We are currently crossing the halfway point of our ministry time in Cornesti, Moldova. Our teams have really begun to make our presence known here in this city whether it’s by walking to and from the church or the garden, taking the kids around, passing out invitations to concerts put on/supported by Emanuel Church, or making house visits to individuals too sick to get out of bed.
Yep, the locals are definitely on to us. Are we making a difference though? Is the work we are doing absolutely rocking peoples’ worlds? Sometimes I’m not sure. Maybe we should have just sent a big check…" is a thought that has crossed my mind so I would like to remind myself and everyone back home why I believe us BEING here is more influential in the grand scheme of things.
Givin' The Boot to Band-Aids
The people of Moldova are struggling with depression, abandonment, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Out of desperation they turn to coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, and domestic abuse that results in unsafe and unreliable home lives for the children of this city.
Money can be sent for bigger orphanages, nicer church buildings, and better farming equipment, but that’s like putting a Band-Aid over a cut that is already infected. Even if these orphan kids would have all of their physical needs met, what happens when they reach “adulthood” and proceed to follow in their parents’ footsteps because that is all that they know? Do we just keep sending money –another Band-Aid? I am really hoping that our BEING here takes the relief effort to a more sustainable level.
Stockin’ Up On The Meds
They say that laughter is the best medicine. At least an okay place to start, right? Let’s tie in some quality time and a lot of help from the Big Guy upstairs and I think we can restore the wounds currently in place here.
For example, it is my prayer that showing up for these kids every day during the month we are here helps them understand what it feels like to be loved consistently. What it looks like to have an adult to play games and be silly with. What it sounds like to have an authority figure speak truth about your gifts and potential. How to receive affection. Given this taste of normalcy, perhaps these kids will grow up to break the stereotypes their parents have set, and be a generation of hope and change in Moldova.
This is just one of the issues we are trying to address at a deeper level. The hard part about this long-term method is that we won’t get to see the outcome of our time spent here. Instead, our ministry contacts are left to continue on in their pursuit of a better life for their community. I can only ask for awareness of opportunities to step out in significant and personable ways to the individuals here, and trust that it will all work together towards the bigger plan.
The Distribution Process
Our squad has been blessed with several artistic members, a few of which are with me this month. Check out this video made by Val and Carly to catch us “distributing medication” via a little manual labor, event execution, and some good ol’ fashioned hang time.
Join the journey!
Go to "Subscribe for Blog Updates" on the side bar and enter your email address to stay current with everything going on.
