Dear Friends,
Time seems to be getting away from me, and my communication with you over the past few months has become more scant than I would want. So, I'm stopping to write and to hopefully bring you up to date with what has been happening over the last few weeks and months. Let me work backwards:
We just returned from our annual retreat with our community. Our theme this year was “Life Together,” so we had a meditation given each morning related to this theme, followed by a few hours of solitude, reflection and prayer, and then we returned together to discuss and debrief. In the afternoons we played together and spent time with one another. The atmosphere at the retreat was one of intimacy and tenderness; it was evident that God's presence was with us.
One evening the community celebrated my 10 years with Word Made Flesh with a steak dinner, a slideshow and reminiscing. They also presented me with a painting of “pilgrimage,” a large San Damiano cross and a T-shirt with a picture of the community. For me, the most enjoyable part was reflecting on how I have been able to witness God's work, intervention and maturing the lives of my friends. For that I am honored to be a part.
The Sunday before our retreat was Easter. As we are on the Eastern Orthodox calendar, we celebrated later than in the west. On Easter morning some of the kids came to our house for breakfast before we went to church together. In the afternoon we had a celebration at the Community Center. The kids invited friends and family to a program of worship, poems and drama. Then we had a feast with everyone. It was a nice celebration.
In mid-April, Lenutsa and I went to the U.K. I initially had planned on going to the open house at the London School of Theology where I am doing distance learning. Sadly, they canceled the event 6 days before our departure. Still, we were able to visit some friends in London. Then we went on to Wolverhampton where we met with friends and supporters. After a few days there, we traveled for the first time to Scotland. A few years ago, a friend of ours, Katy, did a servant team in Galati. Now she has connected us with her church. We were really overwhelmed by their hospitality, interest and friendliness. We hope that this is the beginning of an enduring relationship.
Prior to leaving for the U.K., a little baby named Andrea died. We have been in relationship with Andrea's mother for many years and have been trying to help Andrea to get healthy. Andrea's mother participated in the activities at the Community Center but after both her parents died, she was taken as a “wife” by one of her neighbors. At that time she was only 14 years old. We asked the Authority for Child Protection to intervene, but they did nothing. Today Andrea's mother is 17 years old and is pregnant with her third child, she spends much of her time begging, and she really is in a powerless situation. In the weeks before Andrea died, we again asked the government to intervene, but they did not. Andrea died simply because of neglect. We are praying and thinking about how to intervene so that other children do not die as well. Currently, we are looking for international media to bring the government to account. Please pray that we would move wisely and find someone to best tell this story.
Now for some good news: Last week, John Koon arrived and began his term with us. In March, April Folkertsma arrived to begin her term. Please be in prayer for them as they plug in, get accommodated, and discern their walk with us.
This last week Lenutsa and Fani also finished their 3 year course held by the Christian Counselors Association. We are certain that this training will help us in responding to the children and their families.
Now for some other areas that I would ask you to keep in your prayers: Over the past weeks there have been major crisis with the children on many of the WMF fields. There have been children of two families having seizures, miscarriages, and one of the boys in our care ran away from his foster family. There certainly are different factors influencing each of these situations, but I would ask you to stand with us in resisting the plans of the evil one.
The school year in Romania ends in mid-June. Please pray for the kids taking exams and for their attendance at the Center.
Our community continues to develop as we grow and as we try to better serve Jesus among the poor. There are some important roles and responsibilities that need to be filled, so please pray that God calls and anoints those for these tasks.
We have begun the process of acquiring the necessary permits to construct the job creation center. However, we have hit a road block in the architect who has not yet drawn up the blue prints. Please pray that we get these soon.
Finally, with the global rise of prices (especially food) please pray that God would continue to provide for the kids, and pray for their families that they would have their daily bread.
With love,
david
P.S. I have posted an article on Romania and the European Union at http://wmfromania.blogspot.com/. Your comments are welcome.