Sunday: The Longest Day

Sunday was a unique day as we worshipped in four different churches and missions. Each was unique for its worship; but, the Spirit was very real in each service. I marveled at the diversity of Attila’s “normal Sunday”. We began with worship that included the Lord’s Service at Gornesti. The worship was very special as a bond had developed over the past days of being together. Gornesti is blessed with many strong leaders and over the past year many new believers who are serious about their faith and the mission of the church. Gornesti will be the center of a great mission movement in the Mures area of Transylvania. They still have not heating system for their new church. The warmth of the fellowship, their faith, and the worship made me forget how cold it really was. We said goodbye with hope of being together again this year.

We hurried to Attila home (he received notice on Friday that he has to vacate the apartment in 15 days—he had been subleasing and the lease ended) and enjoyed another great meal prepared by his mother. She came with us to Reghin to look after the two of us. I keep wondering if she had a call from Bonnie. But, nevertheless she is a great cook and hostess. I enjoyed trying to learn Hungarian from her through sign language and pointing.

We went to Filpisu Mic for 2 PM worship. The church now has five members with four of them living in the village now. All are older. This was were Baptist work began in the Mures area before WWI. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper together. I found a great deal of energy in their worship. They were very responsive and asked questions about what was happening in Kenya. Bernard Mwangi from Kenya had visited them in 2006. They had heard about the post-election violence on the radio. One of the ladies shared that they had been praying for their Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ. Far from giving up, this church has connected to the world of mission through prayer. We had to hurry off to Reghin for the 4 PM service.

This small church sits between two massive cathedrals under construction (Romanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic). When we arrived, the congregation was started singing. The worship is more traditional than the other two. But, the church has a very kind heart and very gracious in their greetings. A young man, Zoltan from Tirgu Mures was with us. He gave his testimony. Zoltan teaches history in local school. In the morning he had preached at the Reghin church.

We made a brief stop at Attila House before heading for Apalina for our last worship service of the day at 6 PM. They are so loving and kind to me. Once again the joyful, strong singing was such a blessing. The worship ended with many greetings and expressions of their desire for me to return soon with other friends. The transformation of lives that has taken in this community over the past year is overwhelming. God is blessing their sincerity and faithfulness.

Attila’s mom insisted we have a dinner before heading off to Turda and the Pusok family. Attila, his mom, and I arrived in Turda around 11 PM. The two of them headed off to Sarmasag (her home) and I headed to bed. My journey home begins at 4 AM tomorrow morning.