The Saga...Missing Soccer Balls

God blessed the ministry for Children’s Day at the village in early June. Along with a day filled with opportunities to share God’s love, He also provided three soccer balls for the ministry. Hence, the saga begins…

It started out innocently enough several weeks ago; a not so quiet early evening just prior to the start of Tuesday night church at the Gypsy village in Hajduboszormeny. It soon became apparent there was a fox or two in the henhouse!

Having started the evening with 3 soccer balls, it soon became apparent that all three balls were missing. Pastor Dani talked to the church about the sin of theft. Everyone shook their heads, tsking about the missing items. There wasn’t a guilty face to be seen. And, no leads as to who might have done the unthinkable…steal from the church!

The following week found us being joined by Americans who came to minister alongside the team. The only playing that evening was with one lone Frisbee. There were many sad faces on those who came early looking forward to playing the National obsession…”football” or as Americans know it, Soccer.

This past Tuesday there were still no soccer balls and many more disappointed faces. Our trusty Frisbee was still around so a lively game kept most of the kids involved. Still, talk centered around whatever happened to our soccer balls?

Well lo and behold, rumors were running rampant about who now had a soccer ball that looked suspiciously like the ones belonging to the church. After the church service was over, the team decided to load up and head out into the village to visit the “suspected” new homes of the missing soccer balls.

As we pulled up in front of the first house, the father walked out and was greeted by Pastor Dani asking about the churches soccer balls. The father said he was told the ball in question had been a “gift” and readily handed it over to the team. We all jumped back in to the van, rejoicing and thanking God for His leading in how to approach the next “suspect.”

When we arrived at the next house, we were greeted by at least a dozen kids outside the fence. No one claimed to know anything about or possession of a soccer ball. Then, Grandma (a member of the church and a strong believer) walked out giving the kids “the eye” asking them where the soccer ball was. Many denials ensued but Grandma wasn’t having any of it. She started walking around the yard, house, garden and lo and behold, she came out bearing a smile and a soccer ball. There was no doubt it was one of the churches balls because it had our name marked out, and a big patch of suspicious black was in it’s place. It should be noted that the first ball had the same blackened area hiding the church name.

When the kids were asked about the third ball, they admitted they knew who had it but were unwilling to give us their name. Pastor Dani then asked them to tell the child they could just throw the ball into the church property and no questions would be asked.

All this has prompted us to question our effectiveness in ministering to our Gypsy brothers and sisters. Even though proof of lying and stealing came to light, none of the children showed any remorse or shame.

In light of the fact they are being taught the 10 Commandments, it doesn’t seem to have sunk in. Of course we are working with a people group who have very little and a soccer ball is a treasured commodity.

Please, will you join with us in praying for the Holy Spirit to do a work in the hearts and minds of His children in the village. We are so aware that we are God’s servants, sent to share His Word and love to all. It is hard not to be disappointed at times. Pray the team will persevere in the calling God has placed on our lives, to invest our time and His love to all those who do not yet know the forgiving love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.