What did God teach me?
Relationships – I learned the importance of teamwork and intentionality in building relationships. I also learned how receptive people are to the gospel when you take the time to build a relationship. I saw the missionaries at Biserica Esperanza use this wisdom every day. Florina and Marianna spend their time making friends and ministering to the people they know and to the people they meet everyday.
Boldness – Through street evangelism, I discovered the importance of a balance between relationship and boldness. While I struggle to speak out to people I don’t know, I’ve learned that I need to just be bold and speak up.
Children – Part of Pastor Raul’s ministry is to reach the hearts of the people through the children of the community. He and the missionaries under him are starting kid’s club. When relationships are built with the children, it enables the missionaries to develop relationships with the parents as well. Families begin to see that, contrary to what the Orthodox priests say, the Protestants aren’t so bad. They actually care about what happens to people in their community. In addition to the kid’s club, Raul has high hopes for another ministry – one that is very close to my heart. He is in the beginning stages of starting a soccer league for the boys in Draganesti and the surrounding villages. Throughout the month, we had the opportunity to play soccer against a few of the teams that are just starting out. It was awesome to see how much soccer can be used as an avenue of discipleship and relationship building.
Who will I remember?
Mariana was my friend and instructor for over two weeks. With her children, Amalia and Andrew, we attempted to get work done every afternoon. She showed me how to be a dedicated mother while still serving the Lord. She found the area in which she could lead and serve the Lord the best. We had great times trying on clothes and laughing at ridiculous hats.
Florina is one of the sweetest women I know. She patiently and faithfully serves the families in her community. When the promised morning movie date with a few gypsy kids fell through, Florina picked up Rayna, myself, and the children. We headed out to the park to make-up for the lost movie. Rayna and I played hide-and-go-seek, London Bridge, Duck-Duck-Goose, and other games. It was a joy to see her enthusiasm for the families she loves.
My sweet, sweet, Ellie. This crazy 17 year-old girl lived on the top floor of the mission house. We became great friends throughout the month: playing soccer together, having water fights, sewing, cooking, etc. If you want to read her story, check out this blog http://teresaschellhause.theworldrace.org/?filename=ellie.
What is my prayer?
My prayer for the ministry in Draganesti-Olt is that it will continue to grow and prosper. The people of Romania are living in darkness and they need to see the light. They need to see people truly living for God, not people abiding by the tenets of a religion. I also see a great need for more workers. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
