Gathering a Team for Moldova 2012...

 If you know very much about me, you know that a highlight of my summer since 2005 has been a mission trip to the small, Eastern European country of Moldova. Another trip is scheduled for this summer with the dates of July 31st - August 10th.  The team that goes there spends a week providing programming at a camp housing about 150 children from an orphanage.

Internat 2

Bedrooms hold 4-6 children

The orphanages in Moldova are called Boarding Schools.  These schools are open from Sept. 1st - May 31st.  All residents must find another place to stay for June, July and August.  That is possible for some of the

Internat 2 bath

children who have a parent, relative or friend able and willing to provide a place for them during the summer.  But for Internat 2, there are about 150 children of the 600+ student body who do not have anyone available to provide a place for them to spend the summer months.  Those children are taken to a camp on the outskirts of Chisinau,  Moldova's capital city,

Chisinau was settled in 1436

Cabins at the camp

Camp in April without active campers

where they live in cabins during the summer.  These children are true orphans - no one willing, able or permitted to care for them.

Some of the teachers during August

Teachers from the boarding school provide camp supervision and care but there is a wide open door for groups to take a team of people to work at the camp to provide programming and presence for a week or more at a time.  There are no restrictions on the content of our lessons and activities.  We have freedom to share the truth and love of God and His word.  And we package that love with our hugs, teaching and smiles.

Moldova Mission Team 2005 as we arrive at the airport in Chisinau - city in the background

What a privilege to serve with the teams that have gone there since 2005. We now have dear friends among the people of all ages whom we've gotten to know over the years. 

We partner in this ministry with Baptist Child and Family Services and their work known as CERI - Children's Emergency Relief International.  They have provided excellent support and counsel as we have prepared each year.  They also provide the resources which keep a godly CERI staff in Moldova of employees who provide ongoing support to the vulnerable and at-risk children in their country.  Those people are faithfully serving the Lord and this ministry and in the process providing hope and help to many children who would most likely be on the street if they weren't a part of CERI's programs to assist children without a stable home.

It is now the time of the year to begin planning for another trip to Moldova for this summer.  There have been several info meetings at my church in Kerrville, TX to begin the process of preparing a team for this summer.

IMB Team House in Chisinau, Moldova

At this point, we have half a dozen people sure that they want to be part of the team.  That is a great start but more people are needed.  The team needs to be a minimum of 7 people and could be a team of 24 as that's the number of beds at the Team House in Chisinau where we stay.

Children sharing Bible verses they've memorized...

Elizabeth and her young girls who meet daily for Bible lessons...

A group of boys whose energy is challenging and invigorating...

Crafts...

Drama...

Twins and a friend...

Preparing to distribute donated shoes and clothes...

Selecting new outfits from the abundance donated for everyone at camp...

I am praying for the selection of participants for the team.  I am also seeking for wisdom from the Lord about whether or not he wants a team to return to Moldova this summer.

Volleyball...

Soccer...

Kites...

Strings...

We will book tickets when we have 7 people ready to commit to go.  The team will remain open through May.  The cost of the trip will be about $3000.00 per person.  Please contact me if you have questions about this trip.  Share your thoughts and comments about your interest and availability.  

I added daily updates to this blog during all the past trips to Moldova.  You will learn much about our work there if you spend some time reading past updates.

My partner in life and with Mission Moldova as we land in Chisinau, Moldova...

I can hardly wait for my husband and me to book our tickets.

I treasure this trip and the experience of seeing how God works in and through the team and those we meet along the way.  It has been life changing for me and I would love to share it with many others for as long as God makes that possible.

PSALM 96: 1-5, 10

Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;  
Proclaim his salvation day after day.  
Declare his glory among the nations, 
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; 
 he is to be feared above all gods.  
For all the gods of the nations are idols, 
but the Lord made the heavens.  
Splendor and majesty are before him; 
strength and glory are in his sanctuary... 
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns."

Dear Lord, 

It is for your  glory and honor that we seek to return to Moldova this summer.  Go before our team as you select and prepare us to Sing, Proclaim and Declare your salvation and glory among the least of your beautiful children in Moldova.  Find us faithful, prepared and available to be your servants during this mission trip.  Thank you for equipping those you are calling.  Thank you for providing all necessary means for those who follow your call to serve this summer.  And open the hearts of those who are waiting to hear and respond to your plan of salvation.  May your fields be ripe for harvest and the workers be bold in their work for your kingdom.  Our confidence is in you, the "most worthy of praise." 
AMEN