I awoke to the sound of squeaky toys, kazoos and diesel engines. Those first two sounds? Birds. They have to be for they move. Two of the squeaky toy birds were having quite the rapid-squeaky-row this morning as they zoomed past my window. It will not shut, that window. Instead it remains ajar by several inches and affords me a marvelous first-ear experience to the sounds of Balkan life. :)
Last night we got to meet our students! I was surprised by the amount of training some of them had. One fifteen year old, Zona, has had eleven years of art classes. I began to feel again, "what do I have to offer?" My Austrian roommate, Carola, laid a gentle hand on my wrist. "Do not worry. I feel the same way. God can do it."
My communication was impaired by horse vocal cords. I felt a bit sick on Wednesday, but thought it might pass for nothing. But this morning is the third day of tender temples and a deep, but seldom cough. Please pray for my health and the health of the other teachers.
The Holy Spirit is at work in Europe.
Nik (Neek) from Romania, is fresh from Bible college. This multi-lingual Romanian shared with me deep and stirring accounts of the God's work across Europe. He was called as a missionary to Macedonia. Only 8 days after his arrival a thief broke into his house. He caught the thief, then shared the Gospel with him over a hot cup of tea. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I learned that Romania has been sending missionaries around the globe--to the Balkans, Africa, India and even America.
On Tuesday my new friend, Naile, worked with American missionaries for a kids camp. She was translating the stories of the Gospel bracelet. One kid said, "I will throw this away when I leave because Jesus is Catholic!" "No, not true!" She replied, "Jesus is the Son of God." Others were listening. The Holy Spirit enabled her make short but very clearly Gospel presentation so they could understand. After that in another session, the boy she shared with was listening attentively to the stories.
"God is opening doors even with kids." ~Naile
Tonight the Gospel was presented through the arts--through theater, music, and dance. Austrian Carola shared about our deep need for love through her throaty Jazz music. Arijeta, a native actress, got to openly share the Gospel with the group. The Finnish dance team moved me to tears as I saw the Prodigal Son presented in the form of dance.
The Protestant church is growing. People are seeking. They know there is more to religion. Jesus is the only hope that they have. The fields are ripe for harvest.
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