Romania 2008-2010
The Lord's loving kindnesses never cease, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The following are excerpts from two email updates that show some of the Journey while living in Romania in 2008-2010.
5 Month Update
The past 5 months has been such an incredible experience and one that words really cannot describe. Of course there have been difficult times, but I am awe that God would allow me to be here and be a part of how HE is working in
Romania. Currently Elvira and her 5 month old son, Omar live with me. I cannot tell you how God used foster care to help prepare me for this opportunity. I have the privilege of watching Elvira's life be transformed and I am praying that she will soon realize the love of Christ as her Savior. I get to teach English weekly at the Maternity Center, Minor Center, and my apartment to 2 orphan girls. I also lead crafts and a Bible story at the Minor Center with orphans that are locked in a building all day because they have a history of running away or their parents try to take them back to awful living situations. At church on Sunday mornings, I get to lead a small group of orphan girls in Bible study. Of course there are many other little things that I do not have room to mention. I am so blessed to be here. Of course the best way to describe all that is here is in person - so feel free to come visit.
Returning to the States Email
With a wide range of emotions, but an overwhelming sense of peace, I sit down to write another note about what God is doing in my life. After seeking God through much prayer, fasting, HIS Word, and wise counsel the past two months, I feel confident that HE is calling me to return to the United States. I must admit that when the realization hit me, I was completely surprised. Even though I never had a timeframe for being in Romania, I guess I always estimated 3-5 years and never dreamed I would return so quickly, but also always felt like the time here would be for a specific season not a life calling. As I look at the big picture and reflect upon my time here, it is so neat to see that God in HIS sovereignty wanted me here for this season for such a time as this.
My prayer for this stage of the journey is that God will be glorified and that it will be obvious that this is part of God’s journey – I don’t want anything to take away from what God has done or is doing. There is no specific reason that I am leaving rather I am just following because God has called. I’m not sure of all the details to come, but I want to be obedient in each step of faith.
Of course, I hope that this is not good-bye to Romania because I hope to visit much and continue praying and supporting the ministry from the states. Nevertheless there are moments of sadness as I realize that many relationships will change. Yet, even during those sad moments, there is an overwhelming sense of peace that is beyond understanding. And in the midst of it all, I can’t help but also be excited for what God has in store. I am so thankful for HIS continued confirmation and how HE has changed my desires. As I think about the past and all that God has done in and through me, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the plans that HE has for the future that are always better than I can imagine.
I want to take a moment and praise HIM for the time in Romania:
Thank you does not seem adequate for the support that I have received through prayers, finances, emails, etc. I hope you realize that God used you in amazing ways and you were part of HIS name being proclaimed amongst the nations. Belief in Motion is continuing to share God’s love to a very oppressed people and watching God change one life at a time. I can’t wait to watch and be involved from the states as God continues to grow this ministry for HIS glory. I will greatly appreciate your prayers for the next month and for the future:
5 Month Update
The past 5 months has been such an incredible experience and one that words really cannot describe. Of course there have been difficult times, but I am awe that God would allow me to be here and be a part of how HE is working in
Romania. Currently Elvira and her 5 month old son, Omar live with me. I cannot tell you how God used foster care to help prepare me for this opportunity. I have the privilege of watching Elvira's life be transformed and I am praying that she will soon realize the love of Christ as her Savior. I get to teach English weekly at the Maternity Center, Minor Center, and my apartment to 2 orphan girls. I also lead crafts and a Bible story at the Minor Center with orphans that are locked in a building all day because they have a history of running away or their parents try to take them back to awful living situations. At church on Sunday mornings, I get to lead a small group of orphan girls in Bible study. Of course there are many other little things that I do not have room to mention. I am so blessed to be here. Of course the best way to describe all that is here is in person - so feel free to come visit.
Returning to the States Email
With a wide range of emotions, but an overwhelming sense of peace, I sit down to write another note about what God is doing in my life. After seeking God through much prayer, fasting, HIS Word, and wise counsel the past two months, I feel confident that HE is calling me to return to the United States. I must admit that when the realization hit me, I was completely surprised. Even though I never had a timeframe for being in Romania, I guess I always estimated 3-5 years and never dreamed I would return so quickly, but also always felt like the time here would be for a specific season not a life calling. As I look at the big picture and reflect upon my time here, it is so neat to see that God in HIS sovereignty wanted me here for this season for such a time as this.
My prayer for this stage of the journey is that God will be glorified and that it will be obvious that this is part of God’s journey – I don’t want anything to take away from what God has done or is doing. There is no specific reason that I am leaving rather I am just following because God has called. I’m not sure of all the details to come, but I want to be obedient in each step of faith.
Of course, I hope that this is not good-bye to Romania because I hope to visit much and continue praying and supporting the ministry from the states. Nevertheless there are moments of sadness as I realize that many relationships will change. Yet, even during those sad moments, there is an overwhelming sense of peace that is beyond understanding. And in the midst of it all, I can’t help but also be excited for what God has in store. I am so thankful for HIS continued confirmation and how HE has changed my desires. As I think about the past and all that God has done in and through me, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the plans that HE has for the future that are always better than I can imagine.
I want to take a moment and praise HIM for the time in Romania:
- Watching the ministry grow this past year
- 4 new missionaries joined this year and others are praying about joining soon
- Weekly small group Bible studies started with the kids from the orphanage.
- A brand new ministry started at the Minor Center that now includes: Weekly English, crafts, games, singing, and Bible, and outings twice a month.
- A positive working relationship has continued to develop with the Maternity Center.
- A brand new ministry started at the Transition Center with weekly games and Bible Study.
- Growing monthly family support baskets to include a small gypsy village.
- Elvira’s salvation and lifestyle change that includes moving out on her own with her baby.
- Much, much more that room does not allow…
- Learning much
- Presence of God as Comforter
- Sin revealed
- Humbled by HIS Grace
- New lessons in being Holy Spirit led
- Thankful for the freedom and example to minister as Christ in the each moment
- Reminded of the importance of fellowship and unity amongst believers
- More convinced than ever that God alone saves
- Being passionate is putting “Belief in Motion”
- Prayer is essential
- Much more that will be discovered for years to come
Thank you does not seem adequate for the support that I have received through prayers, finances, emails, etc. I hope you realize that God used you in amazing ways and you were part of HIS name being proclaimed amongst the nations. Belief in Motion is continuing to share God’s love to a very oppressed people and watching God change one life at a time. I can’t wait to watch and be involved from the states as God continues to grow this ministry for HIS glory. I will greatly appreciate your prayers for the next month and for the future: