Devotional

I read this devotional by Max Lucado a few days ago and I wanted to share it with you!!

Cornelius


Cornelius was an officer in the Roman army. Both Gentile and bad guy. He
ate the wrong food, hung with the wrong crowd, and swore allegiance to
Caesar. He didn’t quote the Torah or descend from Abraham. Uncircumcised,
unkosher, unclean. Look at him.

Yet look at him again. Closely. He helped needy people and sympathized
with Jewish ethics. He was kind and devout. “One who feared God with all
his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God
always” (Acts 10:2 NKJV). Cornelius was even on a first-name basis with an
angel. The angel told him to get in touch with Peter, who was staying at a
friend’s house thirty miles away in the seaside town of Joppa. Cornelius
sent three men to find him.

Peter, meanwhile, was doing his best to pray with a growling stomach. He
saw a vision of a sheet that contained enough unkosher food to uncurl the
payos of any Hasidic Jew. Peter absolutely and resolutely refused. “Not
so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean” (v. 14 NKJV).

But God wasn’t kidding about this. He three-peated the vision, leaving
poor Peter in a quandary. Peter was pondering the pigs in the blanket when
he heard a knock at the door. At the sound of the knock, he heard the call
of God’s Spirit in his heart. “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise
therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent
them” (vv. 19–20 NKJV).

“Doubting nothing” can also be translated “make no distinction” or
“indulge in no prejudice” or “discard all partiality.” This was a huge
moment for Peter.

Much to his credit, Peter invited the messengers to spend the night
and headed out the next morning to meet Cornelius. When Peter arrived, he
confessed how difficult this decision had been. “You know that we Jews are
not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me
that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit” (v. 28 CEV). Peter told
Cornelius about Jesus and the gospel, and before Peter could issue an
invitation, the presence of the Spirit was among them, and they were
replicating Pentecost—speaking in tongues and glorifying God.

And us? We are still pondering verse 28: “God has shown me that he doesn’t
think anyone is unclean or unfit.”

In our lifetimes you and I are going to come across some discarded people.
Tossed out. Sometimes tossed out by a church. And we get to choose.
Neglect or rescue? Label them or love them? We know Jesus’ choice. Just
look at what he did with us.

Back in Romania

I know how bad I am at writing here and I apologize. My time in the states was wonderful. I am blessed by all the people God has placed in my life and for the time I got to spend with my family and friends.

It has been 2 weeks since I returned to Romania. The first week was a huge struggle adjusting to the time change. I don't think I had ever had problems like that before but I was not sleeping at all at night and mostly during the day. But finally I am sleeping well and at night so praise the Lord for that answered prayer!!!

This past week was my first week back with the kids. Oh I had really missed them and I don't think I realized how much until I was around them again. They are so precious and again have confirmed that what I am doing is totally worth being away from friends and family.

This past week on market day there was a girl that comes almost regularly to our program who had stolen something from the market. She came into the building pulling it out from her shirt with a huge smile on her face until Dana, the new teacher I am working with, told her that God saw what she did and was not happy. Her smile disappeared and she wasn't sure what to do. We encouraged her to take it back and make things right. I know this girl is known for stealing things but it just breaks my heart. She left and came back without it. I would love to think that she didn't just take it home but returned it. This is one of the reasons I am here. To teach these kids what the Bible says about such things and to encourage them to obey God and their parents. I really do see these kids as the next generation of leaders in the church and they have a lot of learning to do. I pray that I can not only be an example but teach them through God's Word what He says.

My time in Oradea

Last week I joined Kim Jackson, who has a heart for the elderly in Oradea for a few days. Kim is now part of the Remember the Children family and is working with the Elder Orphan Care. Here is a glimse of the time we had with the elderly there. My most cherished moment was with a guy named Petru (Peter). We said the Lord's Prayer together and talked through Genesis. A very sweet man!!

We have dirt!!

Field of Dreams is finally underway, well at least the dirt is pouring in. The whole back yard of the church is full of dirt mounds. I love though that my vision is starting to play out. The kids have been running up and down the mounds and I can just imagine them next summer running up and down the soccer field. They are constantly asking when it will be done. I am hoping that this will motivate more kids to come to our after school program where we can help them with their school work and pour into their lives.

Just wanted to let you all know that we are moving forward with the field. Hope you all are doing well. School has been in session now for a week. We have had around 25 every day which is more than last year. I just pray that they continue to come the whole year. I love being able to spend every day with them!! God Bless!!

Women's Ministry

Just wanted to say how much the Lord has been working in my life. Four years ago, he gave me the heart and passion to work amongst the Roma here in Romania. I had only been working with the children until a few months ago. I love working with children. They bring so much joy to my heart and I love just being around them. But after moving to this area and working in Nusfalau, I wanted to start a Bible study with the ladies. I had been debating this idea for some time. I guess really I was fighting Satan and his schemes. I was listening to him telling me that I couldn't do it, I wouldn't be able to communicate, my language skills weren't good enough. I am not sure what happened but I stepped out in faith and began meeting with the ladies. It has been about 4 or 5 months since I have started my Bible study and the Lord continues to burden me more and more for these ladies. They have fully accepted me and I love them so much.

Just yesterday, I was in Nusfalau to take one of the ladies to the pharmacy to buy some pain medicine and another lady asked to talk with me. I was able to pray for her and encourage her. The Lord is opening a door for me to encourage, love and minister to these ladies. I am excited to continue meeting new ladies and to get to know the ones that have been coming regularly. Please pray with me that these ladies will surrender all and live for the Lord. That they will be examples for their children and have a hunger for the Word.

The picture below is the ladies from Nusfalau teaching me how to crack walnuts. This is something they are able to do and get paid for. Can you tell how white I am compared to everyone?? I always stand out when I am in the village. haha!

My Birthday

When I woke up this morning I didn't think it would be anything special, just another normal day. But God had something better planned. Of course, I got on facebook and people had already started posting on my wall. It started to feel a little more like my birthday. But by the time I got to church I was ready to share my day with my wonderful Gypsy church family. I had brought drinks and cake for everyone. When I was putting the stuff in the kitchen one of the boys asked if I wanted to see my presents. I had no idea what he was talking about. He opened the schoolroom door and there was a table full of gifts and flowers. I was so touched and taken back that I started getting emotional. Then I went upstairs and the church was so full there was only one seat left in the very front. So today at church was the Lord's Supper and a baby dedication. And after that all was over, the pastor read a blessing from Psalms over me and then I was prayed for. I was getting to the breaking point. Then they brought me up front and started singing and one by one, the ladies from my Bible study and the church presented their gifts to me, saying La Multi Ani (Happy Birthday) and giving me the traditional kiss on both cheeks. The line went all the way to the back of the church. By this time I was crying and then after this was all done, the pastor asked if I wanted to share a few words. It took me awhile to compose myself, but I was able to thank them and share how much they mean to me and how blessed I was by their love and generosity. At the end of church we shared cake and drinks with everyone! I left feeling completely blessed, loved and accepted by the people I have come to minister to and serve.

A few hours later, 8 of my friends came over for cake. We had a time of fellowship and I was just thankful that they took time out of their day to spend it with me. I also skyped with my parents and grandma.

I will never forget this birthday! God continues to show me how much these people care and love me and that He has brought me here for a reason.

Here is a picture of the presents that I received today from the church and friends; and also the flowers that I recieved. It felt like Christmas!!!

Highlights!!

Hey Everyone, I know I am not very consistent with blogging but I am going to try to be better. I am going to give you the highlights of the last month or so.

* I was able to spend a few days in Budapest with my friend Lynn that lives in Timisoara.

*We had a team here for about a week at the beginning of December. I was able to join them for a few of the days when I wasn't working on my visa. We passed out Christmas shoe boxes, books and food bags.

*Had my first off road experience. It was snowing and I slid off the road into the ditch. Scary but God was with me and no one was hurt.

* On Christmas Eve I went caroling in Nusfalau with the Gypsies. I loved every second of it.

* Christmas Day I was out visiting people. I was also able to spend the day with both of my neighbors and meet their children.

*New Years Eve I was with some friends and we watched fireworks downtown which is basically right outside my apartment.

* My friend Lynn from New York came to visit for about 10 days. We visited many of the villages where I was able to get to know more people. I also translated infront of the church for the first time.

*Most recently, this past weekend; I attended a conference with both of my friends named Lynn and then spend a day with Lynn from New York before she flew home.

Here are a few pics!!