According to global statistics, Romania is considered a "churched" country. Which it very much is; deeply rooted in Orthodox tradition. So the world views Romania as saved, in fact, overly saved. The standard jobs given to the missionary in Romania are orphan care and providing for the "poor" aka the gypsies. The truth is, we didn't come here to adopt all the Romanian orphans, or be the bread winners for a gypsy village. God didn't call us here to change the circumstantial atmosphere around us. God called us here to love. To show His redemption in grace to produce freedom in Christ.
But how do you loose bonds from misconceived ideas and made up truths? Time. Lots of patience and ample amounts of prayer. In Săbolciu, there is roughly about 140 people. Not very large by ministry standards, Romanian or American. Yet after nine months, we are still discovering new facets in the realm of village life. When we first began hosting Sunday services there, we followed a similar format to what there has been in the past. As our experience grew, we began making changes and testing out new formats. Adding a children's lesson, taking the kids outside, doing worship, having prayer, bringing the kids in, and when it got cold, bringing in an industrial heater. Sometimes it didn't work, and sometimes it would, for a while. What we were really missing were a lack of adults. Besides a select few women, most of the village kept their distance from venturing into the church building. Everyone had there own reason, but a common thread kept coming up, division. Division and judgement. The village splits very nicely in two very different halves. We still don't know the true reason behind this discourse, but we have watched how hindering it is. Through times of prayer and seeking out God's wisdom and guidance w were led to completely change our service.
When Jesus came and died on the cross, His actions caused the tearing of the curtain that separate the people from accessing God. Our steps reflect His example as we try to sever the customs an traditions that separate the people in the village from coming to Christ as they are. Now, we meet in different houses in the village, at least one house per side. It is a beautiful gift to watch the people get involved. Although church may be a humid, confined experience now, there is an abundance of community and togetherness. The hosts have been taking action an inviting their friends to service; and then they come. It's the most people we have had come to Sunday service. Our hope is to unite the village by teaching them about love and showing them through our actions. One day, the entirety of Săbolciu can come together in peace to give honor to their Creator.
