Last month we were in Moldova for our team’s “Unsung Hero” month. Our ministry for all of September consisted of finding missionaries and ministries that need help to further the Kingdom in Moldova. Our job was to come alongside them to love and serve them in whatever way they needed most and to connect them to the World Race organization in order to receive further help from other World Race missionaries in the future.
Last month was such an incredible blessing. Being able to travel the entire country of Moldova, listening to stories of the locals, loving on and finding those people that have been praying for help and being able to deliver hope for future assistance was something I will never forget. Through meeting so many wonderful people last month, I learned what it means to love people intentionally- even to the point of sacrifice. I also learned that planting a seed is just as important as harvesting one. Here is a glimpse of some of the amazing people and “unsung heroes” that we met during our month as “seed planters”:
Doina and Slavik from Community of Christian Students: Doina and Slavik became Christians through CSC when they were in college. Because CSC had such a big impact on their lives, they have dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel to college students. They greeted us with friendliness and hospitality from day one. The joy they have in Christ is evident through the way they love and genuinely serve us and other students.
Pastor Constantin and his family in Batli: Constantin and his family followed God’s call for them to move to Moldova from Romania several years ago to start a church. They did not know the details of the plan God had for them, but they had faith that God would provide. So, in 2007, they started Emanuel Church with a vision to be mission focused and to train Moldovans to be raised up as pastors and missionaries in their country. So far, they have trained and sent out 11 pastors into surrounding villages. During our UH meeting with Pastor Costel, I was fighting back tears. I was so moved by his heart for Moldova, Jesus, and the ministry there. He is so joyful and passionate. His wife, Sandra, just loves and gives everything she has with incredible ease simply because that’s who she is. She is a true servant and would literally give you the shirt off her back if it were the only thing she owned. Their family has inspired me to love and serve intentionally, sacrificially, and without expecting recognition or anything in return.
Anca and Raluca: These two women are nothing short of amazing. God told them to move from America to Moldova and they did. They opened a girl’s dorm for girls ages 14-26.; girls who are becoming too old to live in orphanages so they are thrown out in the streets. Currently, Anca and Raluca are “mamas” to 17 of these gems. Their ministry is non-stop, 24/7. I was so inspired by these women and their love for these girls and for Jesus. I admire the faith that these women have. They said they weren’t qualified, but, “when God gives you the grace to do something, He also equips you”. These women have sacrificed their entire lives to serve these girls, yet they were still taking the time to inspire and build up our team. They encouraged us not to lose our joy in the midst of pain and brokenness and to abide and rest in God’s love so that you will be able to pour out and invest in others. This is a message I will cherish for the rest of the Race and the rest of my life.
Tamara in the village of Paicu: Tamara opened up and shared her incredible story of redemption with us right away. She told us that she was abused by her father when she was a child. He would put a spike collar around her neck and chain her up in the yard, among other terrible things. After she and her mom became Christians, her dad kicked them out of the house and onto the street. Against many obstacles, she grew up and single-handedly built the church and ministries in Paicu by herself. She leads all the events and services, feeding the elderly in the village everyday (including her father), and holds a daily after school program for the children in the area. Currently, she has a tumor in her face that is very painful, but she caries on her ministry with grace and joy. She is an overcomer and has been a phenomenal example of the redemption and hope that comes with following Christ. It is so encouraging and inspiring to see the faith and joy that she has despite the continual persecution. When we arrived at her location, she told us that she had been praying for help for a long time and that she was so happy that God used us to answer her prayers. It was an honor to get to know and serve alongside this wonderful woman.
Thank you so much for joining us in touching the lives of the people of Moldova! We would not be able to do what we have been doing without your prayers and support. It has been a blessing and an honor to be sent out to be used by the Lord in this way. We are currently 70% funded! Praise the Lord! This means we are only $9,800 away from being fully funded on January 1st. It has been incredible to see the Lord provide and we are eternally grateful for every dollar.
If you’d like to be part of this adventure in furthering the Kingdom, click the “support me” link on this blog! And please continue to pray for us as we head into the next month and the next country- India!
