We heard
them before we even stepped off the bus. The children in the
Gypsy village were gathered and waiting anxiously to see what the
Americans would do. We walked in and greeted them with smiles,
hand-shakes and high-fives. Then I took my seat on a small bench with
several of the children. As I looked across t
o the kids sitting on the
opposite side, I fell in love.
them before we even stepped off the bus. The children in theGypsy village were gathered and waiting anxiously to see what the
Americans would do. We walked in and greeted them with smiles,
hand-shakes and high-fives. Then I took my seat on a small bench with
several of the children. As I looked across t
o the kids sitting on theopposite side, I fell in love.
Sitting there, looking at me with a grin that stretched from ear to
ear was the cutest 7-year-old in all of Romania. Peter simply smiled
at me and I could not help but smile back. Each time I waved at him,
he would shrug his shoulders and giggle. It did not take him long to
find his way to my side. He was so quick to show love, giving me the
best hugs. He stayed close by as we shared the story and love of Jesus
and waved as we climbed back into our bus and drove away.
It would be a whole week before we returned to the village, would he
even remember me? As the bus rolled in, I searched in vain for
Peter. Where was he? There were plenty of hugs to give and receive,
so I greeted the other children- keeping one eye on the gate, watching
for Peter. Finally, I saw him coming in. As soon as he spotted me,
his face exploded into a huge smile, he began to run and jumped into my
arms, squeezing my neck so hard I almost feared it would break.
We spent the evening sharing the Easter story, playing games and
singing. As soon as we had finished, he found his way to me again. He
crawled onto my lap and I wrapped my arms around him while we prayed.
As we were leaving, he walked me to the bus, holding my hand the entire
way, then once again stood waving as we rumbled away. I
can’t speak toPeter. All I know about him is his name and age, but I love him as
though he were my little brother. I miss him and pray for him daily.
I am amazed how God can fuse two hearts together with no verbal
communication. Christ has allowed me to show this little boy a small
piece of his love, simply through hugs, high-fives and smiles. The
Holy Spirit has burdened my heart for him. I have come to realize I
may be the only person praying for him. Please join me in praying for
Peter.
Pray:
– That he would know he is loved and delighted in by God.
– That he would accept the sacrifice Jesus made for him on the cross.
– For physical health, protection and provision.
– For his family, that they would be stable and raise him to know
Jesus.
– That he would receive a full, quality education.
Thank you!
