After having a reasonably restful and reflective time in Sicily,
we made our way to Romania on Friday. Not quite out the door leaving for the
airport, Al got a message from Bogdan, our coordinator in Bucharest, that his
vehicle was stuck in snow and we needed to get a hotel near the airport with a
shuttle. He gave us the name. Al quickly arranged that and off we went. It took
us a better part of the day before we arrived in Bucharest. Bogdan was working
Saturday so we were on our own for the day. Sunday came with Steve our teammate
arriving during the night and Bogdan picking us up after he got off work at 7am.
It took an hour to get to the church.
As we walked into the 12’x20’ foot room, we were enthusiastically
welcomed by the believers there. We had been there only one time before so we
were really somewhat taken aback. We settled down on the wooden bench as people
piled in. To my best count, there were around 30 adults and about 6 children
there. The worship began with Gypsy style music. One of the church leaders
spoke and we prayed. A woman began to cry. We would worship in song and another
would speak. By now, the lady is weeping and I am wondering why she is so upset.
We prayed for her and her husband and he spoke to the church. Most of the time
we have no idea what is being said just sensing the spirit of the place so full
of love and joy. They then tell us this couple is leaving for 2 months to visit
children in Germany and they are sad to say goodbye. WOW! What a testimony of
the power of God’s love in this place.
Steve gave a great devotional message and then as I looked
at my watch, Al got up to give the morning sermon. He spoke on Col. 3 and in his
unique way opened up the word clearly and with insight. Of course, I was
thinking what a powerful sermon, I really got that! In total, we were there 2
and 1/2 hours and I was not bored.
Bogdan told us that he had to work but if we wanted to go
to the evening service, his wife could pick us up. Al jumped on that because we
have been hanging out in too many hotel rooms lately. Oh my, if it wasn’t
enough to be so encouraged in the morning just being with God’s lovely people,
stepping foot again in this cozy room seemed to lift us up. Then what transpired
absolutely took hold of us in such a way as never before. They sang a few songs
but then leader after leader would get up and share a passage from the word,
say something and then everyone stood to pray about this in our lives. This
happened repeatedly. You sometimes wonder what to pray and I found no loss for
words to say. Everyone prays audibly at the same time. In the end, Al had them
ask him questions from the Bible. Still the effect of this humble group lifting
their voices to God in response to his word affected us in such a way we knew
we were changed somehow.
As we have had time to reflect on that day, we KNOW it
was the power of prayer from so many of you in the US that brought this
transformation in us. The sermon was received so well by the believers there
and seemed to break the barriers between us and the work God wants to do here
with the Roma. We praise His gracious and Holy name, as Al will share of the
amazing breakthrough he had with Pastors and leaders at the training. Thank you
so much for your faithful, spirit-led prayers that gave us this opportunity. We
feel so blessed and privileged to serve him in this way.
Together serving with you,
Edie
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