Charles Folker served as an IWC participant in Rome, Italy. He was able to share the love of God with a young boy who had truly never heard it before!

The week before our group left for Rome we were instructed to get our hearts ready for what was to come. I didn't quite know what to expect since I have never been out of country before. Numerous times I’ve seen videos or specials on TV that show the poverty of the Romani people and the struggles they go through with the local governments. Being in the Marine Corps has taught me many things about self discipline, including being able to keep a professional attitude toward things I don't like or are unexpected.

For the first few days we toured the beautiful city of Rome, familiarized ourselves with the interpreters, and went over the plans. The first day of ministry with the Gypsies (Romani) went well. At first, only a few of us were allowed into the village due to paperwork issues from the Italian government. I was fortunate enough to be there. The next few days went better than expected, with only a few hiccups here and there. Our ministry seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary as far as teaching Scripture or the telling of the Gospel (which we did often). Each day I asked God to let me be a light unto these children--to help anyway I could and for Him to use me for His purpose.

Then, on the last day we were scheduled to be with the Romani, I met this beautiful young boy who grew very attached to me. He liked to get on my shoulders and playfully taunt the other kids through his gestures. For the longest time I didn't think much of his silence until I asked an interpreter to help me learn his name. He pulled me aside and said, "Charles, I think he’s deaf."

Instantly I became aware of the situation, why he never spoke and why he only pointed and slurred words which I took for Italian. The interpreter covered the young boy's eyes and spoke to the boy, but he didn't respond. He just removed his hand and smiled at me.

I’ve always been steadfast when it comes to emotional moments, but this one took me by surprise. I lifted him on my shoulders and began to weep. I cried briefly stepped out of view for a short while, understanding this was why God wanted me there. A little later, I took the boy off my shoulders and pulled him aside. I knew he wouldn't understand my ASL (American Sign Language), but I wanted to teach him something and pray that he understood. I showed him an Evangecube, pointing to the pictures and having him repeat the signs back to me. I taught him to ask when he wants on my shoulders and explained to point out where he wanted to go.

Eventually I asked Tim, our leading interpreter, to take me to the boy's house and meet his parents. We were able to share what we could about God, and even talked to the father about his life direction. We didn't accomplish much in the meeting, but I learned that his son's name was Elvis (like Elvis Presley) and he attended a school for the deaf.

I had time to take Elvis out to play a little longer before we left. Soon we had to say our last goodbyes, which was another emotional moment for me. I squatted down to his level and signed clearly, "God Loves You... I Love You." As I looked into his young eyes I could only hope and pray that he understood. I clearly remember that he stared at me as if hearing it for the first time. I cannot guarantee that he understood, but I felt just by his look that maybe he did.

Today I still pray for young Elvis and that someday someone will come along and sign to him. It truly is a tragedy to see children who have never known about the gospel, but it is even more heart-breaking to know that there are deaf children who have no real way of communicating in their society. This makes the challenge of spreading the Word even harder.

Pray for those like young Elvis in Rome who have may little to no way of ever knowing who Jesus Christ is, and what He died for. 

        Thank you, 

        Lcpl Charles C Folker USMC