Targu Mures, Romania

If I could describe Targu Mures, I would say it is like a warm day in spring…some of the time anyway.  When I run along the streets by the poclos (mini canal), my perception of a cold hearted country fades away.  I thought all of Romania was a chilly, unfriendly place but my eyes tell me something different when I run.  I pass people who are on there way to church, a husband holding hands with his wife, a playground full of kids with their parents, & I feel a warmth of sunshine in a place that seems it is coming out of a long winter called Communism.  I do not see the city in this light all the time, but my initial perception of how dark this country was…well, it is not all true.

 

I have spent two weeks in this city & now I am looking at one day left before I leave for Ukraine.  This past week, whenever I thought about how little time I had left, it became a sad state of affairs.  “I have so much still to see & do here.”, I would think constantly.  What have I seen in this beautiful city you may be wondering?  Well, I have seen some of the major sites–the Citadel, a couple Orthodox churches, a park, a couples cafes.  I have enjoyed time with the youth especially.  Some particular people have really meant a lot to me.  I wish I had more time in this place…another week would be a blessing. 

 

The spiritual needs & climate of Targu Mures is evident.  I tend to see through people (sometimes too critically) past the shallow, surface-front many try to put on & I understand something.  What I understand when I look at this city–the impressions I have–come from God.  He has shown me moments when it is cold here (especially in Bucharest) just how many people there are walking with stoic faces & a frozen heart under their jacket.  They are not letting anyone see the hurt & loneliness they carry inside.  I can pick up on it more & more.  Most have probably even become numb.  In the gypsy villages, I see fighting & conflict being what tears apart the community.  In my times of worship, I hear a loud cry for grace, but when I look around everyone is quiet.  They have heard about Christ here.  There are numerous churches.  I can count six churches off the top of my head that are all on one street (main street).  But, knowing about Christ is different than living for Christ.  Grace is what is needed here.  Then I think, when one does not know what Grace is, how can one understand it or be conscious of its’ existence?

Second to none, in my ministry hear I have been extraordinarily blessed.  The believers I have met have spoken prophetic truth to my heart, they have challenged me in ways that I have needed (for my own good), & I have witnessed the strength they have & their hardwork for the sake of the Gospel.

 

I want to share one last thing with you before I go.  It is the question I have been asking myself, “What have I seen of the true church in this city?”  I have seen the church here is on its’ knees more than many other church I have witnessed on the trip thus far.  The people here know the importance of prayer & worship.  The foundation of ministry is prayer.  It is not evangelism.  It is not social gatherings.  It is not organizing something to death (like I tend to do).  It is prayer that fuels the church.  & I am happy to say, the church here gets that.  In addition, the youth are being reached-out to, especially with the contacts we are working with (YWAM & a Hungarian pastor).  There are safe places for teens to go, where they can feel loved & wanted.  & I have learned one other great truth during my time here.  It is that God WILL send a revival of the Holy Spirit to this place.  I just do not know when.  In Esther is says, “As such a time as this.”  So, it will be in His timing.  The waiting, the labor, the persecution that the believers experience here, it will all be worth it in the end.