After finishing at the baby hospital we were treated to a meal by Pastor Jackie. We managed a quick hour back in the apartment before going out with our hosts to the Primarie (Town Hall) in the city centre where the Metanoia Church Band and their Senior Pastor, Cristi Borbosu were leading Romanian carols and preaching the gospel on a huge covered stage in front of the building. Even though it was a freezing night it was awesome and I sang my heart out (note the picture of me and Wayne with Mamma Maria). They gave God their best. Concerts and Romanian dancing take place in front of the Primarie throughout the week prior to Christmas.
arrange their wedding in 2005. They now have an apartment and 2 beautiful children. When I first came to Arad in 2001 there were no lights or decorations. Since joining the European Union there has been a lot of foreign investment to encourage tourism. A massive shopping mall has been built in the city but when we briefly visited one evening last week there were many people viewing but few buying. It looked so out of place in Romania - families are struggling to survive especially since the recent 25% cut in wages. The city centre is now beautifully decorated and there is massive tree on display all lit up. The Primarie is one of several landmarks and beautiful buildings in the city. It is always lit up at night. Tonight there was also a beautiful large Nativity Scene on display with real sheep.
Romania really does put us to shame in the way they celebrate the birth of and also the rising of their Lord and Saviour - Christmas and Easter are huge Christian festivals centred around Jesus. There are church services twice a day for 4 days and groups of carol singers go out for 4 nights also. They will call on unsaved families as well as ones they know, be entertained with refreshments, sing inside also and then go on their way. They don't finish until the early hours. It's awesome and I love and miss it.
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