When in Rome

It is great to know that when we obey our Father and live sacrificially he rewards us in this life. Today I am resting after a long and wonderful weekend. As some of you know, every couple of months I have to leave Romania for a period to renew my visa. So, Rome seemed to be a good place for me to see because of the really cheap travel fare ($100 round trip plane ticket). First, I feel as though I should make some qualifications here about these travels to make sure that I save face in front of all of you guys that support me back home: I spend the nights in hostels, eat conservatively, and try to take the time to refocus myself in prayer.

Now this next part seemed to be a surprise for me. I was expecting to kinda "have a break from ministry" on this trip and I did to a certain respect, but I also had 2 great opportunities to share Jesus with fellow travelers to Rome. First, I met Keith on the 30 minute train ride to downtown. He is a South African high School Geography teacher residing in London who decided to spend the summer seeing the rest of Europe by purchasing one of those all-of-Europe train tickets. Anyway, after he told me this he asked me what I am doing here and I responded by saying, "I live in Romania as a Christian Missionary." He responded in astonishment saying, "I did not know there were missionaries any more." I further explained that there is a lot of ignorant and mindless religion in the world that is not connected to a personal relationship with God. He agreed with this statement in sort of a nod of the head reaction. We talked about traveling Europe and what we've heard about each city, Jesus, and my joy in my calling to travel proclaiming his good news. There is much left out because I remember that the 30 minute ride seemed as only a couple of minutes. We got off the bus in downtown Rome and we were going to get on different Metro lines to our hostels when he offered me a cigarette saying, "I think I'm going to have a smoke and catch the next one. You care to join?" I denied the offer of course because I don't smoke and was running late for check in at the hostel. As we parted I told him I appreciated the conversation. I'm not sure that Keith was a believer, but I hope that you guys will pray for him and for me to be more bold with my witnessing opportunities.

Second there was Dave. After leaving Keith behind, I made my way to check in at the hostel where I found him, my only roommate for the night (there could have been 2 more because I slept in a 4 bed dorm). At our first meeting, Dave explained his amazing story of why he was in Rome. When you ask people how they like Rome you don't expect them to say, "I hate it," but that's just what he said. I had to ask, "Why?" He began to tell of a race between him and his friend that went from the USC Trojan Coliseum in California to the Roman Coliseum in Italy. They started with no money and after 2 months here was Dave, broke and stranded in Rome. I congratulated him and asked, "where is the other guy?" He said that the other guy stopped in Tampa, what a loser. Anyway, I learned that Dave was from Salt Lake City and then we parted ways a while I explored the ancient part of Rome, the forum, Coleseum, and the Trevi fountain after dinner at dusk (best time to see it by the way). I met back with Dave in the Hostel around 10 PM where our real conversations began that wouldn't end until 3 am. After I explained that I am a Christian missionary in Romania he said, "I know how hard mission work is. I was on mission for two years in Mexico." My mind put things together instantly:

Dave was from Salt Lake City, Utah
+ 2 year mission
----------------------------
Dave was a Mormon

Anyway, I thought that Dave was a pretty cool guy so far and I did not want to get into a screaming theological argument so I kept things simple at first. I found out quickly one reason why Dave hated Rome. Dave was trying to get money by being a pub crawl host. One of the only ways that Americans can get money in Rome is to host a "pub crawl" where you take and take care of Americans and English speaking people around the city while they get plastered drunk. For a Mormon who was attending Brigham Young University who doesn't cuss, drink alcohol or perhaps caffeine, this was a bad and perhaps prodigal situation. Anyway, at first we were hitting on all cylinders talking about a personal relationship with Jesus and subsitutionary atonement. He was so excited to talk to another "Christian" and I was delighted to have the conversation while trying to keep my cool and not let the conversation turn south. With a serious tone in his voice he asked me, "do you have any key doctrinal statements memorized about your faith?" In my mind I was like, "okay, here we go." So while he sat patiently I explained to him about the inherency of Scripture and about how we believe in a "closed canon." His questions followed quickly about apostleship and I think I said that once the apostles died, revelation stopped. If this were true for the both of us, there would be no difference, no need for Joseph Smith. One thing everyone must know about Mormons is they know their stuff. Sometimes quoting from memory paragraphs from the book of mormon, he explained the 15-17 doctrines. He was respectful, honorable and patient with me as I was with him. I don't believe I was being forceful as my thoughts mingled with silent prayers as I talked to him about each point of his belief. Honestly, the breaking point between us is a matter of history. I can see one card that holds up the Mormon stack; Constantine and the Nicene Creed misinterpreted and left out portions of the current canon. According to Mormonism (through Dave), Joseph Smith purposed to correct the evil corruptions the Catholic Church did to Scripture. Even with this said, Dave explained his appreciation for what was found in the Bible and it is a matter of grace that we have what we do have. I have to say though, which is easier to believe? God spoke through a prophet in a North American civilization (Egyptian-Native American Indian) during the time of Christ about a people that would exist 1850 years later through Joseph Smith OR the previously persecuted early church fathers were not perfect but faithful people God used to give us his word. Although ignorance is often confused with modesty (Chesterton), I believe faith to be rational. I believe in asking good questions rather than beating truths into people's brains. For example, I asked Dave, What was the motivation of the church for doing this? What are the things specifically that the early church wanted to censor or omit? Can I be saved without Joseph Smith? What is the difference between what Joseph Smith and what the Bible says? These questions are tough for Mormons and require of them not what I call faith, but imagination. My heart grows with sorrow for people with beliefs outside of orthodoxy, but at the same time, I am grateful for ability to proclaim Jesus to a person who is thirsty for truth. Anyway, pray for Dave and Mormons and we all should read history that can help us carry on conversation with all people as Paul did in Athens.

I could begin to tell you many stories of of all of the magnificent sights of Rome and connect them to Spiritual lessons in some cliche way, but I wanted to expound a little about these two experiences along with a hard lesson that I had to learn towards the end of my trip. Some of you are probably thinking, "where are the pictures?" Well, long story short, I was at the Trevi Fountain on Sunday and slowly wandered into the church there to pray to Christ, my only advocate and to listen to the choir. While I was in the church praying, I had my camera by my side up against me in the pew. Someone must have snatched the camera when my head was bowed. Tragically this put a period to my trip to Rome. More than the camera, I miss the 300+ pictures that I took. Oh well, you know we all learn lessons in life, some come easy, some come with hurt. Now I am back safe and sound and enjoying this moment sharing with all of you who read. For the length of this post please forgive me.

New Places

Hello everyone,

I hope that all is well with my friends who are reading this. I have gotten word about the Shirley family and they are in my prayers. We are often reminded about how futile and valuable life is through events that rock our lives and the people's lives around us. May we love God and one another in times of distress and confusion as well as times of joy.

Things have been really busy around here lately. Yesterday, the youth here in Resita had a mission to a scenic town called Herculane. The church there was filled with traveling tourists who probably woke up in hotels close by. The youth sang praises to God and I was able to give a message from Hosea 11 filled with hope, encouragement, and the Gospel. Following the service, we ate pizza and walked around the town to see the many sights. The more time I spend here the more I realize how beautiful this country is. Herculane is kinda like Western North Carolina with some granite rock outcroppings remeniscent of a smaller Yosemite Valley. I suppose seeing a giant sequoia is what brought Yosemite to mind. Anyway, the town of Herculane was established when Rome conqured Romania around AD 160. The Romans left a legacy that is still enjoyed today, thermal bathhouses. They believed that these waters provided some sort of healing treatment. We see that time has little affect on some things such as people's search for comfort and healing. Unfortunately, "although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Rom 1:21). " Today, a bronze image of Hercules stands in the middle of the square perhaps reminding me that they have exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal man.

Anyway, I wanted to include some pictures of Herculane here to give you more of a taste of the town. The first picture is of the Baptist church. Please continue to pray for the ministry here and I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

A Simple Definition

Often times we are faced by difficult life questions. Olivia, one of the translators and my friend asked me, "What is the definition of mission work?" I knew she had something in mind so I think I just said, "a Christian." I continued to explain what I am doing here in Romania and she smiled and nodded back. After I stopped babbling she said forcefully, "The definition of mission work is an opportunity to die for Christ by giving yourself for something bigger than yourself." At first, I thought it just to be another cliche Christian saying we all like to agree upon verbally, but I was definitely uncomfortable with the thought. She told me this around a table full of friends but it did not really sink into my mind until a sunset ride along the Danube river brought it back to the forefront. I started thinking that most of the time we think of why we are missionaries and don't spend much time thinking about the how. I hope that all who read this will ponder this question (especially those of ERBC). It does not take a genius to figure out that the people here are serious about their faith and mission work.
I am constantly reminded that missionaries are often ministered to just as much as they minister to others.















I want to share with you some more ministry opportunities that I have had here so far. First, shockingly enough there was an opportunity for me to go to a festival with some of the youth here in Resita. The festival was much like fall for Greenville but more rides and different music that sounded like something out of Jonny Depp's dreams. Anyway, I was riding the swings and I thought to myself, "Will, you are having a good time here. Enjoy life a little bit." So I laughed with the friends about how scary and unsafe the rides were and soaked in all the bliss I could. Also, they do not have any real "wait in line" structure with the rides. Once people get off the ride, there is a mad dash to be the next people to get on. A little scary at first, but I say in the case of circus riding in Romania, "survival of the fittest." Secondly, the festival food is awesome. Grilled corn and sausages for under 2 dollars is quite a steal.

Luci's cast is off and he is back on his feet in the villages (guy in yellow). He cut the cast off himself rather than going back to the doctor. I guess men are the same no matter where they are from. He loves the people he ministers to and I am very very grateful to serve with him almost every day going from house to house sharing God's love with people. There are many needs at the houses we visit. From multiple miscarriages to lost jobs, people are hurting out there. With patience and love we listen to them and pray for them as I hope you will also. On Friday we had a guest with us. His name was Alin Jivan (Far left on the pic). Alin is a highly awarded Romanian Gymnist who loves Christ with everything he has. We went from house to house where he gave his powerful testimony to each group whether it be 10 people or 2. I believed him when he said that he goes to the gym, reads his bible and he prays.
I asked him if he has any other hobbies or interests
and he said, "I only have time for Jesus."
You can find a video of him here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOD0x7YX1GY

Anyway, I hope this has given you a little taste of what is going on here in Romania. Honestly, it has taken me a couple of days to compose this post for lack of time. Things are happening very quickly. I love all of you guys and hope that this has been good for some of you to know that God is really working here in Romania!