This month our ministry will be with Hope Church, a church plant in the southern part of Romania. The southern part of Romania where we are located has a significantly lower number of Christians than the northern part (.5% in the south and 5% in the north). The purpose of us being here is to come alongside and support the ministries happening, as well as build relationships with people in the community to connect them to the church. I will additionally be involved in a children’s after school program and Hope Church’s social media.

Gloomy. Abandoned. Sad. 

Those are the words I felt heavy on my heart as I arrived in Romania. Those are the words I further believed as I had my first interactions with the people at the train stop.

After arriving in Romania we had time to rest and adjust to the time and new city. On the first day, I was out walking with some friends. I was learning very quickly that it is not typical in this culture to say hello or smile to people as they walk by. My heart was heavy that day as I started to miss Guatemala- their hospitality, vibrant spirits, slow pace of life, and the level of comfortability to share the gospel.

Kara and I stopped to admire this woman’s floral stand at the market. She spoke little English but took two bouquets of flowers and said, ‘For you. Welcome to Romania’. My heart sprang with hope.

We began our first day of ministry with our host. In the morning we had worship, finished up orientation (a Romanian language lesson), prepared some materials, and went to the streets to give them out. Although initially hesitant to hand them out, it became so fun because of the people I met.

There was one older woman who I particularly connected with. She owns a small shop in the middle of a Christmas village where she sells beautiful homemade rugs, placemats, bookmarks, and socks. I want my future home to be filled with her rugs, ha! She will be having heart surgery next month. I’m thankful there is still one month until Christmas so I can continue to stop by, pray, and talk with her while she works.

The same day I met a woman who I began a conversation with as she walked by. Within minutes, she became emotional and shared that she has had no joy since her husband passed. Throughout the conversation she persistently said she did not want to interrupt us or be a burden. We reassured her that we were available. She showed me that people here are battling a lot and are often doing that alone.

Our squad hosted a game night for the youth of Craiova. The majority of the youth speak English and are open to learning new things. They are searching for something. Hope Church’s prayer is that they will become the body of the Church. So, we headed to the street to invite them!

I met a group of seven sixth grade girls who were celebrating a birthday. I explained to them that a group of Americans were planning the event. They were so excited, even using the words ‘miracle’ and ‘dream’. One of them came to the event and is encouraging the others to come to the next event on December 1st where we will have teachings and worship.

Sadly, many of the people I have built relationships with are connected with the Christian orthodox religion that is deeply rooted in tradition. My desire is that they see the freedom and hope they can have in a personal relationship with God.

Piece by piece God has transformed my heart posture towards Romania and the city of Craoiva. To me, Romania is no longer a place with mean people or with streets that instill fear in me. Romania is a place desperately in need of the Good news. It is longing for hope and to be broken away from religious tradition. The people are kind and generous.

I am reminded of my why- why did I come on the World Race? To fight for His kingdom, to love people, and to show them the hope and joy I have because of Jesus. God’s heart is for all people. God’s heart is for the city of Craiova.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5

God, thank you for transforming my heart the last few days. These our your people. I pray we can be your hands and feet here. Thank you that we get to partner with you to uncover your light here. Amen.

Be well. Love well.

Mags