0.0005 percent. Or 1 in 2000. That’s the number of believers in the village of Maruntei, Romania.
The house we sit in is small and tight. The bare brick structure betrays its purpose as holes scattered throughout the wall allow the cold, crisp air to penetrate the barrier separating inside from out. We take off our muddy boots and leave them outside. We step into the multifunctional living room and arrange four folding chairs next to the sofa bed and the wooden spool coffee table – this home belongs to a grandmother whose daughter attends the weekly Bible study.
As we sit there and prepare for the few people to come, Tavi turns on the small gas heater and we relax into our seats as the heat floods the tiny room. The few people come. We introduce ourselves and Tavi and his wife Nico translate. Of the people that have come to the Bible study today, the middle-aged man is the one believer in the village.
The younger man and the middle-aged woman are intrigued by these American “Repenters” who have come to this ordinary village for reasons yet unknown to them. They are curious enough to listen to why we have come and to hear of our stories. I simply tell them that I came because I love the church and want to serve the church. And I tell them that my story is one of religion-turned-relationship; it is a story not so unfamiliar to theirs.
They are curious enough to hear about Saul’s conversion account in Acts, but not yet convinced of this man Jesus who claims to be the only way to heaven. It seems too simple to them that one can spend eternity in heaven just by belief in a man who claims to be God. What about following all the rules established by the Orthodox Church? What about doing the good works to earn your way to heaven? What about paying the priest for repentance?
They ask questions and mull over the answers they receive. They aren’t convinced this week, only intrigued. But perhaps next week will bring more clarity. Perhaps they, too, will one day tell of their own conversion story.
We smile and say goodbye. Part our ways. Hop back in our old, red, beat up, VW Paragon van that sputters out fumes like smoke out of a cigarette. I continue to wave and smile, completely consumed by the thoughts of those I just met and those I hope to meet again.
The one believer in the village of Maruntei is not just a number. He is not a statistic. He has a name and a story. His name is Mariana.
And the younger man and the middle-aged woman, they too, have names. Sylvia and Jonni. Their stories, like those of so many in this village and nation, speak of Orthodox-engrained religion and culture. They speak of indoctrinated shackles and unknown freedom. They see these Jesus-believing-“repenters” as outlandish and irrational, all the while yearning for the hope and life we live in and bring.
But their stories aren’t over yet. There is still time and space for Jesus to capture their hearts. For where there is one there can be a multitude.
Check out the short clip of the work Tavi and Nicoleta, missionaries from Hope Church – Draganesti, are doing in Maruntei. And if you’re interested in partnering with them in any way, check out their website: www.hopeformaruntei.wordpress.com. They are awesome laborers for the kingdom!
