Life is full of contrasts.

A FEW months ago I returned from a mission visit to our partner church in the small village of Tolica, in the Republic of Moldova. 

This country is officially the poorest in Europe and at times you cannot believe that you are in the same continent.

The differences between Tolica and Cirencester are numerous.

Transport is primarily horse and cart, not 4x4.

Food is mostly home grown in the backyard, not purchased pre packed from Waitrose.

Water is drawn from the well, not pumped to our homes.

Children are happy with the simplest of items whereas ours always seem to be bored.

Family life is so strong as opposed to the individualistic society that we are becoming.

Despite the numerous and obvious contrasts, there is so much that can be learned from a people group who have less materially than most of us Standard readership will ever experience.

The people of Moldova are just as much aware of their need for their dependence upon God as we are here in the West. 

In fact their sense of their need for God is heightened by their surroundings and circumstances.

With very little material possessions and few distractions they are some of the most content people that I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. 

Their desire to know God at work in their daily lives and to give Him the space to do that puts some of our efforts to shame.

Despite their material poverty, these people appear to have got it right spiritually. 

With little to get in the way, they showed me the need to de-clutter my life in order to allow God more space in it. 

Will you throw out some of your clutter along with me, in order to allow God some more space in your life?

REV BOB MORRIS
Cirencester Baptist Church