I left my Daughter in Romania.
For the past several weeks in preparing for our Parent Vision Trip to Romania, I have had a very strong nervous sensation throughout my mind and body every time I began thinking about the trip.
Originally, I thought I was just nervous about the unknown and excited to see Karen but when the tears started in church on the Sunday before leaving, I had my first clear realization that this trip was going to be FAR more than a chance to do ministry with Karen and her fellow racers.
At that point, I knew God was going to do great things in me and our family. Even now, as I am writing this on the flight home, tears are falling as I think of the amazing times of worship and healing we experienced!
If you read my last blog, "Thoughts From a Parent Racer", you know I had a lot of questions about our trip to Romania. I can honestly say that I was able to work through some of my fears, while others were left untouched.
We were guests in one of the missionary pastor's home – we had a nice bed and running water but in effort to conserve water, I went 3 days without washing my hair and only washed necessary body parts (World Race style)
I never encountered bugs, spiders or snakes BUT there were dogs everywhere! There were a couple dogs that would follow us everywhere we went and there were dogs that growled at us when we walked and dogs that barked all night long 🙁
I didn't have to use a "squatty potty" or a tree BEAUSE I didn't drink water! After we left a small village chapel one day, I heard they had a squatty potty – I missed the opportunity, thankfully!
Pastor Daniel and his wife Lidia had requested that "the Pastor" stay in their home, which meant Karen, Bob and I stayed in their very small humble home. They gave up their bed to us and slept in a room we never saw inside of. The small room Karen stayed in had a twin bed, a portable washing machine and a wardrobe and 3 chairs.
The first morning they brought in a wooden table, attached the legs, put a beautiful gold lace table cloth on it and began bringing in amazing home cooked food. With the room being so small, Karen and I sat on the edge of the bed with Bob and Daniel in chairs. As is their custom, Lidia remained in the kitchen and only came in the room if she was called to bring in something and then to clear the table when we finished. She truly had a servants heart, which was also evident in other tasks she preformed during the time we were there. Because it was Easter during our stay, we were served some of their traditional holiday foods and participated in an a Easter egg cracking contest using eggs, which had been beautifully hand decorated.
The children in Romania are beautiful, loving and eager to participate in activities. On Easter Monday, following a worship service at the church, we walked to the park for a family picnic where non-believers were invited.
Racers and parents were divided into teams – some played games with children while others played soccer and others did evangelism with some of the village people who had questions about Jesus. Bob, of course, was in the evangelism group and through an interaptor was able to answer questions – many seeds were planted that day!
Later that evening, we walked to a poor Gypsy village to do children's ministry. Pastor Raul's daughter, Veronica, works with these children on a regular basis so as soon as they saw her children began flocking around her. It was obvious she had a genuine relationship with them. We interacted with the kids and adults and passed out small gifts. These children were so thrilled with the smallest things we gave them.
Before leaviing, the racers sang some songs with the kids and even with the language barrier, a connection was made.
An older woman had received a little box with a necklace in it for her niece – I ask her if I could see it and when she showed it to me I told her in sign language it was beautiful and so was she. It was amazing to see her reaction and when I touched her on the arm she put her hand on mine as if wanting the touch to continue. The more I stroked her arm, the brighter her smile became and then we were in a hug and kissing on the cheek. It was a very moving moment.
The worship times were powerful! Can you imagine worshiping with 11 World Racers that have already been to 8 countries, witnessed multiple headings (many of those headings were in their own bodies) and are so in love with Jesus that it just pours out of them?
Well, I couldn't imagine it either, until I was able to see it andn experience myself, up close and personal!
Robert, one of the squad leaders, had been asked to join the parents and racers for the week to lead worship.
Racers worship in many different ways:
some pace back and forth
some jump up and down
some lay on the floor
some simply sway
some were given prophetic words to speak over the group
some tapped out a beat on the floor
some played the drums
I was given a tambourine! (I had never played a tambourine in my life – but for some reason, it seemed natural!
As this worship continued and prayers were lifted up, our family experienced a time of real healing. Almost immediately, the three of us were surrounded by Karen's four teammates and several parents who all prayed God's healing into us in a mighty way.
Tuesday was another full day of ministry – which involved passing out tracks in a small village then meeting with the children for a bible story and games. When Pastor Raul arrived, he began reading scripture to the children and invited them to accept Jesus.
This is only a glimpse into the work to be done in Draganesti where Karen's team and two other teams will continue to work this month. It was definitely a privilege to experience the work God is doing there. Pastor Raul has experienced many difficult challenges but that just proves satan does NOT want Christians there.
BUT……..
Our God Reigns!
Cheryl
