Ephesus: Rolland & Heidi Baker, Georgian & Winnie Banov
Ephesus, Turkey: Georgian and Winnie Banov, Rolland and Heidi Baker
After ministering to Gypsies in Bulgaria and Turkey for nine days straight in a row, we had a wonderful opportunity to take a short break and visit the beautiful ruins of Ephesus.
We began at the town's ancient water cistern. This site used to be the water supply for the entire city - the source of life. Ephesus was a seaport, and though the water has receded about 5 miles since biblical times due to a build up of silt, you can picture the bustling harbor and cosmopolitan international business center that was Ephesus.
We all found makeshift seats among the old stones and marble pillars, marveling at how we could actually touch and walk on all this history. Heidi and Rolland Baker took turns sharing with us from behind a 2000 year old pulpit.
In this clip, Heidi is sharing from the book of Ephesians. Because Christ humbled Himself, we have found Peace with the Father through Jesus. We now have access to the Father! We are no longer orphans, no longer fatherless.
That is why we look for the fatherless...we want to bring them home. They are only fatherless until they know the love of God, the love of Christ.
We are now fellow citizens, God's own people - His household! We have been built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone - in Him whom the whole building is joined together. We are living stones - the Body of Christ, built together to become a Holy dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit.
So dwell in us God -- until we fulfill our destiny as your sons and daughters. Cause us to go deeper still, bring us into a greater intimacy with you that we may radiate Jesus wherever we go and bring the lost children home.
--- For the last 6 years now, Georgian and Winnie Banov of Global Celebration have been bringing teams of radical Jesus-loving missionaries to Eastern Europe to "Party with the Gypsies."
The Lord has done so many marvelous things, and the testimonies are endless. The lives of the Gypsies and their communities have been radically changed and consumed with Christ. Through our years of prayers and hugs, they are receiving Jesus and we are witnessing changed lives. Hated and rejected by the world, they have found love and acceptance in the sweet embrace of Christ.
