I waited at the airport as my participants arrived one by one. They showed up with bags in hand, smiles on their faces and exhaustion in their eyes. Jet lag is real! Once the last team member arrived we piled into a van for a 3-hour ride to Craiova. The team fought back sleep as we sat through orientation, they were determined to be present in every part of the trip. This is something I came to admire in each of them.
Before the team went to bed to get some much-needed rest, they were told that the next morning they would be sharing their testimony at the Sunday serves. I knew that for some of them, this was their first mission trip and I wondered how they would react to the news. I was pleasantly surprised as each girl simply said, “Okay.” The next morning we split into two groups and went to different churches. Even though most of the team was incredibly nervous, each girl shared her story with boldness.
Later that day we talked about expectations for the trip. Everyone agreed that the only expectation they had was to come alongside Hope Church, love the local missionaries, and do whatever was asked; even if that took them out of their comfort zones. They had already shared their story in front of a group of people, how much further out of their comfort zone could they go?!
That week, not only did we have the opportunity to share our stories at church, but we also shared with people in the community as we visited homes. We spent a couple of days playing games and singing songs with kids. We talked with people on the streets and invited them to a concert hosted by the church. I think most of them stopped to talk to us because of our American accents, but hey, I’ll take it.
One of the afternoons we went to hand out New Testament bibles. As I went to put people into teams, I felt led to split the team up a little bit different than I had the prior in the week. Most of the time I tried to keep people with the same translator so they could build that relationship but this day things needed to change. I wasn’t sure why but once we all came back together I could see God’s hand all over it. Here’s a testimony from one of the girls on the team:
“From the beginning of our time here in Craiova I have had Ephesians 3:20-21 on my heart. I thought about the verse every day like a song stuck on repeat. On Thursday our team had the opportunity to hand out New Testament Bibles to a new area for ministry. Before we went out I was praying for boldness and opportunities for conversations with people. We were about to leave the office and I just couldn’t get that verse out of my head. I took out my Bible, read, and underlined it. As we approached two women on the street they told us their story. Her son is in the hospital with pneumonia and hooked up to breathing machines. I asked if I could pray for her and for healing for her son. After I prayed, Ephesians 3:20-21 flashed in my mind, the Lord was telling me I needed to share it with her. She said that God knew we needed to meet that day and it was in His plan for us to talk that day. My heart is overwhelmed by the way God works through us and the way He pieces everything together for His purpose.” -Ashley
Sometimes we don’t understand what God is doing and sometimes it doesn’t make sense but one thing is for sure, He is faithful and good! Not only was this lady encouraged and filled with hope but Ashley’s faith grew as well. While we were debriefing the day Ashley had told the team she knew God could do those things, but at the same time, she didn’t really know. She is ready and willing for God to use her again!
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
