Simpetru

During much of the 1990s we led a small church with a  congregation of between 20 and 50.  One of my abiding memories are the two occasions when churches from some distance away sent teams to visit and work with us, each for a week.  The energy and enthusiasm they brought with them lifted us,  brought new opportunities for contact with other local people, and gave us a sense of shared load.

Simpetru village

As followers of Jesus Christ, much is made of the Greek word 'koinonia' found in the New Testament, and carrying the ideas of 'partnership, fellowship, belonging'.  I'm not sure that many of us (certainly not me) bring with  the energy levels of the teams that visited us 20 years ago, but it is a privilege to be able to partner with and serve these small churches and bring some experience and teaching, working alongside the pastors.

Simpetru, looking west

Our host, Mircea, started working with the people of Simpetru a number of years ago.  Yesterday Joan (our team leader) and Denise visited here and met some of the ladies to encourage, teach, and pray with them, and to work with some of the children.  (Sweets and snacks are well appreciated as there isn't a lot of money here).

Today Denise returned with Gilbert & I, Denise to take another children's meeting, Gilbert and I to speak to the adult congregation in the evening.

The building that now houses the Church

Mircea asked me to lead some teaching, so starting with the first 3 named individuals in the NT, I focused on lessons from the life of Abraham, particularly the message that getting right with God is unearned, but a credit from God for those who confidently trust him.

Last Sunday this room held over 100!

Because on Wednesday I'd mentioned the three kings of Israel, I then taught the 3 Chairs Principle.  There have been a number of 'explorers' visiting over the past few days – 9 tonight – so given the interest, Mircea is considering increasing the number of meetings we have here over the next couple of weeks.  As we were advised before we arrived, everything, especially the schedule, is flexible.  Watch this space.