One day, we visited an old widow dying of gangrene. Her feet were black, and she has started losing feeling in them. She has gardened her whole life, but with her age and condition, she now needs help doing that work. Doctors urge her to have her leg amputated which will be the only way to save her life they tell her. But she confidently told us that “God is her healer.” You have to respect the kind of faith. I could use more of that. We spent a full day pulling weeds and tilling the soil behind her home. Callum, Jared, and Pablo helped repair her roof. When we were finished, with tears in her eyes, she told us how she wish she had something to give us. She explained that she only makes 120 Lei per month (about $35) and had nothing left over for the rest of the month. As a group, we prayed over her. We prayed for complete healing, and for a new and deeper revelation of the power and depth of God’s love for her.
On Thursdays, we went to a “mental rehabilitation center.” I use quotations because this name is not completely accurate. This is a home for the invalid, the irreparable in the government’s eyes. It was 6 miles past our little village, in a forgotten part of the forest in an even smaller village. The patients there are all in between ages 18-34. We would spend 2 hours there, usually giving a message, singing worship songs, and doing some kind of craft. Each time we visited, I felt a new level of compassion fill up in me that I’d never felt before. I felt so burdened for them. They have nobody to love them. If I could be there 7 days a week, I would be. I got a glimpse of what Jesus must have felt when living on earth.
Another impactful part of our month was facilitating a kids club once per week for kids in the village. Anywhere from 5-20 would show up each week, for a message, games, and a craft. I have a passion for kids and so these times were some of my favorites. Many of them are gypsies who rarely get the kind of attention, respect, and love every child deserves. We loved filling them up with that this month, and will continue praying for the children of Sistaravat.
On the World Race, often there are so many God appointments throughout one day, that it’s hard to share them all. Days go fast, and we keep moving. So there are many stories that go untold, for now. But the collective experiences from this past month have deeply moved me. I’m excited to see what God has next for us.
God bless you all! My new team, Life Surrendered, is here in Nizamabad, India where we will be doing village ministry throughout the surrounding region. It’s going to be a stretching month. Pray for us! Pray for those we will come into contact with! And pray for our stomachs with the change in diet… bring on the curry!
-Matt
