Picture the scene: four hours after taking off from London Gatwick, three British medics, speaking one word of Romanian between them, are amongst 180 medical students in Bucharest, all wearing name badges... written in Romanian. What’s going on? You’ve guessed it: it can only be a Christian conference!
On 7-9 April 2000 the Christian Medical Students’ Association of Romania (ASMCR) held their National Conference, entitled ‘The Christian Medic in Contemporary Society’. Mike Reynolds (CMF Student Staffworker) was invited to lead a seminar, whilst Rob Palmer (student at Bart’s and the London) and I went along for the ride.
The conference was organised in its entirety by a committee of medical students. A series of lectures and seminars led from the front were interspersed with breaks for fellowship and praise. In particular, Dr Gabriela Talabur’s account of her time spent working in India inspired many delegates. Fortunately, students or doctors translated for us at all times. In addition, students prepared and served all the meals at the church where the meetings were held: a great example of servant leadership. I thank God for all those who worked so hard to look after us and make the conference such a success.
On the Saturday afternoon we visited the ‘People’s Palace’, which was built during Caeacescu’s regime. As we walked around, the students spontaneously broke out into a chorus of ‘How Great Thou Art’ in Romanian, which echoed through the marbled halls. It was a poignant moment: God was worshipped in a building designed to bring glory to a dictator.
The Romanians and British appear to have a similar sense of humour, and the Saturday night medley of sketches was very funny. One student was clearly a natural comedian, playing a Romanian equivalent of Nora Batty with aplomb!
The highlight of the conference for me was the opportunity to talk with students (in English!) and hear their stories. Many have suffered a great deal during their lives. However, their love for God and enthusiasm for reaching their colleagues and communities with the gospel was evident. I particularly remember one girl who spoke with sincerity and compassion about her desire to serve in Central Asia. I have returned encouraged by the work God is doing in Romania, and more aware of the privileges and wealth of Christian resources I enjoy here in England. I have also been convicted of prayerlessness and challenged to pray for Christians in Romania and around the world (Heb 10:23-24).
