My initial responsibilities as an alumni squad leader for the wonderful people of C Squad officially ended at the end of month 5 (Bolivia). But, as many of y’all may know, I was able to travel with the squad to Europe so I could lead the guys for a month of ministry as men, something we call MANistry. (See what we did there?! Clever, huh?!)
Anyways, the three guys and I, along with the five guys from B Squad and their alumni squad leader joined forces in Durres, Albania last month. We had a great time being guys and doing ministry together. Myself and John (that other squad leader guy I mentioned) pushed and challenged the guys which in turn pushed and challenged us. It was a good month and we all grew and are better men for it. (Right guys? Com’n, don’t make me a liar.)
It’s not truly a MANistry month without a few quality staches.
The guys have all rejoined the ladies from their respective squads and John is back in the states. But with C Squads next debrief in Bulgaria at the end of this month it made the most sense for me to remain in Europe to be part the debrief and not fly back and forth from the states. C Squad is doing ministry in Greece this month. But I find myself back in Dragonesti, Romania! I was here in February of 2015 while on my original Race. It is great to be back, and to do ministry with those I severed with before (and some new ones).
July 2016 February 2015
Romania looks a little different this time of year!
I have been here for a little more than a week now serving with Hope Church in Dragonesti. They are a very active church! They about 5 church plants in the surrounding villages and have numerous ministries to serve the communities and spread the Gospel.
Since being here I have helped with the New Testament Project which has the goal of supplying a New Testament to every household in every village in the area. I helped build new walls in the church. I have preached at three of the churches they have. I supported a missionary couple from the UK through weeding the yard and mowing the lawn of the house that is used to host teams. I have also gone on prayer walks and done evangelism on the streets with church leaders. (We had a good conversation with a group guys that I got to share my testimony with the other day.)
It has been a full week; busy and exhausting. But the Lord is faithful. He has given me strength and provided me with wonderful people to love and encourage me.
Alexe and Veronica Costea, along with their kids, are hosting me this month. I worked with them a lot when I was last here. Living with them at the church that they run in Comani just outside of Dragonesti has been wonderful! They are so generous and kind and feed me so well!
Also there’s another World Race squad here! Fusion Squad (aka G Squad, 4th gen) has been so kind and welcomed me in on several occasions! This was at their Independence Day celebration. Such a blessing to be with some fellow Americans!
My extended time on the field means that I need to raise a little more money, $500 to be exact. With the money that I still need in order to cover the initial cost of squad leading and the additional $500, I still need to raise $1420 to be fully funded. If you are able and Lord prompts you to please follow the link above to donate. Thank you for reading! Love you!
