It’s Sunday and today is our last day of gypsy ministry. It’s been a lot of up and downs to get here. A lot of hurt, miscommunication, mistrust and then forgiveness, redemption and restoration.
We started the day at Abi’s church in Viile Tecii. We arrived and expected it to be just another service. But it never is when God is involved. Both Jacob and Matt gave a word and then Cierra when up. She gave a simple and direct testimony, but then she did something she had never done before. She sang. She sang to worship our God and it was beautiful. It was more beautiful when we joined her in her praise to God and I know it was like frankincense before the Lord.
We came back to our host family’s home and ate lunch. Then eight of us headed over to a church that we visited during our first week. They were so joyful and happy. We tried to keep ourselves entertained without drawing too much attention (especially since we were in the front row). Abi had to leave early so he could take his family to the trainstation and he had to take four of us. I stayed. I was told that we would head over to the “new” church for an evening service. I really liked the new church. Garrett, Rachel and Emily stayed back as well. We had communion after they left. That was an experience in itself, with real wine.
Once it ended, our contact left with Rachel and Garrett. We were told that in 30min he would come back. Emily and I had a pretty good time hanging out with three Gyspy women that spoke hardly any english. It was good. We learned a bit of each other and they thought me how to dance!
After awhile Sandu came back and took us to a Hungarian Gypsy church service!! It was amazing. There was so much life and joy. And the fruit of Spirit was in that place. The kids were a plenty and so happy, singing along. It was the gospel in real life. Afterward, we were invited to a couples home. We walked over to the next street and walked down a road full of people. Everyone was out on the street. Complete families and friend hanging out and buying stuff at the stores. And alot of colorful houses. It looked a like the projects with the colors of mexican art. There were shady characters a plenty!! It could have been really scary and it was even a bit intimidating, but I felt safe. The people followed us down the street and stared us down, but the pastor was greeted by many. Eventually we got to the home and he told us his story.
I am so happy to have ended up there in Apalina. It was everything we wanted to be a part of. The pastor works full time in five different churches. In charge of 12 services a week and manually helping construct the new building for one of the churches. We left with joy and hope. We see what God is doing in the gypsy people. There is a revival happening and they are hungry.
