Reflections on Romania March 2008

I am here in the train station in Simeria, Romania awaiting a connecting train that will take us to Targu Jiu, the city in Romania from which we base our ministry in the southern region area of Oltenia.

The time spent traveling these past two days has given me an opportunity to reflect on all God has done on this trip. The first part of our team has now arrived safely in the US and made their way back to the Athens, Georgia area. When they awaken this morning it will no longer be to the sounds of the Romanian country drifting through the streets and villages. Certainly, they will not hear the high pitched toot of the train whistle, the random crowing of roosters, incessant barking of dogs, or the clip clopping of the horse hooves pelting the pavement as they labor to pull the large wagons.

They will no longer hear the loving voice of their hosts and hostesses. The angelic voices of the people as they sing praises to God, or the fervent prayer of those who cry out to God with tear streaked faces - imploring Him to save the souls of family, friends, and others in the community.

There is a voice they are sure to hear, if they will listen. It will be the still small voice speaking to them in the quietness of a moment, reminding them of the small child who smiled at the gift of a pencil. It will be that voice who reminds them of the loving hands that prepared their meals and made their beds while they were staying with a family of believers. The same voice will speak to them about the young people who heard the gospel because they were willing to step beyond their comfort zone and share the love of Christ with them. This voice will remind them about the hours they spent encouraging other believers by being willing to go…just as Jesus commanded.

Surely this voice will speak to them about the unfinished task that remains in Romania. Those who they saw reject the gospel, but who have now at least heard it. It may be that the voice will remind them of those who wept as they thanked one of our team for lifting them before the throne of God in prayer.

This voice will help to take them back to the time when a team mate – a classmate – was willing to open their soul, transparently sharing their deepest hurts and trials, and how God brought them through it all, so that God could use the testimony to speak to the heart of one person, who was attending a meeting.

This voice, the voice of God, will encourage them to be the salt and light to those in their family, school, community and country just as they were to the people of Romania. Let’s pray that all who went will never go back to where they were in their walk with the Lord, that their lives will never be the same again, and that God uses them to bring revival to our land.

WorldReach teams are still out ministering here in Romania, and in Honduras, New Orleans, and Panama City, FL. We need your prayers. Pray for the spiritual health of each team member, their protection as they go about sharing the gospel, and for the Spirit of God to draw people to the Father as the gospel is shared.

Don’t forget to post your words of encouragement via the comments link beneath each posting. Prayer is the foundation of all we do here at WorldReach, and your faithful, fervent prayers are availing much.

From Simaria, Romania this is Jerry Haas.