Visiting three different villages over the course of seven days, including one sleepover, was certainly a record for me thus far. Evidently, my brain came to a grinding halt by day seven, when I accidentally started responding to people in French, even though I have not heard a single person speak French since leaving Canada. However, the inexpressible joy in my heart during that time made it all so worth it. The part of my brain controlling language has certainly been getting a work out, and at times, does not seem capable of differentiating between English, French, Romanian, Polish and the local language very well. 

As planned, three of us jumped into a “taxi” Saturday afternoon and drove about an hour and a half to a Gypsy village outside the city. We never have many bags in tow, as you sleep in the same thing you wore all day, and sport the same outfit again for day 2. Sadly, this is the reality for our Gypsy friends all of the time, and many others in this world, too. Saturday evening we ate a traditional rice dish with the family, shared many laughs, and I successfully answered all the standard questions about where I am from, my family, my relationship status, and if I would be willing to teach English lessons (all foreigners are constantly asked this!).   It was almost surreal meeting some of the family members, whom I had only seen in pictures, yet as a team been regularly praying for. There was a steady flow of people in and out of the room throughout the evening, which I enjoy, as it adds some flavour to the conversations, gives me greater insight into the culture, and allows me to see some of the family dynamics in action.

As the evening began to quiet down, my team leader pulled out a piece of paper from his backpack and began sharing with the family Genesis 2, which he had largely translated into their own secret dialect. They were captivated, and even helped our leader edit that section of scripture with words that were more fitting. Watching them intently listen and interact with the Word was beautiful. Such grace, and so obviously a moment that only the Lord could manufacture. Eventually, the tablecloth (their equivalent of a table) was rolled away and the “beds” were rolled out. Without fail, one of the ladies will always escort us to the squatty potty in the dark before tucking in, and will have boiled water for us to wash our hands and face with. With no running water, they generally always have water boiling over the fire ready for use. We all assumed our positions on the floor – lined up in a nice row, spanning across the room – and settled in for the night. And then I do not know how it all came about, but all of the sudden, I looked over and the mother was reading a copy of the four Gospels, which our leader also had in his backpack. After she skimmed through it, both her son and husband spent time looking it over. I cling to Isaiah 55:11 believing that His Word will not return void, but it will accomplish the purpose that which he sent it.

Although the following morning started before the sun even rose, it was incredible. The two people we were most interested in connecting with were the mother and one of her sons, who had previously shared about having a dream where he saw Jesus coming to him in a white robe. In the quiet of the morning, the conversation turned back to Genesis 2, which naturally flowed into an explanation of Genesis 3. Their sincere desire to discuss, not debate, was encouraging and an answer to many prayers. Then, the Lord provided us with at least an hour of uninterrupted time with the mother, who is a spiritual leader in this village and is believed to hold many spiritual powers. By God’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel was shared with her. Our team leader also had the opportunity to share his testimony of his life before Christ, and now, how he is now able to live in relationship with Christ. It is all because of Jesus. He is not simply a prophet, He is LORD. Because of him, his death, and resurrection, a relationship with God is made possible. By faith, we are credited with Christ’s righteousness. There is so much more to God than praying five times a day and adhering to a set of rules. As we were praying for her, she was moved to tears. Please join us as we pray big prayers for this dear lady, her family, and the entire village. Only God can unveil eyes.

A while later, the lady’s three sons, husband, and some grandchildren returned. I loved being able to spend some time with the kids drawing pictures, and connecting with the young 13-year-old girl. She aspires to be a doctor one day, so I brought along the equipment needed to teach her how to measure blood pressure. We practiced taking each other’s blood pressure, and I continued being humbled as I stumbled through the language…thankfully the young girl was kind enough not to laugh. She was great.

And then, amidst the hustle and bustle – I can’t begin explaining how it all came about – one of the sons sitting beside me had the Gospel of John and Life of Jesus DVDs in his hand, and was asking my team leader if he could borrow them. It happened so quickly that I barely took notice. I do not think many others in the room even realized what had happened, either. Nonetheless, he has the DVDs and perhaps they have even been watched by now. In approximately a month, these three brothers will be returning to work in another country for three months. Interestingly, the country where they will be working is apart of the vision God has given our Gypsy team in reaching this people group. We sense urgency with these brothers, and are praying earnestly for them. Please join us. The migratory nature of the Gypsy peoples paints a beautiful picture of them taking the Gospel many places.

Later that morning, our team leader’s wife arrived and brought along another family with her. The weather was beautiful, which meant I could finally get outside and play with the kids. I brought along a few skipping ropes and a soccer ball…a total hit with the kids, as they are often so neglected. The spark in their eyes and their giggles ringing in my ear makes me want time to momentarily stop. Kicking around a soccer ball, and slipping in the mud, while one of the little gypsy kiddies insisted I give her a piggyback…was great! After lunch – yes, traditional rice dish take two – we were on our way. Please join us in praying for this unreached people group, specifically for these brothers, and that God will continue directing our team to “People of Peace” who are ready to receive the Gospel and discipleship.

Pictures to follow.