We could see her from the road, bending over her clothes at the well. Jenny, one of my squadmates, suggested we go talk to her while we refreshed ourselves in the cool water. As we came to the well, she glanced up and said the customary “buna” with a smile on her face. Our translator made small talk with the woman and then turned to us and said, “One of you tell the story of the woman at the well.” She waited expectantly, knowing she had just pushed all of us past our comfort zones.
The women at the well.
We looked at each other, hoping someone would speak up. I was waiting, not wanting to be the first one to speak, when I felt the Lord saying, “Emily, I called you to walk in bold obedience this month. I want you to do this for me.”
So I took a deep breath, opened my mouth, and began to tell the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus. As I was speaking, I could sense the Holy Spirit moving me to pray for this woman before I left. My heart started beating harder as I watched her listen intensely to the translator. She seemed so involved in what I was saying, so thirsty for the living water that can satisfy her. My heart was overwhelmed to the point that I forgot how the story went, and I had to ask one of the other women with me to continue. We gave her a New Testament and showed her where to find the story we had just told her (John 4), encouraging her to continue reading about Jesus.
As I prayed for our new friend Maria, I was humbled and overjoyed by the opportunity to be a part of exposing her to the beauty and freedom that is Jesus. I prayed over her sons and that there would be a sense of peace in her house, which was something that she hadn’t felt for a long time. She smiled and thanked us for our gifts as we walked away, our hearts filled by the possibility of a new believer in Romania.
Draganesti-Olt, Romania is part of the Southern half of Romania, the half nicknamed “The Graveyard for Missions.” About 0.2% of the population here believes in Jesus. Our ministry this month will involve a lot of evangelism. It will require boldness and unashamed confidence in our Savior. We have to step forward in faith, trusting God can use our hearts and our voices to spread his love through Romania. Maria was only the first of the people my group encountered that day. God is moving here in Draganesti, and I so excited to be a part of it. I’m asking you to continue to pray for boldness. Pray that my team and I will speak confidently. Pray that we will encounter more people hungry for the Holy Spirit like Maria.
I also want you to pray for boldness for yourself. Ask God who he would like you to speak with this month. Ask him to put people in your path that you can share his freedom with. Ask him who is thirsting for his living water. Most importantly, when you feel him call, whether it be a nudge, a tug, or a full on burning sensation, do not ignore it. Walk out in the boldness he is beckoning you into. Share Jesus with your actions, your kindness, and your words. Then share your story with me. This month is about to be a month of crazy encounters, inspiring stories, and beautiful decisions. Come be a part of it with me.
“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” John 4:10
- My squadmates Jenny and Sara wrote blogs about this day too. You can read them here:
http://jennyharms.theworldrace.org/post/break-my-heart-for-what-breaks-yours
http://sarawilliams.theworldrace.org/post/unreached
- I’m only $109 short of my next fundraising goal, which needs to be in at the end of the month. I’d love to have that covered! I’ll throw in a postcard if someone wants to donate the whole amount!
