaders, who is very experienced in working with families such as this, as been conversing with them and trying to help as we are able. Another lady and I have attempted to share food with them…but interestingly they were absent on the days we had food for them. About one month ago, child protection removed the child from their home. I remember seeing the broken heart on the face of the mother. My heart just ached for her. Every Sunday, they arrive at church early and sit in the second row…not too far from where I stand to sing on the worship team. Weekly, I am reminded of the smell of desperate poverty as I shake their hands, speak with them, and even as I breathe to sing. My practice has always been to look into the eyes of the congregation and smile as I sing in order to help draw them into the spirit of worship and impart God’s love to them…and as I look at this family…the ladies always look back at me and smile deeply.
This week, I was walking in town with a young friend as we just finished a coffee together. We were conversing while walking when suddenly I heard a strong and vibrant “BUNA!” (”HI”!)… I looked over to see this gypsy family walking together. They saluted me openly and kindly…and the man gave a specific greeting of respect (”sarut mana” meaning “I kiss your hand”). Those around us looked intently to see what I would do and what the family would do. I smiled warmly and returned the greeting. The family didn’t stop me and ask for money or food (which is what everyone else expected of this gypsy family to a “rich” American)…they just wanted to greet me…that was all…that was ALL. It struck me that this family didn’t see me as an opportunity…but rather there was an exchange of mutual respect and affirmation…something which those around me rarely saw in a situation such as this. I desire to help this family in healthy ways as we are able and as God directs. But in all ways, I desire for them to see and feel respect and affirmation…to see and feel God’s love…something they rarely see or feel.
How can you help, in healthy ways, a family/person in need? (If you can’t see how, then take a step out of your place of comfort. I am sure you won’t have to go far.) How can you show love, respect and affirmation to someone who rarely feels it? It will not only encourage them and grow you…but it will also speak volumes to those around you!
just my thoughts… AND…God sends His angels to watch over us always!
Sports car driver or not, you need to visit Romania! I traveled to Budapest this weekend to visit our church plant there. Sickness and travels kept more than half the regular congregation away, but it was a warm and helpful service for those who made it. Péter, a young man and developing leader in the congregation, gave a good teaching on mercy. I arrived in Budapest Saturday afternoon, and soon after my arrival it started to snow. We awoke the next morning to about 10cm (4 inches) of new snow…on top of the 15cm (7 inches) that was already on the ground. Following are some pictures I snapped on my phone as I walked to church. God’s handiwork was all around!
 Roxi and I waiting on our fish and chips Life is so filled with contradictions…and for me this past week it has gone between peace and concern or elation and saddness all within a few minutes. Last Wednesday morning, I was privledged to travel to London, England, with my friend from our church here, Roxanna, where we would attend a worship conference over the weekend. (www.thekwm.co.uk) We arrived safely and were cared for by a very kind and generous family. We spent part of the day Wednesday and Thursday touring London. Time didn’t allow for a full tour of London so we just visited a few places, had coffee, and relaxed. Friday and Saturday were spent at the worship conference. The worship leaders and speakers were tremendous as they shared the thoughts God had given them on being a 21st Century Levite. Following are a few words from the notes I took: “It’s not about what a Levite does…but rather WHO a Levite is.” (Celia Apeagyi-Collins); “Private practice produces public performance.” (Celia Apeagyi-Collins); “As good as the seed is…we still can’t grow unless we have the appropriate atmosphere.” (Celia Ageagyi-Collins); “When we enter into rest we stop “clock-watching” and we rely on God’s timing.” (Lara Martin); “We too must die before we can receive the resurrection power.” (Mark Beswick); “God is in our hell (our wilderness) because we are there.” (Mark Beswick); “The love of what we tell vs. the love of the telling.” (Graham Kendrick quoting CS Lewis) The Holy Spirit was alive and active in our times of worship and prayer…and His Spirit strong even in moments of absolute silence. The leader of the conference, Noel Robinson, has a catch-phrase that I like…”I am a worshipper who happens to be…” then fill in the blank. For me, the conference has just continued to stir in me the desire to be more than just a worshipper…but to be involved in the advancement of worship in the form of music and the arts, especially in Romania as God and opportunity allows.  my Aunt Helen May 2007 on a visit to us in Romania On Saturday of the conference I received a call from my Dad in the States saying that my Aunt Helen, my mom’s sister, had suddenly passed away following a heart-attack. I went from a high to a low… I knew my aunt was ready to see Jesus but its the knowledge of never experiencing her here again. I am also feeling low that I cannot be with my family in yet again another difficult loss (and my sister passed away three year ago this week). When we left the States four years ago, I knew I wouldn’t see my family for a while. But never did I imagine that so many would move on to Jesus before I saw them again…this is a difficult reality. However, I am more than thankful that my Jesus is Lord over death and that I have the hope…but even more…I have the promise that we will one day stand TOGETHER before Jesus in worship. Please pray for: 1. My family, if you will, in this difficult time. 2. For opportunities for me to participate in the advancement of worship in Romania. 3. Scott and I as we continue to lead the cell leader training group. 4. Scott as he travels to Budapest this weekend to fellowship with our church there. 5. Stephen and Lydia and their school work. Thank you!! Yesterday evening I had the privilege of attending the first baptism service for the Adoram church plant that I’ve been coaching for the last year. Three adults made their public confession of Christ last night, and it was a grand celebration. The pictures will be worth a thousand-plus words. Rejoice with us! |
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