Our translators joined us by 9:00 AM today and we loaded all the supplies for our painting project, food staples distribution plus clothing donations into the van. It turned out to be one of our hottest days here but there were faithful participants that stayed engaged until our tasks were completed.
We drove through beautiful countryside to the village of Griblesti (pronounced something like Griblescht). Yuri Males (Malish) is the Pastor of the Baptist Mission Church there. He, his wife and university student daughter met us at their church. The team was divided into 2 groups - half to paint a black, wrought-iron fence around part of the property and the other half to distribute food packages to needy families. That group was divided into 2 groups and each group visited 8 homes to leave the food and share in some conversation. I joined Brother Yuri's group and we set off on foot for the homes where he already knew there were needs. His wife led the other team. It took our group 2.5 hours to visit 8 homes.
The painting group had used all their paint as we returned to the church. They could have used another gallon to completely finish the fence but much was accomplished. Some of us put out the lunch items and by 1:30 or so, all were enjoying the refreshment and opportunity to get out of the direct sun. We lingered in conversation with Yuri and his wife about their ministry and headed back to Chisinau where we arrived by about 4:30 PM. It had been a wonderful day but we were all anxious for showers.
Supper at 6:00 - delicious native Moldovan foods - Mama Liga, stuffed cabbage leaves, cooked chicken breast and fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and goat cheese. Brownie with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate for dessert. We're suffering terribly!!!
Followed supper with conversation then had a couple rounds of UNO games. Love this team.
Now for photos...
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| Stopped near Griblesti to buy watermelon and grapes... |
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| Sponsored children joined our team for the day... |
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| Green grapes were the preferred... |
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| Getting into a prayer circle with Brother Yuri on the left... |
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| Summer kitchen at first home... |
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| 3 generations at 1st home... |
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| 2nd home with Mother, Uri, son, myself and Amanda... |
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| 3rd family with an adorable set of twin girls... |
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| 4th home, beautiful garden |
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| Village family's horse and wagon... |
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| Amanda hopes to get a ride... |
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| 5th home was where we met a dear woman with some doubts about the stories in the Bible. I shared some family photos, Yuri shared Biblical truth and Ana translated for me and to me... |
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| As Yuri spoke, he began to have the sense that the moment for repentance had come. Through the translator, he asked me to hold this woman's hands. Then he asked me to help her pray a prayer to receive the gift of salvation which is offered to those who believe in Jesus, repent and ask for forgiveness. I began to pray. Line by line, Ana translated,Yuri repeated that and this woman whispered those words. When we concluded the prayer, Yuri and I each gave her a hug and she said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." And I had a heart filled with praise for sharing in this holy moment. | |
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| As sisters in the Lord, we'll meet again in heaven some day. |
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| Getting protection from the hot sun in a baby buggy... |
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| 6th home with a disabled man who spends his days in bed.... |
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| Yuri's older brother - war wounds, addiction issues but a heart that has repented and a brother who continues to stay close to provide support and encouragement. Note his Bible on the table beside the radio on which he listens to THE LITTLE SAMARITAN radio station. |
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| Painting team... |
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| Apparently painting didn't offer enough excitement so Phillip added some creativity... |
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| The roadside watermelon was delicious... |
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| A maturing young man decides to read scripture to the lunch crowd.... |
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| Summer services are held in an upstairs room... |
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| The Males family... |
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| Yeah for a Mom and paint thinner to get some of the paint off before jumping into the shower... |
Our day was hot but blessed. Tomorrow we'll return to Jesus Savior Baptist Church for communion Sunday. All but 2 of us will finalize packing for the return to the states early Monday morning.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him,
shall not perish but have everlasting life.
1 comment:
'Sing to the Lord a new song,
for He has done marvelous
things;
His right hand and His holy
arm have worked salvation for
him.
The Lord has made His salvation
known
and revealed His righeousness to
the nations.
He has remembered His love
and His faithfulness to the
house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have
seen the salvation of our God.'
(Psalm 98:1-3)
Rejoicing with you, as God continues to be made known through you. Material needs & heart needs, God pours out His love & provisions to all He's created.
Praising God with you,
Marge
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