My first week in Moldova was actually spent in the tiny communist country located within Moldova…any guesses? The correct answer is Transnistria; and for the past seven days I have been working with team Apex to hold an English camp in the capitol city of Tiraspol.
I knew nothing about this country (or even it’s existence) prior to my arrival here, and I have been blown away by the beauty and power of God’s presence here.
I knew nothing about this country (or even it’s existence) prior to my arrival here, and I have been blown away by the beauty and power of God’s presence here.
During the day we visited a local school and taught English, and each night we held an English club for college students and adults from 7-9pm. Our contact, Igor, and his small staff put on this English club periodically as a way to reach out to the community and spread the love of Jesus. We did a variety of activities during our club time, and even had a chance to put on an ‘American’ party. Through this event we were able to share some of our testimonies and play some English worship music for the group. God really blessed this ministry and we were able to quickly build relationships with some of the individuals who attended each night.
(English Club)
(singing English worship songs during our American Party)
(Muddy Buddies, our American snack food for our party)
God gave me a divine appointment to befriend a woman named Natalie. She arrived early every night and spoke very good English despite her hesitancy to do so. Through our ministry this week I was able to share with Natalie about my relationship with Jesus and the love I know he has for her. Natalie grew up attending the orthodox church with her mother, but said she doesn’t see the purpose in continuing the weekly tradition because she feels no effect on her life. She is currently unemployed, but deeply desires to find a good job and eventually have a husband and family to share her life with. One night she opened up to me about her heart’s longings, her questions, and allowed me and a few others to pray over her.
(Me with Ghenya and Ghenya, best friends that attended our English Club)
We had to say goodbye to our Transnistrian friends on Saturday and have now returned to Chisinau, Moldova for our last weeks of ministry on The World Race. Pray that God continues to move powerfully through our squad and that we exhaust all our strength, prayer, and love in these final days.
(Me and Jake w/ team Apex and our wonderful translator and friend, Oksana)
