Relational Ministry

So, I love making new friendships.  Each new encounter presents another opportunity for new laughs, stories, and the transforming power of Christ's sacrifice to take place!  Whether it ‘s between two brothers in Christ, or between a teacher and disciple.

First, I want to help my American readers understand this part of Romanian culture; I call it, "The Law of Fad".  Basically, there is a magnetism to "new".  If it's new, you have to see it!  Otherwise, when everyone else is talking about it, you'll be far behind and left in the dark.  Now, I know that Americans follow this also; however, we are not enthralled by a new supermarket.  

On Tuesday we went out again to do some evangelizing, but everybody was in a great frenzy to see the newest super market from Germany that just opened, “Mega Image”.  Lines were stretching outside because there was barely shoulder room inside.  My students began to ask if they could go in and check it out.  I said sure, and watched with interest as they oooed and awwwed at how high-tech the place looked.

The Law of Fad

If I want to be effective as a missionary, I can't let a relationship with Christ be a fad...but really be a relationship.  So, we invited some guys we had met on the street, while we were evangelizing, to come hang out, "With an American who had just come to the country." -The Law of Fad

With all the ooooos and awwwes we played ping pong in our common room, getting to know these guys better.  Their names were Marinos (17 years old) and Jonny (19 years old).  We laughed with these guys and let Christ bubble out of our hearts.

Now, in our modern culture, it’s become common to live a double life, and these Romanian guys assumed we did too.  Upon trying to invite me to a "new" club that just opened, I pulled one of my students, Sorin, and told him to translate what I said with laughter and humor, "Guys, I love having fun.  Making relationships, dancing, hanging out with friends." At this, they almost started grabbing there coats to go hit the town.  However, I continued, "But I am a Christian."

At this, you could see confusion set in their face.  You could tell that they couldn't follow.  You see, every Romanian will say they're Christian.  After all, their grandparents go to church and so do they on special occasions like Easter and Christmas...and so far I've not heard a Romanian say they don't believe in God...

"I love to dance" I laughed, "But not at a club.  I love hanging out with friends, but not at a club.  I serve Christ, so I won't go to a club."

These guys gave up a night of hanging out at the new club everyone else would be talking about.  They spent the night with us as we laughed together.  You could see that the love of Christ, bubbling out of us, caught on to them contagiously.  That love had broken "The Law of Fad" that night, as we built a deep relationship with them.

I told my students this, "Armani once said, 'Fashion is not what you wear, but the attitude you carry yourself with.'  Remember this, we have something better that the clothes they wear.  Something that they want.  Something that they need.  Carry yourself like this, and you'll never feel the inadequacy that materialism brings.  You've got what they want."

In a global culture under the power of "The Law of Fad", I've already seen this persona at work.  This attitude has kept me from pursuing materialism and following God.  And so far, this attitude is causing others to ask, "How can I have what you possess."

One final note, attitude is no good without God's power at work in our life.  Without His name worn on our character, and his character resonating through us, we are just another cocky/prideful person with a new fad.  It's whenever we partner with Him that we watch His seed take over a garden.

Slava Domnului (Glory to God)

Prayer requests: For the continue of spiritual growth of those we minister to, for our upcoming ministry opportunities with an emphasis on "Covered With Love" (a ministry outreach this Christmas. We will be supplying blankets to the homeless for the upcoming cold nights), and our gift giving efforts to underprivileged children this holiday season.  Also, we’ve been battling mold in our building that one of the other missionaries is allergic to. One of our students has just gotten over a fever, so please pray for the team’s health. Thank you and God bless.