Life in a Box

Sandy and I each found ourselves awake for a good amount of time in the night again. Seeing families of 6-9 living in long narrow apartments of about 8’ by 30’ causes one to wonder about daily routines. Both families we visited yesterday had very tidy living conditions, but the constraints of space and the anger and frustration of one father are very real reactions. How do you find hope of a better life or even being able to provide for your family? The poverty is overwhelming. Many of these children don’t have a lunch, a simple sandwich, to eat when they are at school each day. Providing that is one of Cristi’s goals for this outreach. Simply helping with the basics. Mistreatment of wives and children is common. The faces of little 3 month Roberto, who was almost aborted 5 months ago, his brothers Alex, Coste and Dani flooded my mind and were a focus of prayer at 3am. Their father Daniel was encouraged to come to the men’s meeting tonight to hear of the hope Christ offers. The mother, Angela, was also encouraged to join the women tomorrow…even is she needs to bring 3 of her 7 children because they are not yet in school.

Our day was filled with seeing more of Pitesti and visiting the coffee house set up at the church the youth are working on. We had a good discussion about youth ministry with Florin and Avery. We have a bit of experience with teenagers so could offer some suggestions on that topic. J Cristi and Cami had us back for a late lunch, and Dennis and Bianca tried to teach me how to count to 10 in Romanian and then back to zero. When I am awake in the middle of the night tonight, I’ll practice, probably counting the number of different dogs I hear…enjoying some “dog fellowship”. L

Best news of the day, though, is that Daniel, the father of the children I mentioned above came to the men’s gathering tonight where Mike presented the gospel in clear and convicting terms. Seven men came plus the pastoral team and Jayme attended. Men were each given Bibles and given the opportunity to follow along as Mike referred to Romans 6:23 and related scriptures that tie to the gospel. Daniel was very engaged and had good questions. Jayme was able to share his testimony and the heaviness of life that men often bare in balancing work and family. He used Philippians 4:6-7 as an encouragement for the men to lean on Christ and not be anxious. We pray now that Angela, the wife and mother of this family, will come tomorrow.