The saying goes that pictures are worth a thousand words. Here's our week in review:
Monday –
Normal morning routine of quiet time, breakfast, get ready and go out to Cornesti to visit Hungarian, Gypsy and Romanian families in their willage. There is a strong interest for Jesus in this willage and a few “pillar” families which we are praying the Pastor can start a church with. Monday was especially wonderful as we experienced a Pied Piper phenomenon with the children. With each successive house we visited we gained a few more kiddos. Ultimately, we had 16 plus singing songs and praying with us when the time came to catch our bus home.
Tuesday –
Turning left instead of right out of our willage, we catch the bus into the city center on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Street evangelism and making individuals aware of the new church was the goal of the day.
Wednesday –
Having been absent during the last few visits, I was on the prowl for Lousia. Everyone else dedicated this day for willage ministry in Tirimia. There is an elderly man who is dying that some of my teammates go and play music for. The rest of us split our time praying for families and playing with the kids. The photo below is of Lousia's house and me in the “final four” of a Gypsy game we were taught. PS: She found me and I got me a big o'l hug!
Thursday –
Back in the city center we spent the day at a hospital that specializes in cancer treatment. My memory will always be of “the boy with wrinkles” and one anointed post ministry dinner. We stayed in the city to enjoy free symphony tickets the Pastor was able to secure for us. While we waited for show time, some of the ladies from Sound of Strength and I went to get dinner. The end result, a good meal and two new friendships with the chef and a woman from the street. Each women received our invitation to church and allowed us to pray for her individual needs. It was a sweet time of tears and laughter.
Friday –
Periodically, I take a less traveled road and say behind to work on Logistics. The balance of the crew set off to pray and play and I settled in for emails, conference calls, budget reviews and to research the next leg of our journey. It may not seem glamorous but it is an aspect of my Race that I am really beginning to enjoy. It has been fun to seek out future ministry contacts, assist in developing the World Race network of service opportunities, and work with the wonderful people back in the AIM home office and Chris to think of creative ways to get 40+ folks around the world in eleven months.
Saturday/Sunday –
Members of each team (Ignition and Sound of Strength) help to lead worship and compliment the sermon for the Saturday evening service. Sunday, we rest.
All work and no play would make the Race long. This week my highlight (aside from the symphony) was a spontaneous country dance party! We had just enough room in the kitchen to line dance and two step the night away 🙂
