A Moldovan Village Experience...

Our translators joined us by 9:00 AM today and we loaded all the supplies for our painting project, food staples distribution plus clothing donations into the van.  It turned out to be one of our hottest days here but there were faithful participants that stayed engaged until our tasks were completed.

We drove through beautiful countryside to the village of Griblesti (pronounced something like Griblescht).  Yuri Males (Malish) is the Pastor of the Baptist Mission Church there.  He, his wife and university student daughter met us at their church.  The team was divided into 2 groups - half to paint a black, wrought-iron fence around part of the property and the other half to distribute food packages to needy families.  That group was divided into 2 groups and each group visited 8 homes to leave the food and share in some conversation.  I joined Brother Yuri's group and we set off on foot for the homes where he already knew there were needs.  His wife led the other team.  It took our group 2.5 hours to visit 8 homes.

The painting group had used all their paint as we returned to the church.  They could have used another gallon to completely finish the fence but much was accomplished.  Some of us put out the lunch items and by 1:30 or so, all were enjoying the refreshment and opportunity to get out of the direct sun.  We lingered in conversation with Yuri and his wife about their ministry and headed back to Chisinau where we arrived by about 4:30 PM.  It had been a wonderful day but we were all anxious for showers.

Supper at 6:00 - delicious native Moldovan foods - Mama Liga, stuffed cabbage leaves, cooked chicken breast and fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and goat cheese.  Brownie with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate for dessert.  We're suffering terribly!!!

Followed supper with conversation then had a couple rounds of UNO games.  Love this team.

Now for photos...

Stopped near Griblesti to buy watermelon and grapes...

Sponsored children joined our team for the day...

Green grapes were the preferred... 

Getting into a prayer circle with Brother Yuri on the left...

Summer kitchen at first home...

3 generations at 1st home...

2nd home with Mother, Uri, son, myself and Amanda...

3rd family with an adorable set of twin girls...

4th home, beautiful garden

Village family's horse and wagon...

Amanda hopes to get a ride...

5th home was where we met a dear woman with some doubts about the stories in the Bible.  I shared some family photos, Yuri shared Biblical truth and Ana translated for me and to me...

 As Yuri spoke, he began to have the sense that the moment for repentance had come.  Through the translator, he asked me to hold this woman's hands.  Then he asked me to help her pray a prayer to receive the gift of salvation which is offered to those who believe in Jesus, repent and ask for forgiveness.  I began to pray.  Line by line, Ana translated,Yuri repeated that and this woman whispered those words.  When we concluded the prayer, Yuri and I each gave her a hug and she said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."  And I had a heart filled with praise for sharing in this holy moment.

As sisters in the Lord, we'll meet again in heaven some day.

 

Getting protection from the hot sun in a baby buggy...

6th home with a disabled man who spends his days in bed....

Yuri's older brother - war wounds, addiction issues but a heart that has repented and a brother who continues to stay close to provide support and encouragement.  Note his Bible on the table beside the radio on which he listens to THE LITTLE SAMARITAN radio station.

Painting team...

Apparently painting didn't offer enough excitement so Phillip added some creativity...

The roadside watermelon was delicious...

A maturing young man decides to read scripture to the lunch crowd....

Summer services are held in an upstairs room...

The Males family...

Yeah for a Mom and paint thinner to get some of the paint off before jumping into the shower...

Our day was hot but blessed.  Tomorrow we'll return to Jesus Savior Baptist Church for communion Sunday.  All but 2 of us will finalize packing for the return to the states early Monday morning. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, 

shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

A Wrap on Camp...

There's a huge sense of relief, joy, sadness and satisfaction knowing that the purpose of our mission trip has been realized.  We came here primarily to spend 5 days at a camp with some of the dearest people in the world.  We have poured our all into the time we've been here.  It has often been a physically challenging time but we have kept in mind the purpose of coming - to honor, glorify and make known the One who loves them and will never leave them.  We trust that the memory verses they learned and the photo album memory books with printed verses and group photos, will be a long-lasting reminder that God and some people from far away, care deeply about them.  One team member was told today that the only time the children spend any time reading the Bible is when our team comes for 5 days and shares scripture with them.  We know that seed has been sown and will bear fruit in time.

 Now to share more of the day with photos...

Beautiful smiles...

Sharing the week with girls we sponsor...

Creative, capable, calm Diane introduces the skit with the middle aged boys during our gazebo time...

Captured by Adam Raccoon again this morning...

Phillip prepares rewards for little boys who recite their memory verses...

Little boys lined up to recite verses to their translator and receive their reward.

On a hillside for the final lesson - boys ages 14 - 16 - learning God's truth through scripture and thoughts from son John.

Final lesson about Samuel's selection of David as the next king... 

DVD photos are clearer on the computer screen than the room screen...

Father and daughter in Moldova for the first time...

Father and son sharing Moldova - priceless...

Lasting friendship...

Wrap-up Gazebo time skit with little girls...

Change is about to happen...

The lowly worm is feeling very tired...

But wait, change is happening....

Beautiful butterfly bursts forth...

Little boys receive their little gifts...

Middle girls receiving gifts also...

Chick-fil-a shirts in Moldova...

2 students from China with whom I hope to further connect before I leave....

John and Dan have become "tight"...

Son John with our girl, Viorica...  she's headed on to further education with full government funding for 4 years as she hopes to one day become a Dr.

Sharing the market with Lena and Viorica...

Lunch at McD's - Need Chick-fil-a in Moldova...

These dudes make for constant laughs and fun - clowning around today at the market.

Getting a bag handmade by this business woman....

Translators and helpers at our Appreciation dinner at LaTaifas restaurant...

Sharing the week with family...

and girls we sponsor...

plus the rest of the team... blessed and priceless.

This has been a synopsis of the day.  It's difficult to put into words the emotions we've had as this day has unfolded.  We have focused, shared, smiled, hugged - sometimes long and tight - laughed and had the tears that continually threatened to spill, overflow from hearts trusting the God we serve.  As we lingered over the delicious food and lovely setting of LaTaifas with our support team here this evening, each team member shared something which stood out about our week.  Two of the girls we sponsor had joined us for the week as helpers and were in attendance this evening with our team.  Translators who had put our English into Romanian for the children at camp, now put our words into Romanian for these girls.  As I spoke, I could sense the girls beginning to cry.  God has given me passion for this mission experience and I have deep gratitude for the support we receive from the CERI team in Moldova during our mission week and ongoing throughout the year.  As I shared what God had put on my heart, "my" girls were touched.  Their tears flowed freely.  One of the girls dismissed herself quickly as the evening concluded as she knew her eyes had been affected.  I talked later with the translator to learn why they had been crying.  She replied, "Because of the things you said.  I translated all of your words to them."  If I ever wondered if these trips are worth it and if sponsorship makes a difference, I will wonder no more.  But as to whom receives greater benefit, the truth is difficult to discern. 

To God Be The Glory...

Tomorrow we head to a village for a service project... Stay tuned...