The trip so far has been AWESOME! I am amazed at how similar, as well as different, each year’s trip seems to be. I have thoroughly enjoyed each day’s ministry, and have had the blessing of sharing in several churches.
This trip has reminded me of how much God loves His people, no matter who they are or where they are from. This is evident in the fact the He sent His only Son to die for ALL that place their faith in Him.
No matter what ministry we do here, I believe that we are the ones who walk away feeling blessed. Seeing the smiles on the faces of Ukrainian refugees, local pastors, children in the villages, gypsy leadership teams at the pastor’s conference, etc. all make this trip a highlight of my year each year. This also serves as a reminder to me of how blessed I truly am. God has been so good!
One of my favorite ministries to be a part of each year is ministering to gypsy communities. These are people who are looked down upon, even though there is no valid reason for it. We are all created in the image of God and no person is better than another. Being able to have a pastor’s conference for gypsy leadership is so encouraging. Seeing them come together to learn from the Word of God, as well as fellowship is rewarding!
Today, we traveled to a gypsy village and got to participate in several ministry opportunities. We made visits to people’s homes where we got to pray with them, held a Vacation Bible School for the children, as well as a Women’s Ministry, and then finished the day with a church service. The church was completely full, as well as the yard. Every time I thought we couldn’t possibly have more people present, more would show up. It was AMAZING!
As I was thinking about the ministry opportunities that we’ve had so far on this trip, I’ve been reminded of our team’s theme verse, 1 John 3:17, which states, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” We have been so blessed by God, but how often are we selfish with these blessings? Thinking about the gypsy communities, how can a fellow believer look down on them? Is God’s love not the same for them as anyone else? Of course it is! If there is someone who claims to be a Christ follower, yet thinks less of others, they need to do a heart-check, because the Scriptures are clear – we are all equal at the foot of the cross. We are all sinners, separated from God forever, apart from the salvation that He offers to ANYONE that confesses their sin before Him and place their faith in Him.
Although I am sad that half of the trip has come to a close, I am ecstatic about the remainder of the trip. I am praying for God to do great things that only He can do! God is good!