Romania. Month 10. We are in a region called ‘The Missionary Graveyard’. This is where we are at on the World Race. I rarely write something so immediate, but this month, we are calling all our prayer warriors to help pray for protection and perseverance!
Today we had our orientation. Raul, who is our ministry host, is seriously an incredible human being. He’s been serving here for 23 years and with world racers for 10 years. With his intentional questions for us and his clear heart to serve Jesus, you can really see the light shine through him. When we asked deeper questions about Romania and his ministry, we quickly discovered the serious spiritual battles in the southern parts of Romania where we are at…
This region was deemed ‘The Missionary Graveyard’. We asked why. He told us, that pastors and missionaries who enter this area either get physically sick or die. And if not, they would either turn away from their faith or be seriously attacked spiritually. He shared an example of one missionary who went into a witches (edit : witch doctor is more what I am referring to as they consider themselves witch doctors) (There are at least 1 witch per village in the southern part of Romania) and when he came out of their, he wasn’t the same. Soon after, he got divorced and left his faith.
I asked Raul how he was able to make it. He said he barely does. He told us what the demons tell him day in and day out, about the attacks they will do on him, his wife, his kids. I was blown away by his response. He says the only reason he can withstand it is because he is already crushed. He can’t be more crushed by the enemy. He can’t worry about his wife or kids because he knows they are not his, but they are in God’s hands. I can’t express how incredible faithful that is to see.
We also have spoken to previous squads who have come through Romania, and every one of them said it has been a tough month for them. They felt the tiredness that wasn’t from them, they felt disunity, and the physical illness, the nightmares, the headaches.
I truly believe this will be an incredible month of serving those in Romania and making a big impact by the grace of God and your support in prayers. Family, thank you so much.
In summary for prayer:
- Protection over the ministry (Hope Church) here in Romania.
- Perseverance for each one of us Jesus followers who is doing kingdom work here. We are going to face suffering. Help pray that we can persevere for His glory.
- Supernatural rest and strength in His power to stand firm for our faith and His kingdom.
- Allowing us to go serve well in these final months of our race! (Perseverance Hebrews 12:1)
