Money Problems--God Answers

A young Romany man, let’s just call him Ivan, had served as treasurer of his church somewhere in Eastern Europe. He succumbed to temptation and used some of the church funds for his own purposes. The pastor told Ivan he needed to return the money or he “will have problems with God.” Ivan did end up with problems, really big problems. He borrowed several thousands of Euros from some not very nice people who wanted their money back. Their communiques on this matter included death threats. Ivan asked the church to pray for him. The pastor told Ivan he needed to get right with God first and return the money he’d taken from the church. Ivan did so. The church prayed for him. Within a week (!), Ivan was able to resolve all his financial problems. As a result, not only did the death threats cease but, more importantly, Ivan decided that from now on, he would give 10% of his earnings to the church. “This is a fresh experience for our church,” the pastor said. Tithing is a foreign concept for most Christians, Romany or otherwise, in the former Soviet Bloc. Everyone has been very encouraged to see God at work through Ivan’s repentance, this miraculous answer to prayer, and the positive example Ivan now gives to all who hear of it.