Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #5...

Starting Gazebo Time with a puppet show to take everyone visually through the Beattitudes!

Translators and Praise Team lead our Gazebo Time music - they're great!

Viorica (wearing a new jacket top from the items shared yesterday) recites the memory verses as Stella observes.

Cross Craft

A really nice young man!

Another fine boy!

Regina and her mother, LaVerne, work hard each day providing crafts the children are enjoying.

Modeling new clothing!

The parachute from Richmond, VA is lots of fun!

Diane and her happy children enjoy a beautiful afternoon playing on the soccer field!

Irina assists with translation and the fun continues.

Sarah helps with free time crafts.

The cook's daughter also loves the craft project.

Allison, Nancy and Regina try to keep up with children doing crafts.

Evening Gazebo Time includes several drama vignettes which illustrate our theme for the day which was Forgiveness.

An elderly woman about to have her purse stolen.  Great actress!

Actresses about to take the stage!!!

These are Allison's "girls".

Loving to pose in costume off stage.

Phillip shares from memory Hebrews 11: 1-7  - received applause from his admiring audience.

Hugs for a young woman wearing a dress that Joanna has outgrown.

You see the highlights of today.  From the youngest through the class with adults, we talked about Jesus' response to a woman who had sinned greatly and the need we all have for receiving forgiveness and extending forgiveness.  Good discussions and fun. 

Of course these days are challenging and exhausting but the joy we're experiencing and the smiles we're sharing are keeping us relying on the Lord to provide all that we need so that He is glorified and made known.  Your prayers are powerful and greatly appreciated.

Mark is recovering and made it through the day but skipped doing cartwheels!!!  Nancy's knowledge of the culture here and her fluency in Russian make her an exceptional addition to the team.

Full day tomorrow so must get some sleep.  Again grateful for fantastic weather - had to start the day with long sleeves!!!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #4...

Moldova Team 2011 - all 14 of us on day 2! 

Will tell the story of Day 2 mostly in pictures.  Started with a group photo in the
Gazebo to keep a team tradition going.  Kudos to Diane for getting a sign ready for us to hold.

Girls we sponsor and have the privilege of spending time with this week!

Camp Director &
Camp Medic respond to tumble by Mark

All fixed up!

 During small group time, things got a little bumpy for Mark but Allison was right there with a first aide kit and the camp director and medic were quickly available.  His physical wounds will heal though he's a little sore in a few places.

Diane teaches small boys to create a little puppet with their hand.

Today's lesson included ideas for dealing with things that are turned upside down. Diane demonstrated with a translator how to turn a face upside down with a magic marker.

Then she demonstrated the same with a student volunteer.  It was really captivating and funny!

Allison and Vlad helping a young man find a fit for his feet.

 We returned to camp after lunch with all the clothes and shoes we'd brought to Moldova.  It was a delightful time of assisting over 100 children and adults in finding something new to wear.  They were all excited and grateful.  The items had come from all team members.  We represent home churches in Kerrville, TX, Parker, CO, Richmond, VA and Irving, TX.  A big thank-you to all who generously donated these items.  And we'll have enough to take with us on Saturday when we have a painting outing at a facility for adults who live in a home for people needing care but having few resources.

Lots to choose from.

Girls are great "shoppers"

Something for the cooks also.

Such a thrilling moment!  Young men with LaVerne in their new soccer shoes and clothes.

We've been watching these twins grow up and they're now nearly as tall as John.

The twins in the photo above have just graduated from the orphanage.  They have sponsors from Kerrville, TX who have been praying diligently for them for at least 7 years.  Last week they attended the Transitional Care camp and during that week they "repented".  They are planning to give up some bad habits and enroll in further education so that they can stay in the CERI program and be given continued support and encouragement.  They are good examples of the fruit of building relationships and sharing God's truth with vulnerable children.  They have joyful expressions and new evidence in their lives of a change on the inside.

We are grateful to be here; grateful for your prayers; grateful that Nancy was well enough to join us today; grateful that Mark was not injured more seriously and grateful that the weather here is SPECTACULAR!!!

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #3...

Diane and Translator Alex preparing a group of boys for a drama.

 We've had perfect weather today!

The day has gone well and debriefing after supper this evening included expressions of satisfaction with the schedule, the activities and especially the joy of being with the people in our groups today.  It was a good Monday - minor equipment struggles and good participation in all that happened.

We start and end our day with about a 40-45 minute large group session in the Gazebo.  There's singing, dramas, a projected story and memory verse sharing plus whatever else we think of. 

Radu serves as helper and capable actor.  He's an orphanage graduate and a fine young man.

Enraptured audience during Gazebo Time

Beautiful Viorica with the craft for the day in her hair.

Actors depicting Samuel selecting David as King.

Oldest son is not the chosen one though he's strong and handsome!

Parachute from Richmond, VA provides afternoon fun.

We are still eagerly preparing for our day tomorrow but pretty weary this evening.  But it's a good "weary".

Forty new children arrived at camp today.  They will join our groups tomorrow and we're praying that this opportunity to share with new children will provide moments in which Christ is winsomely made known.  But we realize this may present an interesting challenge!  Bring it on!!!

The two delayed boxes arrived today so we are thanking God for that answer to prayer.  Your prayers are important and very appreciated.  Our team member who lives in Moldova was unable to be with us today due to illness.  Pray for Nancy who hopes to join us tomorrow.

Moldova Mission Trip 2011 #2...

 A rich and very full Sunday is drawing to a close over here!  Some photos will tell our story.

Most of us slept quite well but are all planning roast rooster for dinner very soon!  If this creature could crow properly rather than with a mechanical, fake voice, I might not be so perturbed!  And we've all decided that 5am is too early for the serenade to begin!

So we started early and were able to open and sort our boxes of supplies before breakfast!  That allowed a few other things to fit into our day which was nice. 

After a delicious pancake breakfast, we headed to Jesus Savior Baptist Church.  The 2 1/4 hour service included many elements and we knew we were worshipping the Lord even without knowing the language.

Beside the usual sermon at the end, the service included a baby dedication,                                    

   

 an introduction of a newly engaged couple, which included a call to the congregation to pray for and offer support in any way so that the couple would be encouraged and well prepared for marriage,

 the amazing recitation (at least 10 minutes) by a small boy with voice and hand dramatic embellishments of the Biblical story of
Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, 3 choir numbers sounding like well trained professionals and perhaps nearly an hour of prayer.  There were several times of corporate prayer.  A pastor had a message, then led in prayer, followed by open prayers from congregants and later, after a few people had come forward with written prayer requests, there was more Pastoral and open prayer.

Another element was for visitors to introduce themselves and give a greeting from their home churches.  A man sang a solo and a woman read a lengthy poem.

Traditional group photo on the front steps of Jesus Savior Baptist church following the service.

 We headed to lunch at a pizza parlor where we were joined by the twin girls we help sponsor.  That was sweet as we caught up with their lives.  They have been hoping to immigrate to Italy to be with their mother but had learned yesterday that they were denied visas to leave the country.  They have a Romanian grandfather so will try to obtain Romanian passports and try again.  They expect this process to take a year or two.  They are optimistic though disappointed.

Diane and Phillip Worden scouting for gifts.

The girls joined our team following lunch at the market.  It could not have been a more beautiful day and some found treasure for souvenirs.

 More treasure hunters examining jewelry, Matroushka dolls, art work, etc.

 My husband and I are joined by our daughter as we spent some shopping time with our twin girls.

Elena opening a gift from her other sponsor.

 Following the market shopping outing, we returned to the team house to prepare for a trip to camp.  Our translators arrived about 4, we went over schedule logistics, had a tender time of prayer and headed to camp.  We had learned that the other 2 girls we sponsor were to be at camp.  Almost as soon as we arrived, they found us and our hugs were mutually warm and wonderful!

Sharing the photo albums I created from pictures taken in 2010.

Stella and my Froggy puppet friend helped me introduce ourselves to the children.

Today was change day at the camp as its the last day of the month.  Some children went home and 40 more will arrive tomorrow morning.  But small groups went well and folks have been busy this evening preparing for what will unfold tomorrow!

Now you see why I say it was a full day.  We're so grateful for lovely temperatures, blue skies and welcoming smiles.

Now to get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow.  We're feeling your prayers and support!

Safe Arrival in Moldova...

Team Worden plus Mark

It is Saturday evening and I'm at home in Chisinau, Moldova.  This home for our team for the next week plus a few days is clean, comfortable and welcoming. 

Travel began for the Kerrville team members at 3am on Fri. morning.  Check in went quite smoothly and we had time for breakfast before heading to Detroit.  I was asleep on that flight before the plane took off!!! 

Detroit team expands

The team grew by 3 members in Detroit as others joined us from Denver, CO and Richmond, VA.  Getting acquainted is going well. A treat during our Detroit stop was that the Wordens were able to welcome son James and grandson Constantine for a visit at the airport. 

Detroit mini family reunion

 Slightly delayed departure from Detroit with smooth travel to Frankfurt.  Added another 3 team members there.  A very groggy group boarded Air Moldova and departed there about 3pm.

Phillip grabs some zzzzzzzz's on a tram to the plane in Frankfurt.

 Had a fun welcome in Chisnau by the CERI director here and her 10 month old baby girl whom we're meeting for the first time!

Some questions from Customs officials were deftly handled by Connie and our baggage entered the country.

Two boxes were delayed somewhere but should arrive in a day or two.

Our traditional team photo as we arrive with the city of Chisinau in the background

Our tummy's are full, our beds are ready and no one will have trouble sleeping.  It is cool and comfy.  My heart is singing and rejoicing that God has brought another team together and brought us safely here.  Thanks for your prayers!

Moldova Countdown...

Our Moldova Team 2011 is in the final day of preparation for departure from our homes, families, city, state and nation.  Travel days are Friday and Saturday.  Some of us will depart at 3AM on Friday, have long hours in airports then we will all board Air Moldova together on Sat. afternoon in Frankfurt, Germany for the last leg of our trip to Moldova.  This will be my 7th early August trip.  Memories of precious faces are stirring within me and my heart is ready to spend time with friends I have come to know and love.

Spending time with girls we sponsor - anxious to see them again in a few days.

This evening as I pondered the hours I've spent in preparation, I realized that none of those hours have yet been used to bring anyone closer to a relationship with the Lord.  Have those hours been wasted?  Has it been in futility that I have fashioned schedules, activities and lessons?

My prayer this evening is that all those hours of preparation will be the foundation from which I and our team can be freed to shine God's light and truth.  Our schedule may be implemented upon our arrival at the camp in Moldova or God may allow it to be brushed aside in order for a different plan of His to unfold.  We have been taking seriously the privilege of this opportunity.  Our preparation provides a framework giving us some security that we have things to share.  But more importantly, the memory bank in our hearts and minds will be the reservoir from which His love and truth can flow so that relationships with Him can be birthed and brought to greater maturity.

We're all excited.  Pray with us and for us as we go with trust and confidence in one worthy of being made known.

Moldova Mission Trip on the Horizon...

Our final day in 2010 after we've painted a tee with a symbol of each lesson we taught.

In less than 2 weeks, 13 people from the United States will be traveling to Chisinau, Moldova.  There we will be joined by another team member who gets to live in Chisinau year round.  Our team members come from 2 different countries, 4 different states and 5 different churches.  We will begin meeting as a team at the airport in Detroit, continue adding team members at the Frankfurt, Germany airport and finally be all together for the first time after arrival in Chisinau, Moldova on July 30th. 

The Gazebo holds all of us to start and end our day at camp.

How will 14 people be able to cooperatively get acquainted, live and minister together for 11 days when they've previously never been physically in the same space?
These words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans give me great hope and confidence that this will be  possible:

Romans 15: 5-7

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Husband John with his boys ages 13-14 in 2010

We selected a curriculum this year which has a lesson on inclusiveness - accepting those with a variety of differences; another lesson is on forgiveness and we'll close with a lesson about salvation. So the verses in Romans which encourage a spirit of unity and acceptance of one another in order to bring praise to God will have to be embraced by our whole team so that we will glorify God with one heart and mouth as we share and model the implementation of the lessons we'll teach. 

1. Will this be a challenge?
2. Will this be successful?
3. Will this be implemented perfectly?
4. Will the effort be worth it?
5. Will our team glorify our Lord Jesus Christ?
6. Will we have a spirit of unity among ourselves?
7. Will God be praised?

I am prayerfully trusting that the answer to all of the above questions will be "yes" except for #3.  We will not reach perfection as individuals or as a team on this trip but we will forgive and receive forgiveness as moments of friction arise and are overcome.

Meeting with the Moldovan teachers

Our team is mightily encouraged and sustained with the prayerful support of family and friends.  Please pray for the following:

1. Travel safety
2. Team bonding cooperatively
3. Health
4. Proper sleep / adaptation to time change
5. God's truth shared in boldly winsome ways

Thanks for being a part of our team. Hopefully I will be able to update this blog each day in Moldova starting July 31st.

I can't wait to get back there!!! 

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #4...

I'm still pondering the Luke 8 passage which is found in verses 26 - 39.  I have posted thoughts about the demon possessed man from whom Jesus cast a legion of demons, the people of the region who begged Jesus to leave their area and now I want to focus on another group of people who were involved as observers of this miracle.

Verse 26 begins with the word "they".

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes which is across the lake from Galilee.

Who are "they"?  We answer that question by reading the preceding paragraph as follows:

Luke 8:  22 - 25

²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. ²³ As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.  ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
   He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
   In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

 So the "they" is Jesus and his disciples.  They have just been part of Jesus' teaching ministry involving large crowds of people.  No wonder Jesus was so physically exhausted that he was able to stay asleep during a squall which threatened the swamping of their boat.  But he placed his trust in his heavenly father and slept without fear.  

Fear, however, visited his followers and they turned to him with a shouted prayer cry!  

"Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

And before he questioned their faith, he calmed the storm.  He spoke to the wind and water and the storm that was raging and it obeyed him - it was stilled.  Perhaps Jesus went back to his "bed" to continue sleeping.  But his disciples were so wide awake and amazed that they could only wonder at what they had just witnessed!  It was one thing when humans obeyed his voice, but it was truly amazing when the wind and waves obeyed!    And their question was, "Who is this?"

They are about to get an answer to their perhaps theoretical question.

They follow Jesus as he steps on shore in the region of the Gerasenes.  As the homeless, naked demonic approaches, a voice from within that man cries out - 

"What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?"

The demons know who Jesus is and the disciples are witnesses to their proclamation.  Jesus is the Son of God!  And they are about to observe that demons also obey him because he is going to perform a miracle.  He will cast 2000 demons from this tortured man and free him from their control.  Another act of Jesus which amazes his fearful disciples.  

And until the community comes together and asks Jesus to leave them because of the fear they have, Jesus teaches the newly healed man a portion of his life changing and nourishing truth.  The disciples witness this.  

As Jesus got into the boat to leave, the demonic begs to be able to leave with him but is told,

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have been thinking about that command since early January.  I have been thinking that those words were not only given to the demonic but they were also given to me centuries later.  And today I believe that this message was for the disciples also.

That is why I wanted to explore those who witnessed these words Jesus spoke and to ponder what their answer would be if they were to "...tell how much God has done for you."  

Here are some of the things they would probably tell just from what they have seen so recently:

• Jesus awakened from sound sleep when I cried to him during a life threatening storm
• Before Jesus challenged my faith, he calmed the storm creating my fear
•  The wind, waves and storm obeyed Jesus' command so that my life was spared
• Jesus was proclaimed to be God by demons and Jesus did not refute that claim
• Demons are powerless when Jesus speaks to them
• Jesus took what caused my fear and brought calm

If these disciples tell these things as they walk amongst their friends, family and the crowds that gather around them, they will be powerful witnesses of Jesus' life changing, truthful words which provide freedom from fear and from the control of danger and demons. Those things are powerless when we cry for release and Jesus acts on our behalf.  

 

I, too, am amazed and released from fear and powerlessness.  I must join these Jesus followers and  

"...tell how much God has done for you."

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #3...

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have looked at the man and the villagers who heard and saw what happened as Jesus came on shore in their neighborhood and radically changed one man's life.

I have some more thoughts about this man in relation to the assignment Jesus gave him.  The man was begging Jesus to allow him to go with him.  Because of fear, the villagers had asked Jesus to leave and he was obliging them. So Jesus was getting back into the boat to leave.  But rather than take the healed demoniac with him, he gave him this assignment:

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

 

I've been thinking about reasons that this man would have been begging to go with Jesus.  I imagine that all of the following are experiences and feelings which he was having as a result of Jesus' love and action.

• He had just met Jesus who had listened to him and responded with power and the gift of freedom.
• He had just become a healed person who was able to physically control his own body.
• He had been released from binding chains and human guards.
• He was clothed with garments that helped him feel cared for and human.
• He was able to focus his mind, heart and attention on Jesus' instructive words.
• He was receiving answers to questions he was able to articulate.
• His hunger for acceptance and truth was being fed. 
• He was learning what it was like to experience an atmosphere of contentment and calm.

Of course he would want to stay with Jesus.  Jesus was healing and redeeming him and he wanted more of all that love and kindness and truth.

 

One of the most amazing things to me about Jesus' words to him, is that Jesus had confidence that he was ready to: 

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

 

How could he be ready?  He had spent so little time in Bible Study and prayer.  He hadn't been to college or seminary or taken any online Bible courses.  He hadn't studied methods of evangelism nor witnessing.  I'm not saying these aren't good things to do but Jesus had a different plan for this man's launch as a witness for God.  It must be that Jesus knew this man's truthful telling of his life's story would be winsomely compelling wherever this man went with his new found voice of godly praise.  Jesus had started this man on his way to wholeness and he trusted him to follow through obediently.  

 

Luke 8: 39b  So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

 

I am so happy for this man!  His obedience excites me!  The Bible does not tell us the results of his words and actions but Jesus hadn't promised him a certain outcome.  All who heard his story had his same freedom to believe and trust or scoff and deny.  I'd like to think that there were many Jesus followers as a result of this man's voice but I find freedom in not knowing.    Jesus asked for verbal action and was hastily obeyed.

 

And I see something else that excites me as I soak in these verses today.  Jesus' words after healing this man were "...tell how much God..."

And the man went away and "...told all over town how much Jesus..."

Notice the change of name?  This man accurately, confidently recognized that Jesus was God.  He may not have understood how spiritually astute this was but I'm excited to see this as affirmation that Jesus was not just a man but he was God. Jesus gave this man an assignment to tell how much "God" had done for him, knowing that he would tell how much "Jesus" had done for him.  In this I see Jesus' claim to be God.  This is proof of his divinity.  In verse 28, the voice of an indwelling demon had called to "Jesus, Son of the Most High God".  This demon also knew Jesus was God.  This story builds my confidence in the truth of God the Father and God the Son.

 

I am marveling at the wonder and creativity of God's  redemption plan.  He allows his created human population to become tethered and broken by torturing demons but when there's a cry and a bow, Jesus responds with a command to the evil spirits to flee and the torment ceases and peace prevails.  A mighty God cares for his children and I am grateful. 

Still more to learn and share on another day.

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #2...

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Day 1 had some of my thoughts about the man from whom a "legion" of demons had been cast.

I turn now to others who witnessed this man's exorcism and reported it to the neighboring townsfolk who most likely were their family and friends.

Luke 8: 34-35a  When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.

What these people had heard and seen was this:

• Jesus arrived by boat from Galilee 
• as soon as he stepped ashore, he was met by the demon possessed man
• The demonic fell at Jesus' feet shouting "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
• Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.
• The evil spirit had often seized the man though he was chained hand and foot
• The demoniac was kept under guard but had broken his chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places
• The man told Jesus his name was "Legion" because many demons had gone into him.
• The demons begged Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss
• The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside
• Jesus gave the demons permission to go into the pigs and they did.
• The herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

At this point, those who witnessed the interaction between Jesus, the man possessed by demons and the demons, "ran off and reported this in the town and countryside".

And those who heard the story came looking for Jesus.

• They found Jesus and
• found the man from whom demons had been cast,
• who was sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind.  

What was the response of the people who flocked to see this amazing thing?

1. Were they thrilled to find this man healed?  
2. Did they rejoice to see him clothed and in his right mind?  
3. Was this man welcomed back into the community and offered a place to live?  
4. Were they grateful that they no longer needed to be cautious or caution their children about this wild and dangerous man?  
5. Did they open their homes for a meal or overnight stay?

No, they were afraid!!!

The eye witnesses told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

• Then all the people of the region asked Jesus to leave them because they were overcome with fear.

All the people were overcome with fear!!!

How unfortunate that these people allowed fear to overtake them so that they asked the great healer, helper, restorer, redeemer to leave their region.  They failed to see how much God had done for one man and thereby were not willing to have their eyes opened to what he might do for them or for others with great needs.  

• Fear can be 
• irrational 
• blinding 
• personally limiting
• heartless
• selfish
• lots of things  

And so, out of their great fear,  they asked Jesus to leave them -

• So he got into the boat and left.

Was it that a legion of pigs was of greater value than one deranged and possessed man?  Were they ashamed of being considered powerless to help this man sooner without Jesus' intervention? 

But their fear was real and they felt action needed to be taken immediately so Jesus was asked to leave.  He must be the problem.  Get rid of him and fear will cease.

How unfortunate that these people did not see Jesus as an answer to fear and not the cause of it.  Certainly there was one man who knew that Jesus was the answer to human fear.  One man whose life had been radically changed  

• from a life of constant fear to a life of freedom from fear.   

The truth of this story remains for our time.  Jesus can take what causes constant fear and he can provide freedom from that fear when we "cry out and fall at his feet" as the demonic did.  Jesus heard that man's shouted prayer and knew this man recognized him as the one who could  take what had consumed and ruined his life and remove it from him with the result being healing, wholeness, gentleness and hunger for Truth.  And in that state of mind, this man would become a powerful and winsome witness as he began to respond to Jesus' request of him to:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Will I be one who is overtaken by fear when God does something huge in my life or in the life of a family member, friend or acquaintance or will I sit at Jesus' feet and allow his words to instruct and equip me in order that I might hear Jesus' request of me:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."