October 8, 2016 Update

The month of September has been a good one; we began the month with a team retreat to Bulgaria. There we were able to spend more time with one another outside of the context of ministry and Brad was giving some teaching about the importance of unity and building good relationships with one another. This, he was saying, is critical for the people of God because disunity is the main way that the devil attacks the church. It was a beneficial time.

The school year began on September 15, so ever since then the routine of going to Chiselet for the Kindergarten has begun again. You can see some photos by following this link: Chiselet Kids Program Photos.

I can see that the people in Chiselet have been really glad for my involvement there, they’re glad for my willingness to come and to serve. I can see a lot of ways that the ministry there can grow and I want to see what my part is in helping them grow. Certainly Chiselet has some material needs to be filled, so I want to look into providing more resources for the ministry, especially the kindergarten-- puzzles, books, educational games-- things that are not in large supply there. It’s nice to be in contact again with the same kids each week, especially since the Summer felt like I was always here and then there, never consistently in the same place.

When the year began I had my own plans in mind about what I might do in Calarasi, how long I would stay, yet didn’t know specifically what I would be doing or what to expect. I have seen the realization of involvement with the Kindergarten, and teenage girls in the area, and it has been good. Over the course of the last two years or so God has begun to show me some ministry needs besides Romania including local ministries in the U.S. that reach out to many different internationals. I know he has directed me to continue my education, which I have been doing through Moody Bible Institute, and I plan to continue towards that goal in the coming years.

The reason I bring all this up is before coming here I had it in mind to come to Romania for about a year and over the course of that year be praying for the Lord’s direction. I knew that he could guide me to stay in Romania or lead me elsewhere. There were people who advised me to continue my education because of that possibility of life taking us in many directions, and having more education would be beneficial toward being prepared for more of life and not just one setting. I don’t know where God is guiding at this point, but I’ve seen some events take place in my life that will require some sorting through from home. I spent months of prayer over this question of when to come home, and for several reasons, including my finances and my family being together for Thanksgiving, I chose to return in November.

I have been communicating with Brad and Nora about all these things in the process as well and was looking for the wisdom and advice of people who are mentors to me, so it wasn't an isolated choice. I would appreciate your continued prayers regarding future direction for me and how I can continue being a blessing to the work that's going on here.