Ministry Day Three!

Ministry is demanding. When this is stated, most assume the writer has in mind the wearied minister who is overwhelmed with the duties bestowed upon him. As we gathered for our nightly debrief, we concluded that our ministry today was completely demanding but for a reason not associated with the above-mentioned. Rather, our discussion tonight focused on witnessing and embracing the realities of many of the people we interacted with today. A majority of the Draganesti people live in poverty and as many suffer with severe health problems. It's one thing to hear about these people, or to even experience sympathy from a well-made YouTube video. It's quite another to sit in their homes and listen to their stories. Accounts of life after communism and the ongoing struggle to maintain a reasonable quality of life spilled into our ears and quickly made its way down to our hearts. Our souls were torn as we heard people who live alone in one-room houses tell us of their assurance in Jesus and the joy they have in Him. This is what made the day demanding. Whether it was loving on children who have little to play with, providing widows with essentials, repairing a delapidated home, or making home visits so another human could feel valued, we couldn't help reflect on the antithetical reality of finding great joy in being the hands and feet of Jesus and the great sorrow of knowing people live in sub-standard conditions. It was demanding emotionally and yet, to the person, we wouldn't have traded it for the world. Romania is making a difference in our students. Praise God!!

Please pray for one of our students - Greyson Howell. Greyson has a case of Strep and we'd love your prayers for a complete healing.