Through the rest of December and to the present I have spent some quality time building relationships in the church that I am serving at - Bucharest International Church - and with other area pastors and church planters in the city. I have found myself graced with a core of friends that I will be doing ministry in the city of Bucharest for many years to come. In the meantime, I have been able to experience and support what they are all already doing in the city (working with refugees, the poor, single mothers, addicts in recovery getting off of the streets). The biggest thing that has been on my heart will begin next Monday as some of my new found friends and I will gather together to begin a collective prayer meeting to pray for both Bucharest and the country of Romania.
I have been spending my time not only experiencing their ministries but praying about God's specific heart for me and others to engage in. I am still praying through the details of this but I can say my heart is being lead towards the Universitate and Romana sections of the city. Both University students and street people hang out in this area. I have had a few experiences praying for people here and have seen Jesus engaging their hearts. This is beautiful. I believe this is a small scale of what is to come and what God wants to do in this part of the city.
I have had some fun experiences with my friends inviting me to the countryside to see the Christmas Eve tradition of the Pig slaughtering. I even tasted the traditional pig skin delicacy (after it was torched and cooked). Not bad actually. I had a great time with them and through out Christmas with other new found "family" and friends celebrating Christmas with lots of meat and lot of love.
After trying to figure out the process for a possible stay for the whole 6 months, I have decided to return back to the states after 3 months on February 8th because of some laws that have changed that I was not aware of since I have been in the country. Missionaries used to be able to go in and out of the country for a week and return to renew their tourist visa. Because the law has changed regarding this in the past few months, I do not want to risk obtaining any fines or tarnishing my record. I shall come home on February 8 for 3-4 months with hopes to return for a second short term of time in May. During this time I will be able to continue the process of building relationships that will join a church plant on both the Romanian and American sides.
Please pray for wisdom over the next 3 weeks as I continue to build relationships and pray around the city and please pray for unity amongst my friends and as we seek the heart of God together for both Bucharest and Romania.
Also, please pray for the country as many riots have been breaking out in a lot of cities in the country and in the city center of Bucharest in the Universitate and Romana areas which are very close to my apartment and the areas of the city that I have a heart for Jesus to show up in. Romanians are dissatisfied with the way their Presdient has been running the country. Go to www.romania-insider.com for more details.
Thank you all so much for your prayer and love. I will see you much sooner than later. Love to you all!
As usual, feel free to email, facebook, or skype me. My email is keldapolomik@gmail.com, facebook is Kelda Polomik, and skype is keldarosiecheeks. :)
Thanks for the update Kelda. Keep us posted about next Monday's prayer meeting so that we know how to focus our prayers from Denver that night :) And remember, always where your riot gear when leaving your apartment. Lots of love a prayers from the Ringerings!
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