Full Swing

On Friday, June 14^th we had the opportunity to participate in two different English classes as ‘guest speakers’. The first class was 6th graders at a local school earlier in the day and the second class was an evening class at the Salvation Army with students ranging in age from 8 to 16. Jim has participated in both of these classes before so we were welcomed with great anticipation and excitement. Between the two classroom visits we ate lunch at McDonalds and then visited Andre’s home in a beautiful village about 20 minutes outside of Craiova. I wish I could recall all of these village names correctly…I’ll have to work on that. =)    

Saturday, June 15^th was our first ministry experience since arriving in Romania. We visited the village of Balecesti which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive outside of Craiova. Prior to leaving for the village we were informed that the local Priest/Religion Teacher was threatening the children that if they attended our event they would fail his class. We prayed that God would break down this barrier and bring the people anyway and he provided! A good group of children and young people attended the evening’s activities and heard the Gospel message. Give God the Glory!

After a late night on Saturday, Sunday morning came quickly! However, God provided us the physical strength to attend the morning church service at the Baptist church and buy groceries for the week before taking a power nap and heading off to the evening church service at the Pentecostal church. It amazes me how God can provide for me daily…2 two hour church services in a language I don’t understand…yet I was alert and felt spiritually refreshed. To wrap up the evening we headed to McDonalds and then the local park with some Romanian young people.

Now for today(Monday, June 17^th)…This morning we started our day at a school for children with special needs. While there Jim was able to get the ministry some local media attention. If I understood correctly the ministry will be featured on the local news! Please pray that this media attention will be good for the ministry and for God’s Kingdom. This afternoon we were able to relax, cook, and have the landlord into our apartment to help us with a few maintenance needs. We have been so blessed to have this apartment to call home for the summer. Getting adjusted and settling in has been comical at moments but ultimately wonderful.

This week we will be in villages for ministry each night beginning with Rasnic tonight. Thank you for your continuous support and prayers as we are serving here in Romania. God Bless <3