Continued…
What an amazing story about how water came to IBC! (see previous blog) I asked him if he had a story about how he acquired the land for the camp. Yes!, he replied.
When Ivan first wanted to start the camp, he told his uncle he was going to find a piece of flat land in the mountains. No, his uncle replied, that's impossible. But Ivan went anyway, and discovered a piece of land owned by a salami factory owner which was 10,000 acres, flat, and had three buildings on it. He inquired of the factory owner, who agreed to part with it for 18,000 leva (10,000 euros). Well…Ivan had only 200 euros! So, he prayed.
Some time later, Ivan's pastor friend from Greece came to visit. Jeorg was going to Uganda soon for a short term trip. He was a sharp man, and asked Ivan right away if there was something on his mind. Yes, replied Ivan, and told him about the land and 10,000 euros. Jeorg prayed for him, and as he did, tears ran down from his eyes. "Take me to town", he told Ivan. "there's something I need to do." Ivan took him to town, and exchanged 4,000 euros and gave it to him. Ivan was astounded. Wasn't Jeorg going to Uganda soon? Wouldn't he need the money? "Yes", Jeorg replied, "Maybe I will only stay 1 month instead of 2 months in Uganda…but I know the LORD is calling me to do this right now."
In addition, Jeorg contacted the believers in Greece, who gave an additional 2,000 euros! So now, they had 6,000 euros for the camp. But what of the last 4,000 euros?
Ivan went with his uncle to the salami factory owner again. They explained that the grounds will be a camp to bless others, not for themselves. The owner agreed to give them a discount – the land would be 9,000 euros. Great! thought Ivan. But they still didn't have enough. So, Ivan and his uncle went to the owner again. Could they pay the sum in installments? The owner considered the proposal, and finally agreed because of Ivan's uncle's good credit. Over the course of the next year, the land was paid off.
But another problem surfaced. The buildings had been plundered during the negotiations. The metal doors and windows had been ripped off, the electrical wiring ripped out, and there was no roof or fence for the main building. But God provided once again…some shepherds nearby asked Ivan if they could use the house to sleep in while tending their sheep. Sure, said Ivan. How much? asked the shepherds. No charge, replied Ivan, as long as you guard the buildings and don't let anyone steal from them anymore. So Ivan acquired guards for the building free of charge.
As they cleaned and built up the camp, God has answered Ivan's family's prayers and provided for them every step of the way. The materials and food provided from other believers…the windows and doors, the generator, the hot water.
"Nothing happens without prayer", Ivan often says. His life and experience is a testimony of that statement.
