A Special Report
from a USA Tour Concert Host
by Teri Sebring, Lake Wales FL
After my first visit to
Romania in December 2004 the Lord inexplicably broke my heart for the Tileagd gypsy village. I felt invited into the work of transformation
that the Holy Spirit was doing through the Smiles Foundation. The
mystery of that invitation baffled me when I would attempt to explain
it to others. How could I feel connected to a place that I would
visit just a few days each year?
Never did I ever imagine
that there would come a day when I could share the mission that had
captured my heart with the people I love. I knew that by meeting
these children my family, friends and fellowship could understand the
inexplicable connection I had made with this village. The choir's
first visit in February 2007 was a great hit. Everyone was intrigued
with the children and their story. And what a joy it was to welcome
them once again this September.
Of course living in
Central Florida we knew that if we could we needed to find a way to
give the children the opportunity to visit Disney. Seeing Disney
through their eyes was so magical! So when we heard they were
returning we sought God on whether to give them a return visit to
Disney. The first Sunday I asked for sponsors a senior in high school
donated 8 free tickets that she had earned. A few weeks later another
student donated the remaining 5 tickets. We couldn't have planned
that!
What
story do I tell about their visit? How about sharing with you the 30
minute visit the choir had to my calculus class where Cornel danced
for them and a few of my students taught the choir the Superman
dance. Maybe describing how the time I spent in the pool with some of
the girls filled me with overwhelming joy as we somehow were able to
communicate. Or you might expect to hear about how fantastic the day
at Disney was for all who went.
Maybe I should share with you how Rob fell in love with God's mission
by taking the children on a boat ride and fishing. How Christina had
her heart open when she found herself waiting in line for Space
Mountain somehow communicating without a common language. Or maybe
how Emma, having just lost her grandfather, was reunited with her
Romanian friends who couldn't comfort her with their words but did so
with their love.
And
these are just a few stories. All highlights
to be sure. But God didn't just want to give the gift of fellowship,
He wanted to demonstrate His kingdom. Many who go on mission trips
will tell you that they never expected their lives to be so changed.
I would venture to say that those who came into contact with Tileagd
Community Choir during their visit to Lake Wales didn't expect their
lives to be changed or their hearts to be open.
But I can testify that this little place
in east Polk County Florida has a soft spot in it's heart for a tiny
village in Bihor County Romania. And amazingly it just seems right.
Could the Holy Spirit not only be transforming the people living in
Tileagd but also the people of Lake Wales? And can He be using each
to help in the transformation of the other? What a fantastic lesson
about God's kingdom!
After my first visit to
Romania in December 2004 the Lord inexplicably broke my heart for the Tileagd gypsy village. I felt invited into the work of transformation
that the Holy Spirit was doing through the Smiles Foundation. The
mystery of that invitation baffled me when I would attempt to explain
it to others. How could I feel connected to a place that I would
visit just a few days each year?
What
story do I tell about their visit? How about sharing with you the 30
minute visit the choir had to my calculus class where Cornel danced
for them and a few of my students taught the choir the Superman
dance. Maybe describing how the time I spent in the pool with some of
the girls filled me with overwhelming joy as we somehow were able to
communicate. Or you might expect to hear about how fantastic the day
at Disney was for all who went.
And
these are just a few stories. All highlights
to be sure. But God didn't just want to give the gift of fellowship,
He wanted to demonstrate His kingdom. Many who go on mission trips
will tell you that they never expected their lives to be so changed.
I would venture to say that those who came into contact with Tileagd
Community Choir during their visit to Lake Wales didn't expect their
lives to be changed or their hearts to be open. 