The story of Razboieni.
It’s a war story. After all, the root of the neighborhood name means war. It’s already been spoken over in that regard.
It’s the story of a daughter who moved in to live with her boyfriend by the arrangement of her mother who left for Switzerland to make money by selling her body. It is believed that in this same story, the arrangement was made so the daughter would be trained before being led into a similar life as her mother. It’s the story of a sexually abusive father of seven who often took advantage of his oldest daughter time and time again and left only due to a restraining order. It’s the story of another violent father who will yell, throw, destroy behind a closed door but will present a decent appearance at the threshold of the home. It’s about a girl whose sister lives elsewhere, managing a business where women sell themselves or are sold by others but then sends gifts to her younger sister that can only be purchased by high expense. It’s a story of a son whose parents live in different foreign countries in the same circle of business but send home plenty of money for the boy to splurge after taking care of the bills. It’s about two sweet children who stopped coming around at the order of their parents who do not allow them to hang out with gypsies. It’s the story of darkness, brokenness, hopelessness, tragedy.
But the story has not yet come to a conclusion.
There is a light that shines from the old kindergarten by the bus stop. It is a light brought by a pastor who believes that God has a greater future for the neighborhood. It is brought by a husband and wife whose hearts long to break the chains of these characters’ bondage. It is brought by a mother, a student, a fiancé, a friend. This team, eight strong, bring the light to Razboieni, dressed in the armor of God, prepared for the battle day after day after day.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. –Ephesians 6:12
God entrusted His light to them, empowering His appointed team of faithful servants. The light came five years ago, dim yet strong. And with every kid who is touched by this radical, genuine love, the light grows brighter and warmer.
God has claimed sovereignty over some of the hearts. This is true. And we know that with those hearts, He never lets go. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. –Romans 8:38-39.
We know how the war ends. Victory is held by God alone.
Revelation 17:14
Still, the battle rages on…
For the world offers medicine that will numb the pain that these characters have felt. And the enemy will use fear of the unknown to prevent some from leaving all they’ve ever known for a glimpse of hope. And when one is attacked from so many directions, it’s difficult to see what is beyond. Darkness is overwhelming. But so is the love of God.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. –Isaiah 43:2
Thus I pray. I pray for those who have touched my heart and whose memory will never leave me. I pray for the neighborhood and that the Lord will rise it up from its own ashes and be a beacon of hope for this city. And I pray for the soldiers who fight with courage, I pray for their endurance and strength and love and that all will stem from the Lord’s provision.
And I know that Razboieni is just one neighborhood in one city in one country in one region of the world. There are parallel battles going on in all corners of the planet.
But as for me, I will pray for the war in Razboieni.
