I am here to tell you that Romania needs redemption. When I imagined Romania, I figured we would be doing some good deeds and trying to save some souls. I had no idea that I would see so many lost people. This month are in Draganesti-Olt, working with Raul from Hope Church and other local missionaries.
In Romania, Christians are mocked and made fun of. I can relate to this because I have often felt like an outcast. But God is providing redemption to Romania through a small number of Christians. These beautiful souls are giving all they have to further God’s Kingdom. You can see His heart through them.
Yesterday, I was lucky enough to see Papa’s heart in a woman named Ana. I went with our mission contact Raul and my squad mate Athena to visit her at the hospital. Raul said that the hospital was not safe for us to enter so we would have to meet outside. In this particular hospital, there are at least two people in every single sized bed.
As Ana came walking toward us, I could see the light pouring out of her. She has been struggling with her health for the past few months and had surgery a few days ago to replace a heart valve. The surgery was unsuccessful. She can have a second surgery, but will have to travel to Rome. Ana does not have the finances to get there.
My heart was aching for her, and her heart was aching for the lost. Ana told me that she was blessed to have a Christian doctor caring for her. That is a very rare thing in Romania. The doctor has been passing out New Testaments to the patients of the hospital. The people are so lost that they are using the pages as toilet paper. Tears began to stream down her face as she told us this.
Every day Ana spends time in deep prayer for the sick in the hospital. Each day she reads a Psalm and something from the New Testament aloud. There is a spiritual war for hearts happening in her room. Every day when she reads, people begin to scream and cover their ears to block out the word of God. One patient has gone far enough as to move out of Ana’s room, but Ana will not give up. She continues to read and pray every day.
My heart is overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness for Ana. It is incredible to see a woman who is in pain and still so faithful to her Maker. Since she has come to know Jesus, she has worked every day to bring others to Christ. Ana continues to reach out regardless of how many times she is shunned. Her passion for loving others cannot be darkened.
Before leaving, we asked to pray over Ana. I thanked Papa for her boldness and asked for protection, peace, and healing. Then Ana started to pray for Athena and I! Her heart is so lost in the Father that she focuses more on loving others.
I am so thankful that Papa is working through Ana to bring redemption to Romania. Her spirit and faithfulness is such an encouragement to me. It is because of people like Ana that Romania can hear the message of Jesus.
I ask that you pray for Ana and the country of Romania tonight. Pray that God will show you how to bring redemption to your city.
