Q & A with Mom and Dad!
Q: Had you ever been on a missions trip and/or out of the country before? Explain.
Mom: Yes, when I was in college, I went with Continental Singers and Orchestra all around the US and Western Europe. That’s how I met Dad!
Dad: YES, Many: Haiti, Russia, Nicarauga, England, Holland, Germany, Canada, Thailand, Philippines, Romania, Japan, Korea, Ireland, Costa Rica, Austria, etc. Travelling with Youth For Christ Teen Team, Continental singers, Concerned Women for America, Terry Law Ministries, Campus Crusade for Christ, WEFC-TV, and Terry Law Ministries.
Q. Before arriving in Romania, what expectations did you have for this trip?
M:Well, I really didn’t know what we would be doing, or where we were going. I figured our mission would not be in a city, but I was just excited to work with you.
D: Since no details were provided prior to our visit, I was unsure of what to expect except that we would be working in conjunction with AIM/TWR and assisting in whatever ministry.
Q. What did you think you would be doing or seeing versus how it actually was?
M: Well, I thought we would be working with a church or mission, but I was not expecting to travel around visiting other towns and villages as we did. I really loved passing out Bibles at the former Communist-built apartment complexes. I was surprised at the mixture of high and low living standards – everythin from cars to horses and donkeys. Also, I was surprised at the superstitious hold of the orthodox church over the people.
D: As stated above, I had no idea of what to expect, but I was happy for all the opportunities we had to be involved in the daily ministry and visit with you.
Q. What were your thoughts on the town of Draganesti-olt and the surrounding villages?
M: The town was larger than I expected, about 35,000 people. Such a mixture of old and new world! In one village, which only had one paved road, and every family had chickens, goats, and donkeys, they had a faster internet connection than we do!
D: I was reminded of what I experienced back in the early 90s of the oppression of a society under a communism and socialism and was frankly a bit surprised that change has come so slowly. I was encouraged by the passion of the many Godly people that are ministering in Draganesti and will pray for them often since their situation is very difficult in so many ways.
Q. In what ways did you see or experience God differently than in America?
M: Because the people we met struggle economically (the unemployment rate was 70%), many lacked hope for the future. It was easier to present Jesus as hope for them because they have so much less to begin with than in America. The importance of prayer was very obvious. When villagers become Christians, they really must leave an old life of traditions and superstitions behind.
D: I’ve discovered on other mission trips and in a fresh way on this trip, that material wealth and possessions are sometimes a curse to American Christians. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE CHRISTIANS IN DRAGANESTI have a contagious passion and joy in Christ in spite of their almost destitute state, yet it reminds me that God promises us that He will provide all of our needs and he’s done just that for Alexe, John, Raul, Mark, Florina and others.
Q: What was your biggest culture shock?
M: Dirt roads, and a mixture of cars, pedestrians, and donkeys and horses all using the same road.
D: There really wasn’t one since I’ve experienced even worse squalor and horrible living conditions in other countries.
Q. How did you like being a true World Racer for a few days? (Lodging, eating, community, ministry, debrief, feedback, transportation)?
M: The ministry was just great, but it is intense and tiring. We were busy at all times, plus living out of a suitcase is unsettling.
D: It was a memorable experience, adventure and reminder of how God uses many different ministries with different thrusts, methodology and circumstances to grow His kingdom.
Q. What was your biggest frustration?
M: Lack of modern amenities! I missed my hair dryer, and relaxing with a cup of coffee at the end of the day.
D: Personally, my biggest frustration was seeing how much work that needed to be done and the huge needs yet feeling I only able to make such a small contribution.
Q. What was your favorite part of the trip/ministry?
M: My favorite was handing out Romanian Bibles at the former Communist-built apartment complexes. I felt we were meeting people who need Jesus.
D: Watching the World Racers and you live together, work together, worship together and interact with the other parents. In general getting a first hand feel for why, when, where and how the WR was doing what it was doing.
Q. Explain your thoughts on seeing your child (me) again and spending time with her?
M: It was great! I had a new appreciation of the constant focus on Christ, and how you were giving so much to evangelization. I liked seeing how you are using your gifts of music, organization, and computers to help others.
D: As above, it was gratifying to see “you” in action and observe your joy, enthusiasm and most of all passion for proclaiming the message of Christ. It is also always a proud moment for a parent (me) to be allowed to share in your passion.
Q. Did you find your child had changed or was different in any way because of The World Race?
M: I noticed you were more patient about everything, and were really bonded to your teammates. I also noticed that constant change was just taken in stride, whereas before the trip, you liked your daily routine to be more scripted. I can tell your love for Jesus has grown and matured.
D: Not really. I just observed more maturity and a different application/dynamic of your trust in God.
Q. What did you think of the Romanian people?
M: The people were beautiful! I saw that they have many hardships in daily living, and many need hope for the future. In the ministry we wee working with, we were trying to meet peoples’ spiritual and physical needs.
D: I love the Romanian people and both have pity on them while at the same time covet their trust, faith and Joy in Christ.
Q. In what way(s) were your preconceived expectations met or unmet?
M: I really didn’t know exactly what to expect, so every experience was unpredicted. I liked the way we were working with an established church, and were carrying on their work.
D: I didn’t really have any pre-conceived ideas, however hearing the personal testimonies and struggles of many of the people in Draganesti was a sober reminder of the power of faith and of God’s faithfulness, provision and promises to all of us as Christians.
Q. What is your biggest takeaway from attending the Parents Vision Trip?
M: I have lost any fear of safety and well-being for you. I see that even though you don’t have the comforts of home, your love of ministry has grown so much, I don’t know how you would have otherwise gained this experience in serving the Lord.
D: My biggest “take away” was a renewed humility and appreciation for God’s faithfulness to our entire family and a renewed passion for how I can do more to help others share the good news. I am also challenged to help enable missions and missionaries through my efforts, prayers and support.
Additional thoughts/comments:
M: We met several missionaries that work within the church in Dragonesti. They are so dedicated and willing to serve the Lord to carry out the Great Commission. They live far from their family and former life in western culture. I realize we (in our local church) need to do more to support our missionaries, both in prayer, communication, and finances. The missionaries we met have so many desires for the people they are ministering to.
