100521: Day Three in Oradea, Romania

Today was the day that the things got up to speed!  I have been in meetings all day from 7:30 a.m. – until just now (9:45 p.m.).  The Romanian people do not get in a hurry!. 

I knew I was trouble when I looked on the program today and saw that there were two messages (all this before lunch!).  But I digress…

There were three main events today:

First we held a special ceremony to bring into the Church of God seven Roma congregations.  (I wrote more about this in an upcoming devotional.)  The Romani people are better known by some as gypsies.  In Romania they are greatly persecuted and ostracized from society.  The churches of Romania will not allow them to be a part of their congregations, but the Church of God opened its arms to these dear brothers and sisters and these congregations are just the beginning of many more Roma churches that are joining our fellowship.  It was a privilege to greet these dear pastors and their congregations on behalf of the Fort Mill Church of God.  (Even through my official reason for being in Romania is due to me being on the Church of God International Chaplain’s Commission, I always give greetings in the name of my dear FMCOG PEPers!)

The congregations that joined the Church of God today were:

• Pentecostal Church “Samaria” Oradea
• Pentecostal Church “Nadejdea” Ciumeghiu
• Pentecostal Church “Emanuel” Misca
• Pentecostal Church “Betania” Ineu de cris
• Pentecostal Church “Fialdelfia” Borumblaca
• Pentecostal Church “Muntele Sionului” Valcau
• Pentecostal Church Suplacu de Barcau

So praise the Lord, through you didn’t know it back home, you’ve just gained several hundred new brothers and sisters in Christ!

In the afternoon we had Chaplaincy training which ministered to men and women from all over Romania and then from there we moved back to the hotel for a very nice banquet where were honored dozens of special people (the Romanians get into ceremony!) plus another sermon! 

While, what a day!

This afternoon during a brief break I made my way back to my hotel room.  While there I was reflecting on the fact that without expecting it I have been thrust forward into the role of “dignitary.”  “Why?” I asked myself.  I’ve asked myself several times, “What in the world am I doing here?”  It is way out of my comfort zone, I miss my family and church family and really I’m very tired. 

But then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a special night on August 24, 2003.  I had invited Dr. Robert Fisher (now desceased) to come spend a weekend with us.  He was a great man and a mentor in my life.  That night he gave an altar call and I responded.  When he got to me he laid hands on me and pronouced that God had placed a “global anointing” on my life and ministry.  The Holy Spirit reminded me of that today.  That “global anointing” is why I am here.  God reminded me again of my passion for missions and the call that is not only upon me but upon the Fort Mill Church of God. 

Throughout this day while going through my other duties I have done a lot of soul searching about God’s mandate on our lives.  The first thing I did upon getting back to the room this evening was to get on my knees and rededicate myself and the FMCOG to the Great Commission to go into all the world.  God is not looking for the great and mighty or the rich and famous, He is looking for the obedient.  I want to be the obedient servant and I want the church I pastor to be the obedient church.

On that that grand and glorious day when the Books are opened and the lives of all men and women are laid bare before the rightious Judge, He is not going to be impressed with our houses and lands or our church buildings and programs. 

But He will be impressed with the fact that we obeyed his son, Jesus Christ and did all that was in our power to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ saving power.  On that day, we will be so glad that we obeyed the higher call. 

That is what I have sensed the Holy Spirit doing in my life today.  I guess that is what three sermons in one day will do! 🙂

Blessings everyone,

david l. kemp

 “Never mistake motion for action.” _Ernest Hemingway, 1899-1961