My last week in Viile Tecii was amazing and bittersweet. NEON & Fuego would often participate in or lead several church services in one Sunday. On the 23rd, we had the blessed privilege of joining seven families in Arcalia for their first church service! The group of us sat under a shady tree outside one family’s home. Some sat on the ground, some in chairs or benches, all were in the beautiful sunshine. It was a beautiful picture of the church: God’s people coming together regardless of the building or the physical structure we came under. We joined together in prayer, song and sharing. The World Racers shared testimony of what God had been showing us in Romania. The Arcalians shared their personal struggles, and several cried as they were so thankful that church was actually happening in their village. We were able to encourage them and support them to start walking on their own two feet. It was such a blessing to our teams to be used by God to come alongside Christians and guide them into unity and communion.
I was given a second opportunity to lead the Bible study in Tonciu. Just like the previous week, I didn’t have a clue where to start. In my down time, I listened to a podcast about forgiveness because it was a lesson our team was walking into. The pastor taught through the book of Philemon and needless to say the Scriptures are convicting and correcting. When our group came together to share any leading we’d heard from God about what to teach, Taylor asked what I was listening to. I shared, we discussed the scriptures, and the lesson just came together for all of us. I’m so thankful for having the chance to speak in front of my brothers and sisters in Tonciu again. It flowed much easier this time around and before leaving we were blessed with more holy kisses, treats/communion and warm goodbyes.
Women of God in Tonciu
One of the biggest projects during this last week in Viile Tecii was a weekend-long Pastors and Leaders Conference. Warren’s heart was filled with compassion to the leading to encourage and bring the church pastors from the different villages together so that he could impart some of his seminary training and knowledge to them. He simply wanted to teach about the Bible and dig deeper into learning about God, the Pastor and Shepherd of us all, so that they in turn could lead their flocks well. Unfortunately, we as Christians struggle with the flesh and many of us racers were confronted about pride. Ashamedly, I was upset about not having an official role in the whole thing. My desire to be seen by others overtook my concern for the pastors and leaders and all the preparations that went into making this go smoothly. I was being completely selfish and whiny and I knew God was showing me how much like a bratty child I was in all of this. Thankfully, God loves me and did not want me to keep stewing in that slimy mess. My brother Taylor graciously listened and let me cry on his shoulder. The evening before the conference started, we racers came together to pray for God to be in control of everything and everyone involved. If we weren’t going to work together (the very thing we wanted to teach the pastors), then we needed to scrap the whole conference to bring peace and unity to us all. We were downright vulnerable and honest with each other in confessing our sin of pride. When I heard that I wasn’t the only one struggling with this same sin…we saw how Satan was attacking our efforts and work for Christ. We became unified under Christ that night through confession, rebuke, correction and love. We experienced breakthrough and victory!! My attitude and thoughts about the conference, about my teammates, about me changed. I wanted so much less of me, and all of God to be seen.
journals for attendees, another small gift from us to them The conference was rocky and pride in some of the pastors showed up immediately. Our teams were flexible and covered the entire thing in prayer and petition to God that no matter what, His truth would be revealed. For the first time in my life, I went an entire day praying without ceasing. As soon as I woke up that morning I couldn’t help but pray for how it all would go. I didn’t talk to anyone unless it was to pray aloud with brothers and sisters or until it was over for the day. That was perhaps one of the most powerful days of my life. I didn’t have a part in teaching, but my behind-the-scenes service and prayer was right where God needed me to be. It was incredibly humbling and I’m so thankful to God for how He loves me through discipline.
my heart will miss this place
