6-30-13

Today was our first church service here in Romania, and in every country we have been to we have been able to experience a unique church service.  The Romanian type is one extended service instead of two separate services.  Since today is the last Sunday of the month the teens from the church will be taking over and leading the service.  So we gathered together for Sunday school which was taught in Romanian and translated into English for us. The second part of the service started with a whole bunch of specials followed by one of the teen boys preaching which was translated into English for our team. This was an awesome time listening to the Romanians sing their heart out for the Lord. One special little girl named Bianca sang a song in Romanian then sang  it in English for our American team (the song was, read your bible and pray every day). After the second portion we broke for snack time in which they brought us a plate full of snacks. When we came back to services for the third part our American team sang 2 specials, Jesus loves me and This Little Light of Mine. (Pictures have been uploaded to Facebook). Then came the time in which  I was asked a sermon. This was my first sermon in a foreign country and first time preaching with a translator. It was definitely a different experience, overall I thought it went well.  A couple of times I talked a little too long and forgot that I had to stop and let Vasi translate it for me. He did an amazing job. It is amazing how the power of God works even through language barriers. 

***Please continue to pray for good health for the team and the Manary's as a few of us are dealing with bad allergies and a slight fever. There is also the jet lag that seems to have hit most of the team. After services we participated in the Manary's Sunday afternoon tradition, pizza then naps. I tried to only take a 30 min nap, but it turned into a 3 hour nap. I wasn't alone in that though, 4 of the 6 members of our team did the same.  When we all woke up we walked the 14 miles from the Hotel to the Manary's house (just kidding it is about 3 blocks away). When we made it to the house we had an English service in which Bro Manary brought a message on the woman and the alabaster box of ointment. Afterwards we had a great discussion and continued into our nightly reflection and share time.  This has become a favorite as members open up and the bond between the team grows closer together. It is so awesome to see and hear how God has brought our team together and what we are learning about God.  Our desire is that each of us will continue to grow closer to our Savior. We ended the night hanging out and fellowshipping at bro Dave's house.