Ministry in Craiova
Our ministry host’s names are Raul and Anna. Their church in Romania is called Hope Church. The mission of this church is simply sharing the Hope of Christ regionally and internationally. Raul and Anna are truly on fire for the Lord and for making His name known. Our main ministry in Craiova has been evangelism. My team every day is divided up to go out all over this city. We have been going out every ministry day from 4-8 pm with a translator from the church (while, the mornings are spent covering this ministry and its partners in prayer). We have teams going to the communities and villages; there is a high population of gypsies who are considered outcast. Our teams have been able to bless these communities with food too. We also have teams just walking through the parks and the center square of the city. The Lord has His Hand over this ministry. There have certainly been many divine appointments and relationships created just in the mere matter of the few weeks that we have been here. My favorite is getting to meet and build relationships with all the coffee shop owners (there is a coffee shop on every corner!).
A couple days ago as we walked through one of the many beautiful parks here, Yudith and I came across a group of 14-15 year olds (most of the younger generation of Craiova are able to speak English). We went over to them to say hi and to hand them some information about the church. The two girls immediately wanted to be our friends. They were excited to meet someone from America, and they asked many questions. However one of the boys in this group kept saying, “Don’t listen to them; don’t talk to them; there is no God.” Immediately the Lord burdened my heart for this 14-year old boy. I turned my intention to him and just asked him simple questions: what he enjoyed doing, what his favorite food was, did he like sports. Within 10-minutes the Lord softened this boy’s heart. He came to sit closer to me; while, before he was saying there was no God, he now asked me why I believed in God. I shared a brief testimony with him, and he intently listened. I know this boy’s heart was not changed, but I do know mine was. I have felt compelled to pray for this young boy every day since this conversation. I thought how before that day this boy may not have ever had anyone to cover him in prayer. I encourage you today, to pick someone and just wholeheartedly pray for them: the girl behind the bar, the women next to you sitting in traffic, a family member, a friend. Lift them up; stand in the gap for them. Let’s be people of prayer and kindness; it changes everything.
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.
Help us to be solely people of prayer.
I pray over Hope Church and this ministry for Your continual favor.
I pray that this country truly knows that Jesus Christ is the only One who saves.
Your Beloved, Kel
I love this! I love how God led you to minister to him. So you gave the word you planted that seed and God is free to continue to let someone else water it as he gives the increase. Love that story!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words ! Thankful for you, kati!
I love your persistence in getting to know and praying for this boy. Proud of you for truly living your life on mission! We’re all the better because of it!