Wow! What an AMAZING week with an INCREDIBLE team! We are so thankful for the time that we have been able to spend with the First Baptist team. We have so enjoyed watching each one of the team members step out and reach out in faith to a people group who have been forgotten and discarded. Lois, Kim, Jerry, Peggy, Becky, Beth, Donnie, and Brett have definitely let their lights shine in a dark village.
Our ministry has been incredibly blessed and strengthened as this team has helped to fulfill our promises in helping the local Gypsies and providing hope in their lives. As our organization has newly begun its work in Tinca, we are thankful for the time, sacrifice, and love this team has given in order to help us continue to lay a firm foundation for our ministry. The groups willingness to do anything and go anywhere in the name of Lord was a witness and an encouragement for all who came in contact with them. It was amazing to watch this team trudge through 4 inches of mud daily, surrounded by filthy children and begging parents, and still be ready and eager to deliver food packages. Forty-nine families were able to receive 22lbs of potatoes, 22lbs of flour, and 4 lbs of cookies due to their perseverance and commitment! Despite this, they were back out in Tinca again each evening as they celebrated Christ's birthday and provided clothing and presents...some nights were more eventful than others.
We cannot thank you all enough (those who donated, supported the team, prayed for us, and delivered) for all the efforts made. Your actions have made a huge impact!
Through the parties, food deliveries, family visits, gifts, and smiles they reminded this village of Gypsies that they are loved by Jesus and gave a challenge to live each day remembering the sacrifice He made for them. This team has brought constant laughter, encouragement, and love to us personally, our ministry, and everyone they met.
Thank you First Baptist for sharing these remarkable people with us, and for blessing us both with your donations and your love. We know we have family now at First Baptist!
Because of Him,
Rachel Ross & Erin Nish
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Our Last Day In Tinca
What a day this has been!
Once again we started the day in the best way we knew how; with prayer and devotion to God.
Then we're off to Tinca to do the last of the deliveries. Even though this is the fourth day we've done this, it is anything but routine. Everytime we see another child walking barefoot in the mud it tears us up inside. But we are making a difference, as you can see in the pictures, little Ahbel (no idea if it's spelled right) in the blue sweats (that you guys bought) has a big smile on his face. He usually has very little to smile about. His parents believe he is cursed and will not allow him to sleep in the house with the rest of the family. He will be the first one taken to the childrens center when it is finally opened. There's not a one among us that wouldn't take him with us right now if we could.
As we were making the last of the deliveries, the man of the house was following us out and was saying something that we of course couldn't understand. Rachel came over to translate and he was saying that he was praying for God's grace to be on us. This was a moment that I will remember the rest of my life. I couldn't say anything, I just went back inside and we hugged and we both just stood there and cried.
After this we headed back to the farm to get ready for tonights party. Sometime during the day we were talking about how our bags of clothes and toys and candy didn't seem to be getting any lighter as we carried them in and out each night and Becky said the most wonderful thing. She said it was just like the loaves and fishes, it never seems to go down. We had so much left over that Gahbri (don't know if that's spelled right either), the Gypsy preacher was going to take it to another church in a different village and distribute it there.
We know that you are praying for us; please include Gahbri and his wife who is very ill in the hospital. The gypsy stigma is so terrible here that it's even difficult to find doctors to treat them. The health care is supposed to be free but most doctors will not treat gypsy's unless they are bribed. Gahbri is a wonderful man and we are all proud to call him our brother.
Also include Da'Nootz who has been our guide and our body guard all the times that we were in the village. He is the man in the red shirt holding a soccer ball in front of his wife and daugher.
We live so differently than the people of Tinca, but we have one thing in common. Jesus Christ died for all of us, and because He loves them so do we.
Once again we started the day in the best way we knew how; with prayer and devotion to God.
Then we're off to Tinca to do the last of the deliveries. Even though this is the fourth day we've done this, it is anything but routine. Everytime we see another child walking barefoot in the mud it tears us up inside. But we are making a difference, as you can see in the pictures, little Ahbel (no idea if it's spelled right) in the blue sweats (that you guys bought) has a big smile on his face. He usually has very little to smile about. His parents believe he is cursed and will not allow him to sleep in the house with the rest of the family. He will be the first one taken to the childrens center when it is finally opened. There's not a one among us that wouldn't take him with us right now if we could.
As we were making the last of the deliveries, the man of the house was following us out and was saying something that we of course couldn't understand. Rachel came over to translate and he was saying that he was praying for God's grace to be on us. This was a moment that I will remember the rest of my life. I couldn't say anything, I just went back inside and we hugged and we both just stood there and cried.
After this we headed back to the farm to get ready for tonights party. Sometime during the day we were talking about how our bags of clothes and toys and candy didn't seem to be getting any lighter as we carried them in and out each night and Becky said the most wonderful thing. She said it was just like the loaves and fishes, it never seems to go down. We had so much left over that Gahbri (don't know if that's spelled right either), the Gypsy preacher was going to take it to another church in a different village and distribute it there.
We know that you are praying for us; please include Gahbri and his wife who is very ill in the hospital. The gypsy stigma is so terrible here that it's even difficult to find doctors to treat them. The health care is supposed to be free but most doctors will not treat gypsy's unless they are bribed. Gahbri is a wonderful man and we are all proud to call him our brother.
Also include Da'Nootz who has been our guide and our body guard all the times that we were in the village. He is the man in the red shirt holding a soccer ball in front of his wife and daugher.
We live so differently than the people of Tinca, but we have one thing in common. Jesus Christ died for all of us, and because He loves them so do we.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Special Deliveries and Second Birthday Party For Jesus
Our birthday parties for Jesus have been for the families in the church in Tinca. We wanted to reach out and celebrate too with the children that will be in the Children's Center, and with their families who are not Christian. Rachel continues to minister to the families caring for their basic needs and showing the love of Christ. Rachel and Erin have built relationships with many of the people in the village of Tinca because of their consistent presence. They have gained respect and trust as they have kept their promises by bringing short term mission teams to help the people in Tinca and have some sponsors for the children in the Children's Center and for the families. Monthly sponsors for future projects for the ministry are also needed and will help to further the work of FMN.
As we walked through the muddy streets in Tinca this morning, it was so awesome to see little kids running around in new jog suits, hats and gloves! One little girl was carrying around her cabbage patch kid that she had received from the party on Monday! We got to spend time with many children who we have seen daily on the streets, and at the birthday celebrations. We held hands through the village, we skipped, we sang, we taught some basic English and were so blessed being with these children.
We went to Florica's house and with Florica was her siblings, Cornelia, Simona and Samuel, and sweet little Maria who is living with Florica's grandmother after being abandoned by her mother. They were so excited to see us! We delivered food for the family and presented the mother with one of the pencil drawings of Jesus. Again, this family is not Christian, but we shared the print as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made each one of us. We brought presents for the kids and they just couldn't hold back the smiles! They each unwrapped their gifts and just beamed with joy! Even for just a moment, they could forget about their hard life and receive the gift of love, new clothes and new toys!
Florica was abandoned when she was born and left at the hospital. Her mother came back to get her when she was around a year or so. It is very hard for us to understand why she wants for FMN to take Florica and place her in the center but keep the other children at home. What kind of message is this sending to Florica? Florica is very angry with her mother from the emotional scars that she carries from being abandoned. It would seem that this would make her feel that she is unwanted and unworthy of her mother's love. We are so thankful for Rachel and her ministry. It is only through the Children's Center that Florica and many other children placed in the center will have hope for the future. She lights up when Rachel and/or Erin come to the village to see her and gets very upset when they have to leave.
Tonight was the second birthday party for Jesus! Again the room was full and the children and parents were very excited to be there. Out came the party hats and it was fun to watch the kids faces, and even more so, the adults faces as we all had on our hats. The drama of the Christmas story went very well, and we had two donkies instead of one this time. Sweet, sweet Iza wanted to be a donkey with Mammy (Kim). Iza also was an angel in the drama. The pencil drawings of Jesus were presented to the parents as the reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us, and for them. Jesus loves us all so much and that is why we are here! Jesus is the best gift we will ever receive!
The children and families came up one family at a time to receive all of their wonderful gifts that were either purchased by sponsors or purchased with money that was given by many generous people, mostly from the First Baptist Church Family. Iza helped to give out the presents and was so sweet with the children. Everyone had a great time, and it is our prayer that they left with the message that Jesus loves them and so do we, and we do all these things in His name.
We have an incredible time here in Romania. We are tired and our resistence is down. Several have been fighting colds but we stand strong and keep moving to finish what we were sent here to do, and that is love the people in the gypsy culture and in everything we say and do, give God all of the honor, glory and praise.
We have felt the many prayers that have been sent up on our behalf. We ask that you continue to pray for our health, for our safety, and that God's will be done in whatever else he has planned for us here in Romania and as we go home to be with our families.
Our lives will never be the same and even though we are the ones being blessed to serve here in Romania, each one of you are part of this team as we all work hand in hand to show the love of Christ and bring others to have a relationship with Him. We are seeing God at work and praise you Lord for Rachel, Erin and the work of Forget Me Not Ministries. God had already begun His work here, and we are so thankful that Rachel has stepped out in faith to help to carry out His perfect plan.
As we walked through the muddy streets in Tinca this morning, it was so awesome to see little kids running around in new jog suits, hats and gloves! One little girl was carrying around her cabbage patch kid that she had received from the party on Monday! We got to spend time with many children who we have seen daily on the streets, and at the birthday celebrations. We held hands through the village, we skipped, we sang, we taught some basic English and were so blessed being with these children.
We went to Florica's house and with Florica was her siblings, Cornelia, Simona and Samuel, and sweet little Maria who is living with Florica's grandmother after being abandoned by her mother. They were so excited to see us! We delivered food for the family and presented the mother with one of the pencil drawings of Jesus. Again, this family is not Christian, but we shared the print as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made each one of us. We brought presents for the kids and they just couldn't hold back the smiles! They each unwrapped their gifts and just beamed with joy! Even for just a moment, they could forget about their hard life and receive the gift of love, new clothes and new toys!
Florica was abandoned when she was born and left at the hospital. Her mother came back to get her when she was around a year or so. It is very hard for us to understand why she wants for FMN to take Florica and place her in the center but keep the other children at home. What kind of message is this sending to Florica? Florica is very angry with her mother from the emotional scars that she carries from being abandoned. It would seem that this would make her feel that she is unwanted and unworthy of her mother's love. We are so thankful for Rachel and her ministry. It is only through the Children's Center that Florica and many other children placed in the center will have hope for the future. She lights up when Rachel and/or Erin come to the village to see her and gets very upset when they have to leave.
Tonight was the second birthday party for Jesus! Again the room was full and the children and parents were very excited to be there. Out came the party hats and it was fun to watch the kids faces, and even more so, the adults faces as we all had on our hats. The drama of the Christmas story went very well, and we had two donkies instead of one this time. Sweet, sweet Iza wanted to be a donkey with Mammy (Kim). Iza also was an angel in the drama. The pencil drawings of Jesus were presented to the parents as the reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us, and for them. Jesus loves us all so much and that is why we are here! Jesus is the best gift we will ever receive!
The children and families came up one family at a time to receive all of their wonderful gifts that were either purchased by sponsors or purchased with money that was given by many generous people, mostly from the First Baptist Church Family. Iza helped to give out the presents and was so sweet with the children. Everyone had a great time, and it is our prayer that they left with the message that Jesus loves them and so do we, and we do all these things in His name.
We have an incredible time here in Romania. We are tired and our resistence is down. Several have been fighting colds but we stand strong and keep moving to finish what we were sent here to do, and that is love the people in the gypsy culture and in everything we say and do, give God all of the honor, glory and praise.
We have felt the many prayers that have been sent up on our behalf. We ask that you continue to pray for our health, for our safety, and that God's will be done in whatever else he has planned for us here in Romania and as we go home to be with our families.
Our lives will never be the same and even though we are the ones being blessed to serve here in Romania, each one of you are part of this team as we all work hand in hand to show the love of Christ and bring others to have a relationship with Him. We are seeing God at work and praise you Lord for Rachel, Erin and the work of Forget Me Not Ministries. God had already begun His work here, and we are so thankful that Rachel has stepped out in faith to help to carry out His perfect plan.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bratca
We did something different today. Rachel had some business to take care of for the foundation this morning and since she usually serves as our translator we couldn't do food deliveries today.
Instead, Rachel arranged a visit to an orphanage in Bratca, about an hour and a half away. The visit was in the afternoon so while Rachel attended to her business we went to back to Selgross and bought supplies for the orphanage. We were told that what they needed the most were cleaning supplies. Dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.
We then met up with Rachel, Erin, and little Issabella; had a quick lunch and left for Bratca. The roads were terrible but Issabella made the ride fun. Especially because it started to snow. Issa wanted to stop so that she could make a snowman; her mama said that she would have to wait until it snowed at their house. "But it's so beautiful!" she replied. She's only four but she has stolen all of our hearts.
When we arrived at Bratca, once again Lois became our counselor. She told us if we start to feel overwhelmed just say "I'm going to the van" and go. Some of us did.
As you can see from the pictures, these orphans are not children. Most of them appear to be in their mid to late 20's. They were "discovered" after the fall of the communist government in 1989. Most, if not all, of them were abandoned as infants and since the government basically considered them throwaways, they were placed in cribs and fed but completely ignored otherwise. They were rarely taken out of their cribs so they received no external stimulation at all. This is the result.
If you ever wonder what would happen if Satan gets free reign, this should give you a pretty good idea.
On top of all this the current government has "re-classified" this orphanage so that it no longer receives any government funding. After that happened and somebody finally went to visit them it was discovered that they were completely out of provisions and had literally been living on bread and water for over a month.
Some relief organizations have stepped in but their situation is still tenuous at best.
Even in the midst of all this pain, we see God's hand at work. The staff is made up entirely of angels. They are so good and kind and gentle that it's obvious their dedication can only come from the love of Christ. Please pray for all involved in this situation.
It was a long ride home as we tried to comprehend what we had just witnessed.
We had devotion after dinner since our schedule really didn't allow for it in the morning, after which we did a special prayer session where we got in a circle and held hands and each said a one sentence prayer, either a request or a thank you, we kept going round and round. The people back home praying for us came up more than once. We are so grateful for your prayers and we wanted you to know that we can feel them. Keep it up, it's working.
Also, thank you so much for the comments. We're finding these especially uplifting. Everyone gets so excited when we see there's a new one.
When you pray for the team please add little Issa to the list. She is such a joy. Her presence on the team has made the heartache of those that miss their little ones at home, just a little easier to bear.
Instead, Rachel arranged a visit to an orphanage in Bratca, about an hour and a half away. The visit was in the afternoon so while Rachel attended to her business we went to back to Selgross and bought supplies for the orphanage. We were told that what they needed the most were cleaning supplies. Dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.
We then met up with Rachel, Erin, and little Issabella; had a quick lunch and left for Bratca. The roads were terrible but Issabella made the ride fun. Especially because it started to snow. Issa wanted to stop so that she could make a snowman; her mama said that she would have to wait until it snowed at their house. "But it's so beautiful!" she replied. She's only four but she has stolen all of our hearts.
When we arrived at Bratca, once again Lois became our counselor. She told us if we start to feel overwhelmed just say "I'm going to the van" and go. Some of us did.
As you can see from the pictures, these orphans are not children. Most of them appear to be in their mid to late 20's. They were "discovered" after the fall of the communist government in 1989. Most, if not all, of them were abandoned as infants and since the government basically considered them throwaways, they were placed in cribs and fed but completely ignored otherwise. They were rarely taken out of their cribs so they received no external stimulation at all. This is the result.
If you ever wonder what would happen if Satan gets free reign, this should give you a pretty good idea.
On top of all this the current government has "re-classified" this orphanage so that it no longer receives any government funding. After that happened and somebody finally went to visit them it was discovered that they were completely out of provisions and had literally been living on bread and water for over a month.
Some relief organizations have stepped in but their situation is still tenuous at best.
Even in the midst of all this pain, we see God's hand at work. The staff is made up entirely of angels. They are so good and kind and gentle that it's obvious their dedication can only come from the love of Christ. Please pray for all involved in this situation.
It was a long ride home as we tried to comprehend what we had just witnessed.
We had devotion after dinner since our schedule really didn't allow for it in the morning, after which we did a special prayer session where we got in a circle and held hands and each said a one sentence prayer, either a request or a thank you, we kept going round and round. The people back home praying for us came up more than once. We are so grateful for your prayers and we wanted you to know that we can feel them. Keep it up, it's working.
Also, thank you so much for the comments. We're finding these especially uplifting. Everyone gets so excited when we see there's a new one.
When you pray for the team please add little Issa to the list. She is such a joy. Her presence on the team has made the heartache of those that miss their little ones at home, just a little easier to bear.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Food Deliveries and A Birthday Party for Jesus!
What an incredible day! We made more food deliveries in Tinca. The village is still very muddy, and we are thankful for BOOTS! We got to see two of the kids, Florica and Abell, who will be in the children's center. It was cold outside, and Florica had on very little clothing and she was literally shaking! Erin wrapped her in her jacket and loved on her as we made our deliveries.
There was a little girl Maria, beautiful, maybe about two, happy and smiling, half dressed with dried mud all over her legs. Maria has been abandoned by her mother and now is living with another family. She is not really taken care of the way that she should be. It is so hard to understand how she could even smile but this life is all that she knows. Anyone of us would not hesitate to bring her home to love her and take care of her, but that is not possible as international adoptions are closed inRomania. It is hoped that Maria will be able to be placed in the children's center with Florica once the center is opened. There are many, many more children just like Florica, Abell and Maria who have no hope for the future without the children's center. For information about Forget Me Not Ministries and the children's center, visit http://fmnministries.org
We got to the building where we were going to have the Christmas party. We had a line of kids and parents waiting for us outside. We decorated the small building for the Christmas party and we greeted each child and each parent with a party hat and the room was full! The kids were so excited and knew that we were there to celebrate Christmas and that they would get presents! We talked to children and asked them why we celebrate Christmas. We did a drama of the birth of Jesus and it was amazing! The kids watched and listened, and they definitely got the message of why we celebrate Christmas and that we came to have a birthday party for Jesus!
We asked if we could pray with them. As we prayed, being translated inRomanian, we could hear mumbling. We didn't know if it was the kids excited about the presents to come, or if they were praying outloud. Erin took a few pictures during prayer, and we were so moved to see little children holding their fingers on their eyes to keep them closed as they prayed with us.
After the drama, we asked the parents to come forward. We shared with them how much Jesus loves them and that we love them too. People that they may never meet sent the Christmas gifts to show the love of Christ. Jesus came to save us, lived a perfect life and gives us hope for the future here on earth and eternally with Him. Jesus asks us to love Him with all of our hearts, our souls and our minds, and we are to live for Him. We are to go out and tell others about Jesus and what He has done in our life, and we are to bring others to know Him. There were many emotions and tears as we went on to share a gift with the parents.
Katie Wadsworth, 14, did a pencil drawing of Jesus on the Cross when she was only nine years old. We shared with the parents about Katie's print, and why she drew it, and that is because she loves Jesus. We told them that we wanted to share this gift with them to hang in their homes as a reminder that not only did Jesus come to save the world, but that God gave His only son, who died on the cross for our sins. He did this because he loves us so much. This gift would be a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for each one of us, and that we should live our lifes forHim. Katie's print is in many homes in Indiana, in many Romanian homes, and now in Christian gypsy homes. Katie, thank you for sharing your gift!
The children received jog suits, socks, hats and gloves and a toy. They were overwhelmed with excitement. We had cookies and drinks and as they left, they were handed a treat bag full of goodies. We are sure they have never been to a birthday party like this, and it was all for Jesus!
What an amazing day! God is sooooooooo good! We had the party to bless the families and children here and we are more blessed than they are to be able to celebrate with them the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Multicultural worship, an awesome experience!
What a day! We started our day at Rachel's church, Salem, which is a Christian Church. It was awesome! The worship is upbeat and there's a lot of it! Of course, the worship and sermon were in Romanian, but between Rachel and a few other interpreters, we could keep up with the message. It was about how God gifts each one of us and how most people only use 10% or less of the gifts that He gives us. The message was to be open to God, step out of our comfort zones, and we have this week, and allow Him to use all of our gifts to further His kingdom. The message was powerful!
We had lunch at Caminul Felix at Mircea and Lidia Toca's house. It was like being at home! They are a great family!
This afternoon, we went back to the gypsy village, and went to church. It was a small room filled with Christian gypsies! The worship was awesome as they all sang, and had a band that consisted of an accordian, a violin and the pastor on the keyboard. It was an experience that we will ever forget! We saw many of the kids and families that we delivered food to the day before. There was a pastor from Ohio who has been connected with this church. The gypsy pastor preached and then the American pastor preached, and was intrepreted in Romanian. It was a convicting message on the Great Commission.
Our team was welcomed. Rachel told us that we were the first team that has ever come to worship with them. We were asked if we would like to share a worship song. We sang Amazing Grace, and it was awesome as the accordian player jumped in and started playing along with us. Brett said that it must have been a bunch of angels that came down and sang, because he thought we sounded pretty darn good.
It was an amazing day as we worshipped with the Romanian culture, and then worshipped with the gypsy culture. The worship style was so totally different, but one thing is evident, and that is we all worship and serve one God.
We are so thankful for Rachel and her heart, and for her willingness to sacrifice everything to make a difference in the lives of others. She is a role model for for the young and old, as she has stepped out in faith to work in the gypsy community. We are thankful for Erin who is here from Canada to assist Rachel in her ministry. The children's center is something that is definitely needed in this village. There are many families who do love and at least try to take care of their families, but need assistance. There are other children who are abandoned, neglected and/or at risk who have no hope for the future without the help of Forget Me Not and the children's center. We met Abell, who is a four year old little boy, who has a brother who is two. It is incomprehensible, but the grandparents and mother think that the boys are cursed and they don't allow them in the house. The two boys are left alone in a mud floor hut that until recently, didn't even have a roof. The mother abandoned them and these two boys will be one of the first to be at the children's center as the grandparents can't, or don't choose, to take care of them. Our heart just ached as we looked at that sweet, innocent face, of a child with no hope. He would smile for the camera, but for the most part, he is empty and in need of the love and nurture that every child deserves. We ask that you pray for Rachel, for FMN, for the opening of the children's center, and for Abell and the many children in the same situation. Pray about how God can use YOU to be part of this ministry.
We had lunch at Caminul Felix at Mircea and Lidia Toca's house. It was like being at home! They are a great family!
This afternoon, we went back to the gypsy village, and went to church. It was a small room filled with Christian gypsies! The worship was awesome as they all sang, and had a band that consisted of an accordian, a violin and the pastor on the keyboard. It was an experience that we will ever forget! We saw many of the kids and families that we delivered food to the day before. There was a pastor from Ohio who has been connected with this church. The gypsy pastor preached and then the American pastor preached, and was intrepreted in Romanian. It was a convicting message on the Great Commission.
Our team was welcomed. Rachel told us that we were the first team that has ever come to worship with them. We were asked if we would like to share a worship song. We sang Amazing Grace, and it was awesome as the accordian player jumped in and started playing along with us. Brett said that it must have been a bunch of angels that came down and sang, because he thought we sounded pretty darn good.
It was an amazing day as we worshipped with the Romanian culture, and then worshipped with the gypsy culture. The worship style was so totally different, but one thing is evident, and that is we all worship and serve one God.
We are so thankful for Rachel and her heart, and for her willingness to sacrifice everything to make a difference in the lives of others. She is a role model for for the young and old, as she has stepped out in faith to work in the gypsy community. We are thankful for Erin who is here from Canada to assist Rachel in her ministry. The children's center is something that is definitely needed in this village. There are many families who do love and at least try to take care of their families, but need assistance. There are other children who are abandoned, neglected and/or at risk who have no hope for the future without the help of Forget Me Not and the children's center. We met Abell, who is a four year old little boy, who has a brother who is two. It is incomprehensible, but the grandparents and mother think that the boys are cursed and they don't allow them in the house. The two boys are left alone in a mud floor hut that until recently, didn't even have a roof. The mother abandoned them and these two boys will be one of the first to be at the children's center as the grandparents can't, or don't choose, to take care of them. Our heart just ached as we looked at that sweet, innocent face, of a child with no hope. He would smile for the camera, but for the most part, he is empty and in need of the love and nurture that every child deserves. We ask that you pray for Rachel, for FMN, for the opening of the children's center, and for Abell and the many children in the same situation. Pray about how God can use YOU to be part of this ministry.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Our Day In Tinca
A very emotional day.
We spent most of yesterday in preparation for the rest of the week. But even though there was much to do, God still took every opportunity to place people in our path that needed to witness His love first hand. Whether it's praying over a woman who just lost her husband or a free Big Mac that "we just happened to have" (there are no coincidences) someone on this team responded to His call every single time.
For those of us who had not been here before, today was the day we had been most anxious about. We had all heard the stories and seen the pictures but we knew this would not, could not totally prepare us for what we were about to witness.
But God is so good. And His plan is perfect.
First, He gave us Lois and Kim who are not just members of the team; they are our counselors. Not only were they constantly preparing us for what to expect but they also told us how to react in certain situations and what we could do if we started to feel overwhelmed.
Next, He gave us just a few hints of what was to come so that by this morning we were as ready as we possibly could be (or so we thought).
We were as prepared as was humanly possible. But that's not good enough for God.
We had planned on starting our day with 30 minutes for daily devotional. By the time we were done it had been almost an hour and all of our faces were wet. We had already prepared our minds for today, but God sent His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts.
Then we went to a place overlooking Oradea where we took a team picture (it's the one on the top), and then we formed a circle and prayed over the city.
As we drove in to Tinca everyone turned to watch us go by. While cars do pass through occasionally (I think I saw three the whole time we were there), it's probably pretty rare for 15 passenger vans to come in.
We got to the house where the food was stored and loaded up Rachel's car. We didn't want to use the van since the rain last night had turned the road into about six inches of mud and if we got stuck we might have trouble getting the van out.
We then walked through the village with Rachel leading the way in her car and delivered food for several hours all the while surrounded by a hoard of children.
That's the part you can never be fully prepared for. You can hear all the stories about kids with no shoes, but until you see a child that's not even two years old standing barefoot in the mud and it hits you that it's 45 degrees out here and not only is he not wearing shoes; he's not wearing anything other than the shirt that hangs down to his knees.
But God prepared our hearts, and even though they were breaking He got us through and there were so many acts of love witnessed today that we couldn't possibly list them all.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Remember it's not just the eight of us but also Rachel, Erin, Marrion (pronounced Mari-ahn) our driver, and also all the people taking care of us while we're here.
We spent most of yesterday in preparation for the rest of the week. But even though there was much to do, God still took every opportunity to place people in our path that needed to witness His love first hand. Whether it's praying over a woman who just lost her husband or a free Big Mac that "we just happened to have" (there are no coincidences) someone on this team responded to His call every single time.
For those of us who had not been here before, today was the day we had been most anxious about. We had all heard the stories and seen the pictures but we knew this would not, could not totally prepare us for what we were about to witness.
But God is so good. And His plan is perfect.
First, He gave us Lois and Kim who are not just members of the team; they are our counselors. Not only were they constantly preparing us for what to expect but they also told us how to react in certain situations and what we could do if we started to feel overwhelmed.
Next, He gave us just a few hints of what was to come so that by this morning we were as ready as we possibly could be (or so we thought).
We were as prepared as was humanly possible. But that's not good enough for God.
We had planned on starting our day with 30 minutes for daily devotional. By the time we were done it had been almost an hour and all of our faces were wet. We had already prepared our minds for today, but God sent His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts.
Then we went to a place overlooking Oradea where we took a team picture (it's the one on the top), and then we formed a circle and prayed over the city.
As we drove in to Tinca everyone turned to watch us go by. While cars do pass through occasionally (I think I saw three the whole time we were there), it's probably pretty rare for 15 passenger vans to come in.
We got to the house where the food was stored and loaded up Rachel's car. We didn't want to use the van since the rain last night had turned the road into about six inches of mud and if we got stuck we might have trouble getting the van out.
We then walked through the village with Rachel leading the way in her car and delivered food for several hours all the while surrounded by a hoard of children.
That's the part you can never be fully prepared for. You can hear all the stories about kids with no shoes, but until you see a child that's not even two years old standing barefoot in the mud and it hits you that it's 45 degrees out here and not only is he not wearing shoes; he's not wearing anything other than the shirt that hangs down to his knees.
But God prepared our hearts, and even though they were breaking He got us through and there were so many acts of love witnessed today that we couldn't possibly list them all.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Remember it's not just the eight of us but also Rachel, Erin, Marrion (pronounced Mari-ahn) our driver, and also all the people taking care of us while we're here.
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