(Land of Sunflowers – Romania!)
For the month of July, my entire squad of 22 people lived and served together in Draganesti-Olt, Romania. The land of endless sunflower fields and wide, open, blue skies!
Before coming to this country, we heard nothing good about it. Even when we arrived, when chatting with the locals, very few had anything positive to say. There is high unemployment, discrimination against the Roma (gypsy) population, and a corrupt government. Yet, God is very much at work here; busy redeeming people!
We partnered with Hope Church Romania and served in several different projects. Although the congregation is small, they have a wide range of projects that serve their community. I was impressed by their ambition and even more surprised at their success!
Each day, began with prayer. One thing many of us have learned while on the Race is the importance of prayer. The ministries which are effective, growing and see God move are those that are covered in and intentional about prayer. This church was no different. We prayed for missionaries, the community, and when we heard of the things happening in America, we prayed for our own nation, too!
My particular team served in a project called 9000 Souls. The goal of this team is to make disciples of Christ. Each afternoon, we hit the streets and talked with people about Jesus. We handed out New Testaments so that people would have access to the Good News of what Jesus has done for them. The Romanian Orthodox church is strong here, yet many who attend still don’t know what Jesus did for them personally and are not assured of their salvation. The priests discourage people from reading the Bible and spread lies about the non-orthodox churches in the area. People are also afraid to separate from orthodoxy because when they do, they are not guaranteed the same burial rights.
Pastor Raul of Hope Church came to this region from Northern Romania. One day, he began praying for the Southern region which is known as a graveyard for pastors. He prayed that God would send pastors and missionaries to this region. Then to his chagrin, God called him to move to the region as a missionary!
When he first came, the people were asking whether he was coming to poison their children. Even the police were watching him. He freely explained to them that all he came to do was to share the love of Jesus with them. In time, God moved in the hearts of the people and enabled him to build a church and minister in this region. His ministry continues to grow!
(The parents await instructions about what they are to do as part of the mock Training Camp.)
During our last week in Romania, the parents of nine of us came as part of an AIM program called PVT – Parent Vision Trip. This was an opportunity for our parents to come visit and serve with us. My mom came for a visit and we served together by passing out New Testaments, prayer walking, leading a kids camp, and doing home visits. It was a time of growth for us both!
I’ve left Romania having learned so much about the importance of being intentional and strategic in reaching the community. We are meant to be actively sharing the good news about Christ with others:
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” (Romans 10:14-15)
