Saturday, June 7, 2008

hats off to Romany

I will just about buy anything from a Gypsy.  If making a small purchase will give me a chance to smile and speak a few words about Jesus, then my wallet is open.  I have bought fruit, vegetables, handmade brooms, baskets, spoons, honey, walnuts, blueberries, fresh cut flowers, car deodorizes, fresh herbs, an old coin, handmade copper earrings, floral tea leaves and two leather hats.  I will chase them down to see what they have for sell and make a bee-line for their booth in the piața.  Recently,  I met a Kalderash Gypsy on my way to Lipscan.  Before I knew it we were in the middle of a price squabble for a leather hat.  He and I we went back and forth trying to agree on a price that suited the both of us.  We finally agreed and I walked away with two new hats for the boys.  Was it a good deal?  Well, I was able to share a smile, a good laugh and tell him why I was in România --- to help lead others to follow Jesus Christ.  He kissed my hand and we parted ways.  It was a great deal to me!  Every chance I have to speak about Jesus is great to me.  As I thought about how I like to bargain for the lowest price, I was reminded that Christ did not bargain the price for my soul.  He knew that it would cost His life to pay my sin debt.  I was worth it to Him.  He paid that same sin debt for the Roma.  He loves the Gypsies even more than we do.  As our family seeks to share Jesus with the Gypsies, pray that we offer them the greatest deal -- to sell their soul to Jesus Christ.  The unlimited offer they receive is free love, forgiveness, and eternal life with no extra charges.