This past month my team has had the opportunity to work with the only Christian church in our city, Hope Church. The church was started a few years ago by an amazingly godly man named Raul. Raul is from Northern Romania and after listening to God’s calling to speak to those in the south, he moved here with his family. Upon arriving he experienced extreme persecution. In America this is a term we almost find historical. The days of people dying for their religious beliefs seem long ago and far away in most of our minds. When I first heard that he had been persecuted for wanting to tell others about Jesus it blew my mind. The police were after him and he spent a portion of every single day in the police station trying to explain that he was a Romanian and had every right to do what he was doing. Through devotion and extreme faith Raul succeeded in planting the church in Draganesti and has brought many people to Christ. He is a superb example of what it truly means to pick up and follow God.
Around Draganesti there are many small villages and towns, each with a Christian ministry contact residing in them. My team was placed this month with George and Dana, a family truly living for the Lord. Throughout our time here we have done everything from wash carpets and dishes, to painting staircases, teaching English, passing out clothes to the poor, loving on the kids through kids clubs and giving our testimonies in church. We have spent a large amount of time getting to know George, Dana, their two little girls and another Romanian missionary who lives above their church named Andrea (Ondraya). These people are absolutely beautiful. Dana cooked us our first home-made Romanian meal of cabbage rolls and George talked and laughed with us while asking us how to say different words in English. (He could not believe that we call steps a “staircase” or in his words “stairscase.”) They were so interested in our stories, where we came from, and how they could help us. They do so much for their community it is unbelievable. Their girls have bright beautiful smiles and were always willing to help be our little translators. Let me tell you, it’s pretty humbling to be lead around by a seven year old because she took the time to learn another language and well, I never did.
Andrea is the epitomy of what it means to follow Christ and His calling on your life. She left home, moved across Romania alone, and lives above a church. She spends her days cleaning, visiting widows, passing out clothes, doing many different kids clubs and so many other things I cannot even name. On top of all this, she is an amazing translator and devotes herself wherever she is needed. Recently George and Dana allowed two little girls (13 and 14 years old) to stay with them above their church because their home lives were extremely rough. So not only does Andrea work so hard every day, but she loves on these little girls and pours truth, confidence and joy into them every single day. Oh and did I mention she's only 25?
These people aren’t doing mission trips and they aren’t going to a job everyday where they come home and relax. This is their life. They live and breathe the life God has called them to. I have never met people like this before, and if I encounter ones like them again it will be an absolute privilege.
I came on the World Race to tell people about Jesus. But after month one, I’m pretty sure these people are going to be the ones sharing Jesus with me.
