Mission Trip Report from Linda Chapman
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
(Colossians 3:17)
Our team just returned from our July 3-13 trip to the northern part of Romania. The mother church we assisted is located in the scenic city of Suceava, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. It was a busy trip, ministering in four villages, each with their unique challenges. Our team exhibited great flexibility as each person took on their special skill sets to manage varying situations. We truly became one team--Americans and Romanians--as we learned to quickly set up and prepare for the day's work.
On Tuesday, we visited the Roma village of Veresti. An organization called Fight For Freedom has set up a facility in the village with plans to expand. They not only serve village residents, but their facility houses some Ukrainian refugees, including children. The children especially touched my heart. They brought 8-10 very young children to be tested for eyeglasses. They all suffered from mental issues and were orphans. I cannot assist such young children, but I greatly enjoyed my brief time with them. I brought them to my side and got them to say what they saw on the eye chart--one which uses symbols instead of letters. They got excited to see a boat or a heart or a circle and would proudly call out what they saw. We would applaud as I then invited them to choose two stickers for their efforts. They were so excited. I invite you to learn more about this organization, their passionate ministry and their needs, at https://www.fightforfreedom.ro/about.
On our last day, we visited a village our national leadership had approached in 2016. The mayor denied their request to bring in a medical team at that time. But the Lord changed this mayor's heart and he allowed us to serve in his village this year. As he met with leadership, perused the clinic, and received eyeglasses, he sported a broad smile and was very excited. After the clinic closed, our national leader said the mayor posted about the clinic on his mayoral site. His post received close to 200 likes and right under 40 positive comments. Our national partner is anticipating strategic possibilities with this mayor who is Orthodox. Keep this mayor in your prayers that his heart continues to open and be receptive to the true Gospel of our Lord and Savior.
On a lighter note, while at our Tuesday village, I was approached by a man who looked at me and said he had seen me before. I said, "Well, yes; I have been to Veresti in 2014 and 2019." He replied, "You look a lot older." What can I say? Thou shall not lie.
Please be in prayer for our national partners as they begin the work of follow-up. As I have said, we are truly one team. The nationals do so much preparation for these trips and follow-up afterwards. They are truly loyal servants of Christ and share His desire to see all come to faith.
If you or someone you know has a desire to serve in the international field, feel free to contact me at linda.chapman@e3partners.org. The work is hard, but the work is joyful and fulfilling.
All praise and glory to our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus!
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
(I Timothy 1:17)
