As I reflect upon my third short term mission’s journey to Romania in April, 2010, several distinct thoughts come to mind.
First, the pastors and people of Romania are a loving and caring people. They are very sensitive to place before their guests the best food they have to offer and are attentive to any needs. While daily life in Romania is rustic compared to American standards, the tenderness of people in Romania to care for their guests far exceeds any need for special comforts.
Second, the pastors and people of Romania are a musical people. Not only do the people sing many gospel songs, they sing them beautifully and, they sing multiple stanzas of a given song. The repetitive choruses of far too many American churches with their almost mindless repetition of simple phrases and sterility of innovative musical cords and harmony pale in comparison to the depth of meaning the saints sing in Romania.
Third, the pastors and people of Romania are a praying people. It is not uncommon for the first hour of the Sunday worship service to be given wholly over to prayer. In one church I preached in, a song was sung, a Scripture passage was read, and the men prayed. All of them sat on one side of the church. Another song was sung, a Scripture passage was read and then the ladies prayed while kneeling with their heads covered with a scarf. In all the services prayer was a vital part of the worship experience and not a peripheral passing phase.
Fourth, the pastors and people of Romania are a hurting people. Part of their collective and individual pain is the memory of the many years of suffering they endured under Communism and especially the reign of the evil dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu who was finally arrested, tried, and executed for crimes against his own people on December 25, 1989. One pastor shared with me in great detail the memories of his childhood under Ceaucescu. There was poverty, bread lines, deprivations, and hunger. Another pastor told me of working in a factory of more than 5,000 workers. He was singled out for his Christian faith. One day he was brought to a gathering of the workers where he was made to stand up front and be shamed and ridiculed. The damage that Ceaucescu inflicted upon millions of people for many decades will take several generations to reverse. The mature pastors and people of Romania have many hurtful memories. I did not know much about their pain and suffering under Communism nor about Ceaucescu when I presented a study to the pastors on A Philosophy of Forgiveness. I spoke from my own pastoral experiences here in America, but the topic was timely and much needed.
Fifth, the pastors and people of Romania have a sense of humor and for that I am glad. Joy is a Christian characteristic. I know there are some Christians who consistently look and act like they, pardon the expression, suck on pickles for breakfast each morning, but a sense of humor and spontaneous humor in particular is a blessing of God. I did not know until later, but something endearing took place during one of the seminars I was presenting. I was speaking on the bondage of Satan and how God has limited his power during this present age. Two of the pastors, I was told later, really appreciated what was being said for they have been trying to help other Romanian Baptist pastors grasp this concept. In addition to the present binding of Satan there is the current rule and reign of Christ and also of all Christians as well. Jesus is not only the coming King; He is even now King of kings and Lord of lord. I was told that while I was speaking, one of the pastors was silently “shouting” across the table to his friend, “See, I told you I was right! I told you I was right!” The Christian can say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Neh 8:10). The Christian can say that Christ, “ hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Rev 1:6).
For those who have a heart for a short term missionary trip I commend to you Romania. You will never be sorry. For more information please write to me.
