Thank you to my wife for the following book review on The Road to Transylvania, which was written by Phil Slade.
I had the privilege of hearing Phil speak at my church recently. Afterwards I was able to purchase a copy of this book which I finished reading later that same afternoon. You may deduce it is an easy book to read, but it is nonetheless very challenging.
The book tells of the family’s adventures as they respond to God’s call to go and “be family” in Romania. As you might imagine, this caused some concern amongst their family and friends, particularly as their children were at that time at quite a critical point in their education.
I was struck by the fact that in so many ways they would appear to be a very ordinary family. It is heart-warming to read how they prayed together and decided as a family that they would go to Romania only if they all felt called to do so.
Despite some initial setbacks the family remained determined to obey God’s call to serve in Romania. It is humbling to read how the family were obedient to God’s call and were prepared, at not insignificant cost to themselves, to go and simply be ‘family’ in Romania. Indeed for many of the young people they meet in Romania, this will have been the only time in their lives that they had a chance to experience what it really means to be part of a family, to be accepted for who you are as a person created in the image of God, valuable and precious in his sight.
This is an honest and moving account of the family’s time in Romania and the struggles they face, particularly on their return to the UK. We also get to hear from Phil’s wife, Elaine, and their daughters, as well as some close family friends, which gives balance to the narrative.
I urge you to seek this book out and to be encouraged by the effect that responding to God’s call will have on your life and on those you come into contact with. It is entirely possible that you are exactly where God wants you to be and doing precisely what He requires of you right now, but always remember “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper!”. Listen to what God may be asking you to do and make sure you don’t miss out on his perfect plan for your life. Thank you to the Slade family for their example of what it means to be open to God’s will and to step out in faith.
Still Learning 