Journey to Romania 2016
Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.
Psalm 25:4
When I left Romania in 2010, I definitely did not understand why, but felt the call was clear and I was to obey. I could have never imagined all that God allowed during the last five years. I am so thankful for His calling that allowed me to be with family as we experienced two important losses within three months of each other. Looking back, I can also see how God has grown me and better equipped me with tools that could be used in Romania.
- God led me to work at Teen Challenge Girls’ Home where I learned and saw a 15-month residential placement for difficult children (many whom had been adopted) that taught spiritual healing as the answer.
- God allowed me to obtain my Masters in School Counseling that gave me an overview of many different approaches to dealing with problems as well as a job that allowed me to put this knowledge in use.
- God allowed me to study Biblical Counseling through classes and conferences that revealed pointing others to Christ is the only way to lasting healing and gave instruction on how to do this.
- God led me to become a part of a body of believers that has pointed me to the Gospel in all areas and been an example of what it means to live in community.
- God has been faithful to continue showing areas of sin in my heart and how my lone-ranger mentality, temptation to become the savior rather than point others to the only Savior, and other heart idols steal His glory and need to be addressed before going to Romania.
- During my personal study time in Philippians and looking out for the interest of others, God has reminded me that my concern should not be my own life and what is going to happen, but rather what is best for those involved. My prayer has changed from God showing me if I am to work at Lanie’s House to please raise up your best for the house.
- There have been multiple sermons in the Exodus series that I have related to this situation with Romania. However, none were as convicting as the message from Exodus 14 where God led the people to in the illogical direction where their back would be against the wall. God used this to really help me see my sin idolatry of comfort when making decisions that I perceive as illogical. The idea of having to address differences makes me uncomfortable and wanting to not address the issues rather than trusting God in the difficult times.
- While listening to a podcast by Nancy Leigh DeMoss about Deborah, I was greatly encouraged by how God used a female. This quote spoke volumes to me, “I have been reminded that it is fear of trouble, and love of ease and an inordinate affection to my worldly business that will keep me out of the battle.”