Black Friday Romanian Style

It is the custom here in Romania to have church services every day during the week leading up to Easter (Passion Week). Romanians celebrate Easter a week later than the United States does, so we have the honor to be here to be part of this celebration. On Black Friday (Good Friday in the U.S.) we spoke and sang in three different churches. It was a wonderful day, long, but wonderful! The pictures below are from Friday. You can also watch one of the many testimonies given during the day.

Pastor John

Great Time of Worship

Thursday night we visited fellow believers in Cherelus at Biserica Ghetsimani! We had a great time of worship and fellowship. One of our favorite experiences in worship is when we can worship in two languages at once. This happens during both of these songs and is most noticeable in the second one. Enjoy!   

Centered On Christ

Sarah Heffington

One thing I have come to enjoy is listening to praise songs in Romanian. I can understand more of the language now, even though I am not even close to fluent. A Romanian group that covers many American praise songs just released Set My Heart by Vertical Worship. 

These lyrics are what I am striving towards living in, centered on Christ, especially as we prepare for our trip:

You make a way when none is found

You tell the roaring ocean to bow

I believe You're moving even now

Right here, right now

I have set my heart

Set my, set my heart on You

You have every part of me

I set my heart on You

It is never our team that accomplishes any ministry, it is God's faithfulness that works through and in spite of us. Please pray that our whole team is grounded in truth, humility, and open to the ways God will move this year!

Planning and Preparing

Maura Elkins

Hello, This is my first time being part of a mission team overseas and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey. I'm not always on time, definitely not always organized, but I like to plan. There is such a joy that comes from waiting down the tasks for the day and plans for my life. 

Yet the Lord's plans are often quite different from mine and my dreams don't always line up with His. When I was asked to consider being a part of this trip my heart was quite hesitant. This was most certainly not in my plans! Through prayer and counsel the Lord gave a clear, "Yes, you should go!" The Lord is so amazing and has provided this opportunity to worship with believers from across the globe and share my testimony. It is a joy to give my time and plans to share His love and proclaim His goodness in Romania. 

It has been a marvelous time preparing and planning for this trip. I've enjoyed getting my passport, travel luggage, and preparing my heart to see the wonderful things that the Lord will do in April. Please pray that the team will be free in giving and bold in sharing the Gospel. All glory to God! He truly deserves the praise!

Excited!

Casey Elkins

As I prepare for this upcoming mission trip to Romania I am reminded how much I need to spiritually prepare. Along with packing my suitcase for travel I am packing my own heart with truths and reminders. I'm seeking to know more of God so that I can be better equipped to minister to others. I am grateful that God's grace is far stronger than my fears and shortcomings. I know from the deepest places in my heart that as I ask God for wisdom, strength, and the right words to say, that the one who created me and cares for me will provide.

I am so excited to be on this team! I can't wait to see new places and experience new things. There is also so much more to this trip than taking part in a new adventure. My mission on this trip is to ultimately glorify a good God and fellowship with other believers on the other side of the world. I am thankful for the opportunity to express to others why I love Jesus and why He loves us immeasurably.

I am so happy to serve alongside this team as we work together to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet. I would like to earnestly ask for your prayers for my team and me as we prepare to go out in just a few weeks. Please pray that God will do great things through us for His glory.

Good Place Spiritually

As far as planning for this trip, I have been working a lot and have also begun some more lengthy Bible studies so that I will be in a good place spiritually. Often with very important things, like this trip, it is hard for me to think about it until it is on the very near horizon. Most often this is a blessing because I tend to worry. In all honesty the extra work has helped me in keeping me calm and relaxed. 

The fact that this year's group is larger than last years is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing what God will do in and through the team on this year's trip!

Bonding Time

We had a great weekend preparing for the upcoming trip to Romania! The team talked, laughed, prayed, sang, and generally got to know each other. 

We are all truly excited to see what God will do this year. Each year is such a unique and special trip and we expect this year to be no exception.

Please continue to pray as the time draws near!