Connie & Ernestine in Balti

Here is the entry from Connie & Ernestine. Read & enjoy.

We arrived in Balti at noon on Thursday and stayed there until after the Sunday services returning with Sid and John to Chisinau. The ladies already assembled for our first lesson and seemed eager for us to be there. Though we had planned for 3 days of study when we suggested a class before the men arrived on Sunday, they were quite willing. The average attendance each day was 7 not counting the translator or ourselves. Diane, the translator, was extremely efficient and is willing to have a one on one study while we are at the conference. Diane will also help translate at the conference. The ladies were very spirited in their singing. There was no problem singing. In fact, we taught one another new songs. In the Bible classes we were glad to hear their comments and discussion. The church has met for 8 years in Vera’s house.
We found the ladies to be very open in their show of love for us. Some shared family pictures with us.
We stayed with Eugenia who was very gracious and wanted so much to please. When walking in the city or riding on a bus, she was very protective. Although we did not speak the same language, it was not a hardship on any of us. Not only did we enjoy our stay with her, we think she enjoyed it also.

We found Balti to be a very impoverished city where its people have difficulty in providing their needs foregoing any extras.

Our stay in Balti was more rewarding than either of us expected. We learned quickly to love these dear sisters in Christ.

Connie and Ernestine