To Live is Christ
So, it seems like as of late suffering has been a common topic in my life. Not that I myself have been suffering, on the contrary, I’ve been enjoying seeing God’s constant care and provision. But at church we’ve been going through 1 Peter on Sundays, which is a book certainly written to people who were suffering, and who would soon be suffering even more. We’ve also been working through James in a Bible study. Plus I’ve been reading a book by a man with was very active in the Romanian church during the Communist times. It is interested to hear his perspective on suffering for Christ’s stake, and remembering that our life is no longer our own, but God’s. It is also vital to learn to worship God under any circumstances. So I don’t have a whole lot to say and my thoughts are a bit scattered, but I just wanted to share some verses that have been in my head a lot as of late.
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”
1 Peter 1:7-11
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Romans 8:18
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”
Philipians 1:21
“Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.”
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Videos
Here are just some video clips from my trip. Some of them I took, some other people took. None of them are quality :) .
This is a skit we did to present the gospel to the kids at Poplaca.
Some of the older Gypsies singing a traditional song in church. Sorry the sound quality is bad - plus this really is a style of singing best kept outside, not in a small echoey room.
This is near the beginning of our last evangelical meeting in Micesti. We standing right in front of the house we were working on building.
Just riding the train - I did a good amount of this while over there. I also gives you a good view of the Romanian country side.
At the orphanage each evening the teens came over to where we were camped and wanted to sing worship. Here a few of them are leading us in a Romanian song.
Here Tim is teaching the teens important skills of manliness - also known as the hooka dance.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Letter from Romania - week 5
August 11, 2008
Once again, sorry I’m slow getting this update out. And this time I can’t blaim it on a lack of internet access.
Anyhow, the week at the orphanage went well. We camped in tents in the backyard of the girls house, and thank God is did not rain, since the tents where not waterproof. In the mornings, most of the team spend time playing games and talking with the kids, while those with more artistic talet when inside and started decorating and painting the walls in the children’s dining area. In the afternoon, we would continue painting inside, while the rest of the team and many of the kids painted outside. Their playground area had been painted in the past, but all the colors where faded and it looked pretty bad, so outside they basically just painted over what was already there, and didn’t do much as far as new decoration. On the last day there, we were done outside and done with the dining room, so we painted some flowers and decorations along the stairwell of the house.
The kids were very open and accepting of us, and happy to have us there. Even some of the highschoolers where sceptical when we first came, but by the end of the week said they were glad to have spent time with us. Even some nights they chose to stay and hang out with us instead of hanging out with their friends in the city. I know those who were working with the kids taught them Bible stories and taught them about Jesus. Aparently, also, there is a church in the city that has established a relationship with this orphanage, and takes these kids to a camp each year. So when they heard we were a Christian group, they pulled and out a worship song book they had, and came to our camping area after dinner and wanted to sing with us. We, of course, we happy to have more time with them, and try to sing some of their songs in Romanian. So they joined us for singing every night, and on thursday night we got permission from the orphanage to build a camp fire. In these evering times, which were with the older kids since the younger ones had to go to bed early, we had ample time to share with them. And Tim, a man from Canada, used stories of some of his missions experience to give them some idea of what a life of faith in Christ can look like, and how Christ is living and active in daily life matters. We never had an officiall altar call or anything like that, but one of the teen boys, on the night of the camp fire, did say, publically, in front of the others, that he really wanted to try to live his life for Christ. That was very encouraging to hear, and to be honest, he was not the sort of guy that any of us would have expected to get up and say that. I pray that his commitment in those words in sincere, and that God will provided for Him Christian friends to help disciple him and hold him accountable. Really, these teens are in a hard spot. They know they can’t stay at the orphanage forever, but they have very little hope for their future once they leave. Statistically, very few orphans are able to get and hold a decent job. Many of them will probably end up just living on the streets. Already many of them seem to spend a lot of time just hanging out on the streets. And seeing and knowing the reality of that lifestyle, I think a lot of them have trouble seeing how the Christian lifestyle can be anything more than just idealistic, or good for people who are better off than they. But I hope we were able to make some impact in their hearts when we were there, and I know they said they were very impressed with us, and even the fact that we were willing to come and stay on their own turf.
This was my last week in Romania, and I was sad to have to leave, but I was also tired of traveling around so much all the time, so in that sense I was ready to be done. I had to travel back to Sofia, Bulgaria to catch my plain. I missed my bus in Bucharest, so I had to take the train instead, which was a little frustrating at the time, but God has his reason for everything. Part of what I was hoping to get out of this trip was just to be better read to share to gospel with people wherever I am. In the past that has not really been my strong point, and I’m not naturally good at leading a conversation. But I think God showed me a bit of His faithfullness as He gave me ample opportunity to share His truth with another man that night on the train, and He gave me the words to speak, and boldness in speach that I’ve never had before. After arriving in Sofia I had a few days before I had to fly out, and it was nice to have time to relax and make contact with some people that I had met there before. And here again God provided for me the share the gospel with an Egyptian man I ran into in the park. So may God bless both these seads that were planted.
And now I am home again, trying to get adjusted and settled in a bit. I would appreciate if you guys would continue to pray, as all my plans are really up in the air at this point. I need to find a job and start working on paying off my debts. But being over in Europe reminded me of how much I love being over there and in many ways feel like I belong over there. So I’m anxious to return, but I need to wait for God’s timing, although I really do think I many be going back in only a couple years or so. And when I do return I was it to be on a more longterm basis.
Thank you all for your prayers, God is faithful in all things.
Beth
One of the Hungarian girls on our team playing with one of the Orphans.
We made some play dough one day for the kids to play with.
Painting in the dining area. The orphanage had requested “happy fruits and vegetables.”
Two of the teens at the folk village museum we went to. Coco, the one of the left, stated at the end of the end of the week that he truly wanted to live his life after God. I continue to pray for him.
Romania has amazing watermelon, and lots of it.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Letter from Romania - weeks 3 & 4
July 26, 2008
Sorry to everyone we was expecting to hear from me last week. I did not stop back at the OM base on the weekend, so I only had a few minutes to check email at someone’s house. And even now I do not have much time as I will be leaving for the next mission in Sibiu later today. So I’ll try to keep it brief.
The week before last went well. We were to doing kids games with a bunch of children in a village just outside Sibiu. The rain that week threatened our plans, but ended up being a blessing because the school decided to let us use their building and yard. About 90 kids came the first day, and more came each day after that, so we had over 130 on the 3rd and final day. We did not get too much response to the gospel from them, but the mission was a success in that it created a relationship between the village and the local church we are working with. The door is now wide open for that church to continue to working with the kids on the weekends and building relationships in that village. Also, on the last day with the kids we used a drama to clearly present the gospel to them, and a good number or the parents where there at that time, so seeds have been planted. One afternoon we went to visit and encourage a christian man who lives in that village. He has a strong testimony in the way his life has changed since he’s been saved, and he still shows the join of the Lord, even though his body is full of cancer and he is in a lot of pain.
This past week was amazing. We were working in a poorer village outside Plitesti. The population is a mix of Romanians and Gypsies. The first day went as planned, with some people working to build a new house for one of the Christian ladies there, and another group spending time playing the talking with the children. But God had greater plans for this week. We had more than enough people for construction and for kids, so some of us broke into another group for praying and talking with the people. We only had one translator with us, so 3 people went with here, while the rest of us paired up and just prayer walked around the village. We had great opportunity to talk with the people, and they were very open and ready to hear us. In the morning one woman invited us to come back to her house to following evening to preach the gospel to her family and neighbors. In the evening another woman invited us to come and preach in the field near her house the following morning. So the next morning and group of us when to the field, and maybe about 20 people came. Stefan, and man on our team, preached clearly to them. One woman accepted Christ, and an older woman who had walked away from Christ repented. In the evening it was raining, So we all crammed into a tiny house for the preaching. About 15 village people came. After the preaching, one woman asked for prayer for her arm. She had a lump on her shoulder, it was painful and she could not lift her arm. We prayed for her, and God healed her, so that she could fully lift her arm without pain. As soon as she saw that, she hit her knees with tears and repentance. Apparently she was a believer and used to attend the local church, but had fallen away and hadn’t gone to church in quite a while. Although I was not there for it, many children also made a profession to accept Christ this past week. We had one final meeting Thursday night outside the house we were building. Over 50 people came, men, women, and children. Stefan preached again, and several people responded. Please be especially in prayer for the men of that town. They have heard the gospel, but they seem to be the more reluctant to come to Christ.
ok, That’s it for now.
This coming week we will be working at an orphanage in Sibiu, and I’m very much looking forward to it. Thanks you all for your prayers and please continue to pray.
God bless
Beth
We passed out certificates and medals to the kids in a closing ceremony at the end of the week in Poplaca. Young Tae (South Korea) and Cristi (Romania) are passing out the medals and an older man from the village is reading the names.
We visited a Christian man in Poplaca who is suffering from cancer. Here we are in his yard singing some worship songs - some in English and some in Romanian.
In the gypsy village - walking up the hill to the field to play with the children in the morning.
Working with some of the children from the gypsy village, this is just after our final evangelical meeting.
A street in the gypsy village. There were many blacksmiths there, so they always had their fires going during the day, and you could hear the ringing of the hammers and anvils all around the village.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Letter from Romania - week 2
July 11, 2008
Well, I just finished my first week in Romania, and am now enjoying a day of and actually having internet access. Last week went quite well. We were in Mangalia, and smaller city right on the Black Sea. The apartment we were staying in was actually an easy walk from the beach, and only about one block from the church were working with. We ran a kids club in the mornings for children in the area. A lot of the kids that came were gypsies, and come from very rough home situations. But all things considered, they were a good bunch of kids, and many of them the church has been working with for quite a while. On Tuesday afternoon we had a tea for the women from the church, and any friends they invited. Some of the team shared their testimony and shared from the word. Wednesday afternoon we did an international prayer meeting. The pastor of the church there is from Brazil, plus the OM team I was with had members from America (of course), Canada, Mexico, and Romania. So each person had a chance to present a bit of their home culture and some prayer requests for their country, and then we all prayed together. In the evenings we had meetings for the youth. I’d say at least half of the people that come to the church youth group are unsaved. On Wednesday night, after some from our team shared their testimony, we opened it up for questions, and a couple of the young boys were very interested and were asking a lot of questions about the gospel and salvation. They listened intently as Jorge (from Mexico), laid out the gospel for them very well and very clearly. The youth hear generally seem very open to talking about the gospel and spiritual things; I’m surprise how open they are. Yet being open to listening and actually accepting Christ are two different things.
Please pray for the youth in Mangalia. Some of them seem to be very torn between the church, but not wanting to give up the lifestyle they are used to. Also pray for Pastor Gilberto and his family. They are going to be doing some traveling. They are leaving the church under the supervision of Daniel, a Romanian man who will actually be taking over the pastorship of the church when he is done with his schooling. Also, please pray for the financial needs. The back wall of the church (which is also the home for the pastor and his family) is unfinished, and so water leaks in when it rains. It’s help up so far, but some of the interior is starting to be ruined, and the wall will be expensive the finish. Pastor Gilberto also has to pay for the schooling of his two daughters, the older of which is just starting university.
This coming week I will be working with children in an villiage somewhere. Please be praying for them too, and hopfully I’ll be able to do another undate next week to let you know how it goes.
Thanks and God bless
Beth
Enjoying the black sea.
The ladies tea.
A puppet show for the children.
After the Bible story, we would break the children into small groups to discuss the story and do a craft. Monica, in the green shirt, is leading this group.
The international prayer meeting. The Brazil table is in the foreground, with Pastor Gilberto and his family. Behind them is the Romania table, with the Romanian flag and Rebecca sitting in traditional Romanian dress.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Letter from Bulgaria - week 1
July 2, 2008
Thank you all who are praying for me. So far things here are going very well. The art conference was a blessing to be at. There were about 80 artists there from all over the world - India, Africa, South Korea, Europe, and America. I made some good friends there, and my ideas of what is happening in various parts of the world have certainly been change. It was amazing to see such a variety of Christians in the arts. There was some last minute chaos with scheduling, since both the main speakers had to cancel last minute because of health reasons, but it all worked out. And the real highlight of the conference was really just being able to talk to different people and hear what they are doing and how they are using their God-given gifts. Also, there was one woman from Croatia who brought two friends from a Catholic background. One of them gave his life to Christ while at the conference, so that is certainly a praise.
Now I have a few days in Sofia before heading to Romania. Please continue to pray for the time there. Pray for unity in the team I will join there, as it can be challenge to have a unified group when coming from so many different place and backgrounds, and we will not meet each other until we all get there. Also, pray for safety in my travels and that I will be able to make connections smoothly. And most importantly, pray that everyone involved in this mission trip will grow closer to God and that we will be able to share the gospel effectively.
Thank you, and I will some of you in about a month
God bless
Beth
The view out my hotel window, my first morning in Bulgaria.
Pottery done by Genadi, an artist from Armenia.
One of the first things we did there wall all set out our work so we could see what each person did. Each artist brought at least two pieces with them.
This is at the opening of the art show. We found a small gallery to display one piece from each artist. Christopher (Ghana) and Hari (Bulgaria) are embracing, and Penka, Hari’s wife, is in the background.
Alexander Nivski’s Church - the large Orthodox church in the center of Sofia.
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