What can I say about the first month of this journey? How can I describe to you the absolute commitment of giving up everything and stepping out boldly in faith to further His Kingdom? Well let me just say it was not easy, but trusting in Him made the want great.
Traveling the world for 11 months, venturing into 11 different countries and spending it with 53 complete strangers might look a little unique and very interesting to many but please understand this isn’t a vacation. Struggles did come and blessings were abundant in our first month together as a “family”. If I could sum up month 1 in Romania I would say it was hectic, loving, trying, rewarding, and very rich in the movement of God.
After flying half way around the world and spending many hours in cramped busses, tiny airplane seats, and crazy excitement we arrived in Dragonesti-Olt Romania. Our new home for the month. We were told ahead of time that our squad would be all together. 53 of us spending an entire month together instead of breaking into our teams of 7 or 8 was a bit of a shocker but people were excited.
Very early morning we sleepily staggered off of our bus in front of our mission house. This was our home for the month, a roof over our heads, a full kitchen, hot running water, and WiFi. This couldn’t be really how the race is could it? With all the scary stories told of squatty potties and bucket showers, lack of internet and basic amenities, I personally felt spoiled! It’s like I never left the states until I looked out and saw a horse drawn carriage pass by filled with 8-10 gypsies going one direction and a Mercedes going the other. This was Romania at first glance.
After a day of settling in and a new found excitement and eagerness of what was to come we were introduced to our very first foreign contact Raul Cotea and his army of district missionaries and translators. It was overwhelming really; our squad was together as a whole inside of a beautiful church praising God in ways I have never seen before. Truly a divinely God appointed movement for all of us to be here in this country for this month.
As ministries were appointed by individuals and teams a like I was blessed to be with an incredible man of God Marian and his beautiful family. His ministry was community outreach and to really pour into the young men of Dragonesti-Olt. I was blessed to be able to see all of the neighboring villages with Marian and really get to know him and the people he loves well. From children ministry to whole village ministries; I saw God work in ways I couldn’t imagine seeing in the states. The amount of willingness and hunger for community was incredible. Not only was it community, but it was a life group. People where able to live and do life with each other in a healthy way and this was what was so beautiful to see.
As the days progressed the spiritual attacks started coming stronger and stronger. Thoughts against my fellow squad mates arose, thoughts of inadequacy surfaced, and feelings of not doing ministry right reared its ugly head. I was truly not feeling like my normal self at times and I needed to change that. This is the hardships they talked to us about at training camp. These are the encounters that I needed to dig deep and really embrace God for. He is the only salvation I could seek from myself and my heinous thoughts.
“You have got to be kidding me, I am already starting to be attacked on the most ridiculous things?” I remarked to myself. “This is the first month, doesn’t this get eased into?”. Apparently not it seems. When you step out in faith the devil is going to try to disrupt and deter you by any means. Whether its causing segregation and confusion amongst your family, dismay you with thoughts of grandeur towards ministry, or simply just attack your own self image and riddle you with disgust. It all comes with a whirlwind of confusion and self awareness and thankfully I have a true and sovereign God to run to with my hurt and confusion.
As I walk closer in my faith with The Lord I realize it gets harder and harder at times. I may be half way around the world from many of my friends, family, and loved ones but I know that they too face hardships and inadequacies just as I do. I wish to encourage and speak truth into the lives of you all; do not be afraid to be bold in your faith. Do not let the spiritual attacks against you deter you from the greatness He has for you, in you, and around you. Run to the open arms of your Heavenly Father and be calm knowing that He has you and will always have you.
My prayers for you are to continue stepping forward in faith, saying yes to the hardships, yes to the riches in blessings, and yes to Him at all times. I pray for courage to continue speaking His truths and to continue loving with all your heart. God has only the best in mind for you and I and that is something to hold in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
