muddy hands, dusty feet and ten pound grapes

2010-06-11T16:00:00.002+02:00

we are making some adjustments, transitions, etc... be back soon. God is amazing and inspiring us to new ideas, insights and showing Himself strong in our midst!

travelers.

2009-09-28T22:09:00.000+02:00

travelers on the road of life.
in search of much...
finding none.
the greatest need.
the love of God's son.
someone tell me.
a truth to believe
finding it all...
when Him I receive.

smiling inside-out.

2009-08-29T23:39:00.001+02:00

Abel, lives in Ciuta, a village in Romania. He is a delight to meet - he is always smiling. In spite of many circumstances - He has Hope! On this day, I asked him to take off his glasses - not to be ashamed of who he was. I think he smiled even bigger that day...at least inside I know he did. We are encouraged to continue this journey when we see our boys loving our Roma friends.

Thanks Wesley and Coulter for being HIS hands and feet.

need.

2009-07-25T10:58:00.006+02:00

as your servants
set apart for thee.
life blood need
has set us free.

in your freedom
we live our days.
in need of you
we lift our praise.

guide our steps
we follow your lead.
salvation to the nations
Your grace they need.

hunger.
thirst.
naked.
disease.
still, the truth
the greatest need.

yard clippings

2009-07-16T00:00:00.000+02:00

Rasnov, Romania

Mission Point: Macin

2009-07-09T23:10:00.000+02:00

Nicu. the children avoid him and say he is so bad.
God is able to change the meanest hearts
...into the kindest... i believe he can.

18th century mosque. 21st century followers.

precious pits of life

2009-06-15T12:27:00.004+02:00

fresh picked cherries from a Roma friend

life really is a bowl full of cherries.
brilliant, colorful, sweet and full of goodness.
at least to a Christ follower.
even when we hit a pit...

do you enjoy life?
what about cherries?
are you more focused on the pit?
or the goodness outside of the pit?
for me, the pits of life are a
constant reminder of God's goodness,
His promises in our lives
The pits of life are where I depend on Him the most
to do something that I am not capable on my own.
When life is full of pits, plant the seeds
and ask God to grow fresh, beautiful fruit!

muddy volcanoes

2009-05-27T19:43:00.003+02:00

Vulcunii Noroiosii.
In Romania, there are some well kept secrets.
One day get-away spots that are off-the-beaten path and well worth exploring.
The muddy volcanoes of Berca were like walking on the moon for the boys.
Wesley loved getting his hands muddy while Coulter
pretended to be Spiderman scaling the muddy crevices.
Just another wonderful creation of Almighty God and display of His Glory!

http://www.ici.ro/romania/en/turism/c_noroiosi.html

R2D2 of Braila!

2009-05-08T23:01:00.004+02:00

Star Wars Park of Braila.
Not really, the kids just like to call it that
ever since we saw the "R2D2" shaped building.

For my young jedis, a get away to the local park
can make a bad day turn out really beautiful.

jubilant fields

2009-05-06T18:23:00.003+02:00

Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

Psalm 96:10-13

As the earth proclaims a new season...
Lord, may we find ourselves proclaiming a life full of jubilation
as we walk this journey with you.

fresh duck eggs

2009-03-30T08:21:00.004+02:00

my favorite color.
duck egg blue or is it green?

and a red pot.
yes, the pot is another purchase from "my peeps"
it was a beautiful day because she greeted us with peace.
she and her mother were Christian Gypsies from Cluj.
God has given us a desire to reach the Pletosh and Kalderi Romani
and it was so encouraging to meet a believer in person.
Yes, Gypsies can and do love Jesus!

Spiru Haret Village

2009-03-29T21:20:00.005+02:00

recess

2009-02-12T00:20:00.000+01:00

favorite things

2009-01-20T20:35:00.000+01:00

"when the dog bites,
when the bee stings,
when I'm feeling sad...
I simply remember my favorite things.
Then I don't feel so bad!"

Favorite Things in Romania:
brightly painted houses and fences
black iron gates
roman ruins
and Romany
small courtyards full of flowers
sparkling mineral water
roaming sheep and shepherds close by
and Romany
handblown glass
honey sold on the side of the road
cabbage salad
carutsas with horses
and Romany
sunflower fields in summertime
sarmales and mamaliga
dairy cows along the roadway
dacias
and Romany
Smart cars
shaorma stands
hills and mountains
castles of old
and Romany
blue trains
baskets made from grape vines
wheat fields ripe for harvest
women in bright colored scarves
and Romany
snow-capped mountains
sunflowers seeds
green soccer fields
gypsy violins
Romany, Romany
and more Romany.

Tram 5 and 9

2008-10-10T21:27:00.005+02:00

Wesley and Coulter had a great time riding the trams in Prague, Czech Republic. No matter how much we try, we always seem to be the loudest people on public transportation --- or at least they are! Some times I just laugh about it and praise the Lord that they are full of life. God recently spoke to my heart about praising my children. The world constantly tells us "who or what we are not" and so I am choosing to praise them for how and who God has made them to be. I love my #5 and #9.

cool kids

2008-08-11T00:25:00.003+02:00

I praise God for two really cool kids! Wesley and Coulter are spunky, fun and have hearts full of compassion. They have such a good time together... well, most of the time. They play Legos most of the day. This week they filled the dining room table full of Legos and played all day for three days. They both have adapted well to living here in Romania. Coulter usually gets languages a little confused but tries to speak Romanian with his friend, Emi. Emi, a Rroma friend, stayed with us recently for three days. It was amazing to me how much fun they had even though there was some language barrier. We enjoy our kids. We are glad that we are living here and do not feel the pressure to have them in "everything". I love to see how God is working in their lives. I love when we are walking and Coulter says " Mom, there's a Gypsy...you better pray for them to know Jesus." Or today when we were walking and saw someone picking up trash (which is rare here!), he said "Mom I think they are cleaning up the trash because they heard the 'Gaspel' (Gospel)". Wesley is sensitive to others needs as well. We are making it a habit to have food available for the beggar children instead of giving money. If I forget, Wesley will usually say "Mom, aren't you going to feed them?" We desire to raise them to fear the Lord, walk humbly and love mercy. Pray for the Banks boys.

burst of beauty

2008-08-06T00:58:00.002+02:00

Some days are hard. Not sure just how or why, they just are. Some days it is hard to be positive. Some days all I can see is the negative things about this country and the different cultures. And then most days... when I open my eyes wide... I begin to notice just how beautiful God's creation is. God's Word says that "the invisible qualities of God are clearly seen throughout His creation." When I stop looking at the bad, I begin to see His bursts of beauty all around me in Romania.

Tata Dumnezeu, give us eyes that find beauty in all things...

beautiful beggar

2008-08-02T00:21:00.004+02:00

She is why we are in România...

When I hate the numerous stray dogs, trash in the streets, not being able to communicate effectively,etc.... Faces like hers make us love this place. God has placed us here for this time because He desires that all would come to repentance and know HIS hope... She needs to know that someone loves her and that He has purpose for her life!

I hate taking pictures of people in need. I have missed so so so many good pictures just because I do not want them to feel ashamed or feel like a freak show. Today, when I saw this Rroma girl begging, all I could think was -- what if that was me? She was so beautiful - her feet were so dirty - I wish I could have washed her feet. I told her she was beautiful and that "O Dell si amența" (Gypsy for God is with us) -- she smiled so sweet. I think she enjoyed me taking her picture -- someone paid attention to her, instead of telling her to just go away. What if my parents made me beg? What if I was told I was scum of the earth? What if...noone ever told me that Jesus Christ died for me so that through a personal relationship with Him I could have an abundant life here and in the future for eternity. Pray for the Rroma of Romania. Pray for the Rroma of Braila. Pray that God will give us courage and boldness to speak His name in places that seem scary at times.

We love you and thank you for your prayers.

Casa Noastra

2008-07-21T16:00:00.002+02:00

Casa Noastra (Our home) is located close to the riverwalk in Braila. We are thankful that we have found a very spacious apartment close to many activities for the boys. We missed our lakeview from home and now we are located along the Danube River. We thank and praise God for His gracious goodness. We are located close to a large piata for buying fresh fruit and vegetables. Public transportation, the city fountains, our teammates and many things are right around the corner. We are adjusting well to bloc living. The boys love taking the garbage to the "chute". Coulter loves pushing the "lift" (elevator) button and opening the door to let us out. Wesley likes shooting water from the balcon. God continues to shower us with His goodness and provision here in Braila. Please come see us or send us a card!

The Banks Family

Piata Independentei, Nr. 2

Bl. 2, Sc.6

Et.4, Ap. 87

Braila, Romania

Va asteptam! (We wait!)

Brăila Hillbillies smooth move

2008-07-02T19:40:00.002+02:00

Farewell Bucuresti! Watch out Brăila here come the Banks! No, we did not load up a carutsa (horse-pulled wagon), but we did have the team van and our Galaxy loaded to the max. As we drove away, we praised God for our time in Bucuresti and the opportunities to love and serve others. The boys had little room to move and the cat slept the entire drive. We ate our last McDonalds (for awhile) as we left Bucuresti. The ride to Brăila was amazingly beautiful as the fields of sunflowers beamed with vibrant yellow petals. We are excited about moving to a new city and turning our mission points and focus on the Roma of Romania. Come see us!

traveling Banks

2008-06-22T18:35:00.001+02:00

Traveling with the Banks band of Gypsies…

We are pleased and honored to share with you what God is doing in our midst. We asked you over the last few months to pray for God’s widom and discernment for decisions about our service here in România. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for those prayers. He has heard our heart cries for the Roma people and has opened a door of opportunity to walk alongside other missionaries in the Romany community. We are delighted to join God where He is already working in the lives of Gypsies. Our transfer to Team Romany took place around the middle of June. Many things will be changing for us and transitioning will be a little different than when we arrived in Bucuresti. Again, we covet your prayers and praises to the Father. We will need you to continue to lay our requests both personal and for the Roma people at the foot of the cross. Clinging to Christ Jesus on this journey is what gives us joy, hope and tremendous peace as we follow Him.

God began placing within us a desire to live amongst God’s beautiful people years ago when Wes first came to România. As we look back over the past seven years and even as close as the last ten months, we see how God has been developing, equipping, strengthening, and calling us to the Roma people. However, when we first applied to the IMB, there were no postions open in România to work with the Romany people. Even though, we knew that God was still asking us to go to România to work amongst the Romanians. In the last few months, God worked mightily in our lives and revealed a plan that we did not imagine could happen during our term of service. He was opening a door for us to serve on Team Romany. Our hearts were still being heavily drawn to this oppressed, outcast group of God’s people. In July, we will begin a new chapter of our journey in România. We will move from a city of 2.5+million to a city of about 220,000. We will focus on the Roma people living outside of city limits and in surrounding villages. God is drawing the hearts of the Roma to Himself. Romany missionaries have been raised up and will be sent out this summer. However, there is much work to be done and there are many who do not know the power of the Gospel. Look for more updates on our new city, Gospel focus with the Roma and just normal life with the traveling Banks band of gypsies!

the team, partners and servants

2008-06-08T01:00:00.000+02:00

barcă la Lacul Herăstrău

God knew before the foundation of the world that we would make a great team. He knew Wes' strengths and my weaknesses. He knew that we would compliment, balance and enhance each others lives. God knew that our gifts, talents and abilities would take us to România to love and serve others. Wes, we make a great team. I am honored to be your partner, teammate and fellow servant. May God bless our efforts to share His Truth of Love, Peace and Joy to the Romany of România. Thank you for loving Jesus with all that you are. Thank you for encouraging me to go to România on that first trip. You knew that my heart would respond in obedience. Thank you for being a great spiritual leader in our home. Thank you for leading our boys by example. You are a great father. God knew that you would be a missionary with an amazing servant heart and humble spirit. I appreciate your deep faith in prayer and consumed heart of praise. Let's keep running after Jesus with all that we are! I am certain that a caravan of Gypsies will follow...

Happy Father's Day to the world's best husband! I am proud to be your wife and the mother of your children. Love ya too much. Te Iubesc si te pup, Brownies.

hats off to Romany

2008-06-07T19:44:00.001+02:00

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.

De ce suntem în România?

2008-05-30T08:09:00.002+02:00

Wes has a habit of jotting down scribbly notes on little pieces of paper...

from ten pound grapes:

Why did we come to Romania?

So that others may know the Joy of a life in Christ Jesus...

Living for Christ by wrapping our lives around the person of Jesus!

Living a lifestyle of worship.

Delighting in Him and nothing else.

Recognizing the beauty, value and pricelessness of Christ and applying that to everything in our lives.

Comparing the worth of Jesus to everything we "own" in this world and then letting go of all that competes with Christ in our lives.

Allowing God to remove all that does not belong in us.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus -

look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim -

In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Yes, God blesses us with many things in our lives.

Let's give it all back to Him, especially if it hinders our worship of Christ.

Let the Father take you to a place where he wants you.

Hold on to nothing, but Him.

Let Him be the object of your affection.

Let Him be the first thing you think of in the morning, the last thing you think of before you go to bed at night.

Let Him consume your every thought.

He is so precious.

He is worthy of all praise.

As we delight in the Lord, we see more clearly who He is.

Oh how His beauty,righteousness and holiness shine.

As we see Him in His radiance, the things of the world diminish.

Now, He has our attention!

He has cleaned out the ear wax of life so that we may hear Him...

GLORIOUS

2008-04-26T10:04:00.000+02:00

You make everything glorious

And I am Yours

What does that make me?

-David Crowder Band

Glorious. What a way to describe what He is making me...and you. I don't know about you, but most of the time I do not think of myself as glorious. As a matter of fact, it is usually quite the opposite. Instead of seeing myself as HIS amazing creation in progress, I find myself wondering why He would even love someone like me. However, it is when I look to Him and search His Word that I am reminded that He sees me as glorious... A quick look at a compilation of the definitions of glorious shows what value this word has. Let us look together--delightful; wonderful; completely enjoyable: brilliantly beautiful or magnificent; splendid: illustrious, noted, celebrated, eminent and distinguished. Wow. God really sees me as glorious? His Word says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, he delights in me, he rejoices over me, that I am beautiful and so on. I praise the Almighty Savior King who makes all things glorious. May we all focus on who the Savior is and what He says we are. As He transforms us into His likeness, may we begin to see ourselves as His glorious work...

Bran Castle

2008-04-22T07:13:00.000+02:00

Fervent Love

2008-04-10T06:40:00.000+02:00

Do you remember when you first fell in love?

how your love consumed you.

all you could talk about.

all you could think about.

all you wanted to do was be with your love.

you could smell, taste and touch the sweetness of love.

you recognized the voice of love from afar.

you could see love in a crowd.

you did everything to please.

you did not want to disappoint.

you arranged your schedule to do whatever/whenever.

Does the engulfing flame of love still exist or are the small embers trying to spark anew? Remember the precious breath of life that still remains in you and fan the flame of consuming love once again.

Recently our team enjoyed a spiritual retreat in Bran, România. We used this time to reflect, recharge and review the Word of God. We reviewed the churches of Revelation and I saw my relationship to Christ in all churches. Our desire is to always be captivated by the first love we had in Jesus Christ. Many things can pull us away from our first love - May we always be wooed back to the most amazing love relationship we could ever know...

As we gleaned insights from Revelation, these were the words that rang true in my spirit. May these words be your heart cry as well.

FERVENT LOVE

Fervent Love

Passionate Desire

Lord Jesus in me

Light my fire.

Take my heart

To you I give

All of me

For You, I live.

Take me back

to the place

When I first

saw Your face.

Remind me of

the Love You gave

on that day

when I was saved.

Fix my eyes

on Your face

As I am consumed

by Your grace.

When my heart

leans toward fear

A still, small voice

scream "I am near!"

Fervent Love

My desire for thee

A crown of life

You will place on me.

When you place a stone

in my hand,

with a new name

I will stand.

I hold fast

to Your name

when others see my life

may they hear "JESUS" proclaimed!

Your manna I crave

Your water I need

You are my everything

My life, My creed.

Fervent Love

Passionate Desire

You, O Lord

Are my consuming fire.

All alone in secret places

You see the masks and many faces

Show me who I really am

Crippled and broken, Your precious lamb.

Search deep within

my heart and mind

Reveal my sin

That would keep me blind.

You know my love

and steadfast faith

Judge my works

both small and great.

Fervent Love

Passionate Desire

All for You

Lift me higher

Awake my soul

I want to live

I love Your grace

You freely give.

I'm clothed in Jesus

My garment is praise

My hands, my life

to You I raise.

Strengthen me

with Your power

As I break through the ground

Your most beautiful flower.

I remember Your words

I heard You speak

My comittment to You

I promise to keep.

In Your book

You have written my name

I stand before You

without any shame.

Fervent Love

Give me more

You alone

I adore.

Anoint my eyes

with healing balm

bind my wounds

and I am calm.

With white hot love

You refine me with fire

As I melt

You take me higher.

I desire to sit

at Your banquet table

make me strong, willing and able.

Your voice I hear

at the door

walk right in

I want You more.

Fervent Love

Passionate Desire

Your flame in me

rises higher.

With Holy discipline

I am corrected

with Your Vine

I long to be connected.

Lead me to repentance

fill me with Your zeal

I follow Your steps

up this Holy hill.

I long to sit near You

on Your glorious throne

You live in me

- Christ alone.

When I am refined

with Your white hot flame

may I daily

praise Your name.

Gentle counsel

is what You speak

with Your peace

I become meek.

Fervent Love

Consuming Fire

light in me

Passionate Desire.

Your door is wide open

I want to dance within

sin has no grip

You have cleansed me again.

A pillar in Your temple

I will always stand

As You hold firm

with a Righteous right hand.

I hold fast

clinging to my crown

All for Your Kingdom,

Glory and Renown.

Keep me patient,

enduring Your will

Your spirit in me

is calm and still.

Enemies fall down

before my feet

Your power is so great

You allow no defeat.

Your name is engraved

deep within my soul

Only with Your love

I am made whole.

As I repent

to my King

His Fervent Love

washes me clean.

Face to face

one day we shall meet

" a basket of souls"

May I lay at Your feet.

Fervent Love

Passionate Desire

Burn in me

Your unquenchable fire.

You're the Lord of my dance

overwhelm me once more

You are my pleasure

Forever More.

Fervent Love

I give to thee

May I love

As You love me...

--- To my Savior King

Your daughter, muddy hands a.k.a. tamara

OBSESSION

2008-03-29T07:30:00.003+01:00

a little rest & relaxation

2008-01-11T21:48:00.000+01:00

The boys, Wes and I have enjoyed our three week long break from school. We loved staying up late, sleeping in late, snuggling way past breakfast and just plain ole doing nothing! We praise God for the rest that He brings to our soul. A good holiday is an extra day spent resting in His love. It feels so good to crawl up into God's easy chair and just talk about life. Why do we so quickly and easily forget that He sits waiting for us to rest in Him and relax with Him? As the winter days bring hours of pondering, dreaming and hoping... May we all find ourselves drifting into the wonderland of His love -- being drawn to the warmth and care that only He can bring to weary seasons.

Chester goes global!

2008-01-03T00:42:00.000+01:00

Bucuresti -- watch out! Chester has gone global. Chester has been around since 1987 or so, but this is his first time to travel around the globe. He is so excited to be in a beautiful European country. Chester can not wait to visit the Romanian countryside and frolic in the beautiful sunflower fields. Chester will enjoy his assignment of learning to speak the Romanian language. Bucurestians will surely want to try their skill and challenge Chester to the Rubik's cube. Stay tuned for more of Chester's adventure in Romania in the near future...

Happy Birthday to the KING

2007-12-25T10:09:00.001+01:00

Our first Christmas morning in Bucuresti, Romania. We enjoyed many of our traditions - delightfully awakened by excited boys, rapid unwrapping of gifts, chocolate chip pancakes (thanks to Mimi & Ken), Wes' famous giant omelet, and Christmas advent. We were delighted to have our neighbor children spend the weekend with us. Jessi, Claudiu & Petra had the best time hearing the Christmas story in English, making crafts, drawing, caroling in our community, and eating candy canes. Petra asked me right away if he could take a bath. You see, Petra does not have running water much less a bathtub. I peeked in and saw him trying to swim... The children all wanted to sleep on the top bunkbed -- so they decided that they would all sleep up there plus Wesley. Jessi moved most of Coulter's thing into the closet and made it "her" room for the weekend. Wes kept calling her "Regina" which means Queen in Romanian. On Sunday morning we had a special pancake breakfast with all the "fixins" and then we were off to church. The children seemed to love our church and we pray that the Truth from God's Word and the love they experienced in our home will cause them to want more of the Living Hope... We finished the weekend with a fun time at McD's. Pray for our community. These children speak no English -- there are many quiet moments together -- may the Joy, Peace, Hope and Love that we have in Jesus Christ speak loudly...

We praise God for the opportunity to serve and love the people of Bucuresti, Romania. We thank God for allowing us to live on Strada Serg. Constantin Boghui for this time so that we may show His boundless love to others around us.

Dear Father, draw them to Your Spirit -- Glorify Yourself through our lives and the lives of those in our community. May salvation spring up from the hard places in this city. You alone are God. We declare our praise to You. Send more workers into Your field...

A very sincere thank you to all who have prayed for us in this season and given so generously so that we may bless many families with food, jackets, and toys. Thank you for allowing us to be your hands, feet and fruit of God's grace, mercy and love.

dryness brings thirst

2007-10-03T08:03:00.001+02:00

In a dry and thirsty land my soul longs for you. You alone, O God can refresh my spirit. Fill me with overflowing joy in a land of hopelessness. I lift my eyes to you. You are my help... Almost three months our family has been in Bucuresti . Time goes quickly. Time goes slowly. Much of our time has been transitioning into the culture of Romania, the city and the many things that differ in our daily life activities. God has been so gracious to us. He has been with us through every fear, frustration and celebration. He alone is our strength. We could never do this without Him. How encouraged I am to remember that He said He would never leave us, nor forsake us. May He strengthen you today as only He can do. May we allow Him to fill us as His vessels, so that we might pour ourselves out for others...

We are thirsty for more of You our Living Water. Fill us with more than enough.