After a 13 hour overnight train ride and then another 5 hour train ride we finally arrived in Ocnita, Moldova! We were immediately greeted by our contacts, Andre and Larissa, and quickly ushered onto the pathway to their home. With our huge packs on our back and daypacks in the front, we began an interesting trek that we were not sure would ever end. At the top of a huge hill, we walked through a blue gate and saw our new lodging. Andre and Larissa’s home may not look like much on the outside, but once you step inside you are hit by an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth. It is in this home that we have spent much of our time, and that God has shown me peace in stillness.
Our ministry here in Ocnita has been leading children’s programs in the evenings at the local church where Andre and Larissa play a very active role. We spend most of our days preparing for the evenings, but it has been a struggle to feel like we are doing enough. When we arrived in Moldova we expected long days full of ministry and little free time; what we found instead was lots of free time and little ministry time. I say this because often when we think of doing ministry we think of hard work and interaction with those in need. What I have learned here in Ocnita is that ministry can come in a variety of ways, and it does not always mean ministering to those who appear most in need.
God has shown me that prayer in itself can be a huge ministry. Having a simple conversation or just smiling at someone can be ministry. Loving on my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ can be ministry. It does not matter what you do, just do it with love. When the World Race ends and I return home, I hope this is one lesson I will never forget.
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:12
