Earlier this month, we arrived in the capital of Romania and had our first debrief! We had time to talk as a squad about the joys and trials of our ministries, teams, and life in general. Debrief was a time of refreshment and taking the time to process what He’s showing us.
We took a train ride to Draganasti-Olt where we are living and doing ministry. We literally jumped off of the train with all of our stuff and had no clue if we were in the right place. Thankfully, we were, and we met our contact Raul from Hope Church!
God has placed the Balkan Region (Southeast Europe) on Raul’s heart, so we partnered with a few pastors and traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece. We spent a total of 5 days there and it was drop-dead beautiful. The first two days were touristy times on the beach, sipping Greek coffee (I don’t recommend…it has ‘fine grinds’ in it, bleh), and watching a lot of my squadmates get sick (and discovering my own infestation of bed bugs).
Our ministry days were spent connecting with locals through basketball ministry, playing with kids, evangelism, looking for future connections for the World Race, playing music around crowded walking areas, advertising their Facebook page, among many other things. We were split up into teams and went hard. Many people got plugged into the evangelical church we were working with. We encountered people who were specifically praying for a team like ours to ask to partner with their ministry. We had many conversations with those in the Orthodox Church and were able to talk about our saving relationships with Christ.
In other words, God showed up in awesome ways during our time in Greece. Plus, the view wasn’t too bad.
Since returning to Romania, we have begun our work in Draganasti! Some teams have visited homes, passed out hundreds of Bibles, cleaned up trash in the city, planned a sporting event for the community, and did other laborious projects on the church property. Each morning we spend an hour in worship (I get to play a cajon!) and an hour interceding for their people, projects, and partners. Just spending 2 hours in prayer and worship each day has already begun to grow my faith and freedom in the Lord.
This area is mixed with Romanian people, but also Roma people (most know them as gypsies)! The majority of Romanians attend the Orthodox Church, which is somewhat comparable to the Catholic tradition, but mixed with superstition and witchcraft. Generally, there is a witch living on each block to help people connect with the dead.
I have been working with a local missionary couple, Tavi and Nicoletta. They are attempting to reach the Maruntei village, where there are no evangelical believers.
Some of my team and I are helping them by been sending out newsletters, making a video about their ministry and projects, and searching for other individuals or churches to partner with their efforts. I truly have enjoyed getting to work with them and can’t wait to see ways that God will show me to support them in the future. This ministry in Romania has captured part of my heart. I wonder how many times I might say this over the next year, but it truly has. The people are beautiful, the gypsy kids are hilarious, they have fresh coffee in vending machines for only 1 lei (25 cents), and they live such a simple and loving lifestyle. Family comes first. They take care of each other. Most are self-sufficient. Yet there is such a need here. The atmosphere is heavy. Witches influence and confuse their faith. There aren’t enough Christians praying and encouraging the pastors and missionaries. Money is needed to continue. There are so many needs. It burdens my heart.
This week, I get to visit the Maruntei village!!! Pray that we will see people come to faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that we would have moments to teach the kids, hang with the youth, cook alongside the adults, and pray with the grandparents. Pray for God’s work to be done through this time. Pray for more supporters to help Hope Church. Pray that God would show me how to handle my burden for these people and this church.
