Tuesday 26th May
 Visited the old people's home in Rosiorii. Welcomed by old Georgita (Lenuta's aunt). Angus read the 23rd Psalm to the assembled ladies and emphasised how God loves us all.
We divided into three teams to visit various rooms: I went with Ann and James. There were two ladies in the first room - one blind with cataracts and the other totally deaf. Both were called Flora. We prayed for each, then both together holding hands. Ann prayed for unity of spirit in the home, absence of antagonism, and for God's love to reign.
In the men's ward there were three men, all of whom I remembered. All were said to be Orthodox, but all were most affectionate Christians. One, aged 88, clutched my arm for a long time; he did not have his own bible, but relied on his neighbour to read to him. The neighbour, aged 90, had beetle brows just like the actor Alaister Sim.
Our plans are curtailed for lack of interpreters. Door-to-door in Vacaresti is not possible. The men's meeting tonight is a problem.
After lunch Viorel and Oti ferried us to Vacaresti in their ancient cars (one with neither handbrake nor windscreen wipers!). To a congregation of four we sang "Be Still" and "Give thanks with a grateful heart".
Angus gave a heartfelt address on Jesus' love for each one of us, and the need for us to spread it to others.
Four old ladies came forward for prayer, blocking the aisle. The last one crawled on hands and knees and lay face down - I could hardly reach her. I prayed a general prayer for healing and blessing. Then she struggled up and thanked me, and Pamela gave her version of a prayer for healing (by which time Florenta had told us that she had many health problems including painful legs and heart trouble). The aisle was too narrow - we should have had them come forward first.
 Back at Rosiorii the men's meeting attracted four men. With Oti's help, Clive began to explain trust between people, preparatory to discussing faith, which was a (spiritual) gift from God. He was in mid-sentence when a man burst in and proceeded to talk at length about his journey, his family (with photos) and goodness knows what else. He finally turned away and was about to exit the small door when Clive said "What is your name?" "Marco", then asked him what he was looking for - he had come for a reason. His appearance was not just a coincidence - we were discussing faith. He wanted to go to the station, so Viorel escorted him, and learned that he and his wife had been evangelical preachers in 1977. His full name was Emil Marco. Clive checked Heb 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it".
That explained Clive's prolonged patience with the interruption.
Wednesday 27th May
 Packing for tomorrow.
Tea with Viorel, Mihaila and Oti.
Presents given: a new computer chair for Oti, a pack of 100 toy cars for a little boy to whom Clive had promised some last year.
At the evening church meeting a brass and silver band from the USA played some traditional tunes at high volume. We sang "Here is love" and "Amazing Grace", the latter drowned out by the band.
Clive spoke on three stages in our life, illustrated by Joseph (Genesis 37 etc). We each have to visit the Pit, the Prison and the Palace. God gave Joseph a dream that was only fulfilled in the very long term. As a young man of 17 he was beginning to learn the first of four lessons - 1) Humility, 2) Serving not by his choice, 3) Grace, 4) Prophesy. His brothers hated him for the dreams and his father's favouritism - the multicoloured coat - and plotted to kill him. He was sold into slavery (Gen 39). Where was God now? He learned to serve, and prospered.
 Gen 39:21 - although Potiphar's wife accused him falsely, God was with him. He was in prison. He interpreted the dreams of his fellow prisoners, and after two long years (when he was 30) the cupbearer told Pharaoh and he was promoted to being in charge of the whole of Egypt, living in a palace. Do you realise that God has a plan for you? Tonight he has touched each of you. We are part of his greater plan, in which our testimony is important.
At the Agapé meal in the church afterwards the fellowship was tangible. Aurel (the chief of police) was there with his wife. When operated on to sort out his bladder/kidney problems he got an infection and was hospitalized; he came out in time to come to church. He has refused all medication, radiation and other treatment - his healing has been entirely the work of Jesus. The infection was checked today and he is now fully clear.
Thursday 28th May
Flight BA887 to London Heathrow.
Prayers of thanks for a safe journey and successful mission.
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