Barnabas Bridge, Monday Aug 4 2014

At first glance, the city of Onesti presents the typical reminders of the cold grey Romanian image of communist dictatorial times. But looking beyond the multitude of identical apartment blocks we found some joyous Christian young people. The photo below is of our evening gathering with some amazing young adults. We were inspired by their enthusiastic love for Christ; the intensity of worship & prayer; and the visible expressions of close Christian friendship. Yvonne and I were there to speak challenge and encouragement into their lives, but, as we often say, the bridge goes both ways. We were the ones encouraged and challenged. Romania is a difficult country for these young adults. A poor economy and rampant corruption, remnants of pre 1989 times, does not offer enough opportunity to accommodate desires to succeed and advance. Many of these people will find their way to other parts of Europe for work and study. It presents a continuity issue for churches trying to develop next generation leaders. But it also means that vibrant Christian disciples are dispersed to minister in new areas. We remember this night well. We thrive & grow on these kinds of international experiences. What an honour to be with these incredible people. At Barnabas Bridge it is the simple small-scale events like this that make it all worthwhile.

Ps: Onesti is famous as the home of Nadia Elena Comăneci, a Romanian gymnast, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal & the first female gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics event.

read about our Barnabas Bridge August campaign by clicking here
https://barnabasbridge.net/31-08-14-campaign/