This is a story I wrote for the pastor we worked with in Romania. He is one of the most anointed men of God I have ever met and God is blessing his ministry in crazy beautiful ways. This is part 2 of a 3 part series telling about how Raul came to Draganesti and how his ministry started. My hope is that Raul’s story will encourage and inspire you to step out in faith and really trust in Him wherever He calls you.
The search for an apartment was not going as Raul had planned. He had come to Draganesti to find a place for his family to live but the problem was that he had no money. The one thing he knew was that God would provide. He walked up to another apartment building thinking that once again the search would probably be futile. As he got closer he saw that on the front door of the building was a fish, the international symbol of Christianity. This struck Raul as odd as there were no Christians in this village.
Raul went inside, hopeful that this was exactly where God was leading him. There was only one apartment for rent. The apartment owner led him up four flights of stairs to the empty apartment and on that door was another fish symbol. God was guiding Raul exactly where he needed to go.
Raul told the apartment owner, “In one month I’ll come back with money and buy this property.” This was a little on the problematic side though, as Raul still had no money.
For the first week of that month he prayed with lots of faith that God would provide. No money came in.
The second week he prayed but with a little bit less faith. Still no money.
The third week came and his faith began to waver. Raul pleaded with God but no money came in.
***
A few months earlier Aaron, a missionary from America, had visited Raul’s hometown and had learned all about his plan to start a church and mission in Draganesti. When Aaron returned to the states his pastor held a Friday evening prayer meeting to hear all about his trip. While Aaron was talking the pastor suddenly felt the Holy Spirit encouraging them to pray for Raul and the mission. An incredible burden was placed on their hearts while they prayed and they began to weep for the people of Romania.
An hour into this prayer the pastor stopped them and said that he believed they should not only pray for Raul but also take up an offering. They gathered $3000. There were only 15 people in attendance.
***
The phone on Raul’s bedside table rings. He opens one sleepy eye and glances at the phone. Who would be calling him so early in the morning?
“Hello?” Raul answers, his voice groggy.
“Raul! How are you? We have a gift for you.”
After that phone call from Aaron, Raul’s faith was quickly restored. Aaron sent him the money through Western Union but because it was a Saturday Raul wouldn’t be able to get it till Monday morning.
Monday was the deadline day for the apartment. The exact day. Not only that, the apartment was only $1500, which was unheard of for an apartment with four rooms. That left just enough to also put in a heating system to help keep warm during the frigid winters. God provided and then provided some more.
He provides because of His faithfulness. It was not because of how big Raul’s faith was or how good of a Christian he was. Remember, around week three his faith had almost disappeared. It was because of God’s unending grace that He provided the money at the right place and the right time.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
To learn more about Raul and all the amazing things that are happening in Draganesti please visit http://bisericasperanta.ro/
