As we continued our walk that afternoon, suddenly the man remembered that he has an appointment soon, so he apologized and retrieved, meanwhile excitingly announcing that his wife is free therefor she is welcome to stay. When it was just the two of us she told me that she wants to take the chance and share with me a burden she has on her soul: Although they are a happy married couple for more than 40 years, she is an Orthodox Christian and he is an Evangelical. At the beginning of their marriage everything seemed fine, she said, as far as this difference in their beliefs is concerned, apparently he joined her church, their children being also baptized as Orthodox. But he continued his way of worship as he was used to in his childhood and more than that he was always interested to know more and explore more, in his search for God. He listens to Christian TV programs, he attends different religious meetings… ”I never interposed between him and his search for God, she continued, but I always felt that is him that needs to change, to get more mature spiritually. As far as myself, I always thought that – I am an Orthodox (from generation to generation…) and this is the way I am going to die, an Orthodox. But, she continued, I could not ignore how happy he was in your church Saturday… so I began to think that probably the level of closeness in our relationship would be even better if I would do something about this need he has to get closer to God.” Then she turned to me and asked frankly: “Mrs. Dan, what shall I do?”

The way she talked, deeply moved and concerned, encouraged me to believe that she was contemplating seriously in taking action. After a short silent prayer I told her, I do not have an answer but I know that every inclination for good, every emphatical thought that comes in our mind toward each other it’s a fruit of the Holly Spirit, it’s a sign that our Lord works in our heart (Iacob 1,17). On the other hand, everything that He starts He brings to a completion, He does not leave a sincere person in need of direction without an advice. My reasoning was that I would not give her an advice but encourage her to seek the advice from the Lord. So I encouraged her to pray about and I promised her that I am going to also pray for this matter and we will keep in touch.
One particular morning, after the session was over, as I remembered my promise, I called them up but I could not reach them. Later I tried again several times but with the same result. Next day though, my phone was ringing and to my surprise was him, Mr. C. He sounded very happy to connect and after caching up with the news for a while (on how much they love Herghelia and how much they already miss it), he took the chance to also ask me an advice. Not aware of the discussion I’ve had with his wife, in the session (that was our little secret…) he shared with me his part of the story: how he always was a person of peace and did not want to disturb his wife in any way possible, how he grew up as a Protestant and his soul yearns for a closer connection with God but he, as a personality, is not decided but rather wavering… What shall I do, Mrs. Dan? he asked, in the end. Consistent in my approach, I suggested him that may be would not be a bad idea for him to just invite his wife sometimes to pray together and study the Bible (New Testament) together. Surprised and a bit reluctant to my suggestion he later agreed to give it a try. When I hanged up the phone, that morning, I’ve had the feeling that the angels rejoiced over that conversation. May it be for a closer walk with God for this dear family, their happiness on this earth but also for their salvation.

By Valentina Dan, Herghelia’s co-founder