We made it back safely to Moldova after a wonderful time of spiritual retreat and renewal in Romania! This retreat was a gift from the Missouri Baptist Association to the IMB missionaries in Romania and Moldova, and it was such a blessing to all of us!!! We were able to meet some of the missionaries in Romania that we had not had a chance to meet when we were in Bucuresti for our language study. Many of these missionaries are out in an area by themselves, and they had experienced some difficult times over the past year, i.e., deaths in their family in the USA, difficult times in ministry, etc. God provided this for all of us, but especially for those that needed special praise and worship and special time in their heart language (English) with other believers!!! Thank you Norm Howell and Chris Ramsey for ministering to each of us in such a wonderful way!!!!!
While the scenery was beautiful, it took us nine hours to drive 250 miles due to the mountain roads, village speed limits, and time at the border. It is quite a bit different than getting on the expressway in the USA and driving that distance; however, it was definitely worth the time and effort that it took to get there!!
We were told that it would be a good idea to have someone stay at our house while we were away. Our colleagues suggested a young woman that they knew, and everything was fine when we returned. It helped her out a little with finances, and everything was safe in our home as well. Most people have a dog to watch over their homes here, but at this point we do not have a dog. We would still need to have someone come by and take care of the dog if we were gone, and it gave the indication that the house wasn't empty.
Here are a few pictures from our time in Romania:
Citadel in Rasnov
Team Romania and Moldova/Shannon-Our new cluster leader/ Worship Leaders
Norm Howell
Chris Ramsey
Mountain Scenery in Romania
The day before we left for Romania, we turned in all of our documents for our residency permit. Please pray that these documents will be all that is needed in order for us to obtain residency here in Moldova. Also, please pray as relationships are being formed, that God would reveal those He has been speaking to regarding home Bible Study and church plants.
We look forward to hearing from each of you! God bless you as you serve Him where He has planted you!!!
Smile, God loves you!
