Eight long years since the last time I worshipped in Stupini and Simpetru…

Over the years, the faces and names have been etched even deeper in my memory. Details I once remembered were no longer as vivid, yet my heart remained filled with great love for these two villages. From my first visit in 2012, they were like family, and today it was reunion time! One verse repeatedly echoed in my head and heart, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

Penny, Cheryl, Kelley and I led church services this morning in Stupini, while Ben, Jean-Michel and Jason did the same in Bicaz. In the evening, Jean-Michel joined the girls’ team because we had the van and had more seats available. We lead church services in Simpetru, while Ben and Jason headed back for church services in Simleu.

A special gift on this trip has been Kelley and her ukelele. As she led worship in Stupini, their Romanian voices joined together with ours to absolutely overwhelm us with the presence of God. God’s goodness overflowed to us, but He was not done pouring forth. Precious Carolina and her husband stood to come forward and praise God in song. Meanwhile in Bicaz, Vaseli was doing the same with his accordion, and all experienced the sweet sound of amazing grace. In the evening service in Simpetru, we were blessed by the voices of the two young girls in the picture above, singing a song about God’s Word in their hearts.

Today was filled with the sounds I imagine we’ll hear one day soon in Heaven. The faithful saints of Stupini and Simpetru, of Bicaz and Simleu, only made us yearn for it even more.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to our Lamb.” ~ Revelation 7:9-10