One Lord, One Faith . . . not yet One Language

Olesea, helping me talk with
Romany sister (in Romanian)

The communion of the saints--the church I grew up in recited this phrase nearly every Sunday as part of the Apostles' Creed. The mission organization I work with now views community as so important that this is one of our mission commitments (see below). Last week in Moldova I saw a beautiful example of cultivating community.

Virginia, their
Romany translator

Usually, when I am there, someone translates the worship services from Romanian for me--the pastor's wife Olesea or a young person like Dana. This helps me be participate in the faith community. But what happens when a Romany pastor preaches in his own language? A Romany woman from the pew behind Olesea and Dana leaned forward and translated for the translators.

Dana, our translator

CBF MISSION COMMITMENTS

1. CULTIVATING BELOVED COMMUNITY

We cultivate communities of reconciliation and hospitality that serve as instruments, signs and  foretastes of the Kingdom of God.

2. BEARING WITNESS TO JESUS CHRIST

We bear witness to the gospel through words that invite faith in Jesus and actions that embody the way of Jesus.

3. SEEKING TRANSFORMATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We seek to transform systems that suppress the capacity of individuals and communities in order to recognize, claim and celebrate the God-given gifts of all people and places.