Mission Trip Report from Linda Chapman

""The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth."
(Psalm 145:18)

God is at work in so many ways. Usually when I'm on a long plane flight, the person next to me talks very little. This year a young Polish father of two sweet little girls sat next to me. His two girls sat across the aisle and his wife at the far end. The young man was rather chatty, asking where I was going and why. We had a fairly long conversation that included answers to his many questions. Then the meal was served and nap time followed. However, as we were on our final approach to Frankfurt, he offered a few final words that were so encouraging. He said that in the United States where he lives now, veterans and military personnel are celebrated on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. He said missionaries are soldiers, too, and should be honored for our fight. I was so encouraged by his recognition of the need to share Christ with others and the sincerity with which he spoke.

Thinking back on several Bible passages, it is the Lord who fights; we simply have to trust and obey. It was the Lord who defeated the Egyptians at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:26-27. It was the Lord who sent an angel to defeat 185,000 Assyrians who planned to attack Jerusalem in II King 19:35. We are told about the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Verse 10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might." It is His strength that defeats the enemy and gives victory. We may be soldiers who go forth, but we go forth in His power and in His might. All glory to Him!

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(I Corinthians 15:57)

For the first time in several years, a children's ministry was available. It was such a blessing! Over the course of the week, this ministry witnessed to 152 children. On the second clinic day, the workers had very few children--only about six. We later learned the village priest had been informed of an evangelical children's outreach coming to his village. He decided to detract from this ministry by calling for a special children's program on that specific day. There was an adult lady who attended with her young son. She was very attentive to a Gospel color presentation, during which bracelets with colored beads were utilized. When she came to see me for eyeglasses, I asked her what the colors stood for. She smiled and eagerly gave an explanation of each color. Our nationals plan to follow up in this village by holding a fall celebration in September. 

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:9)

In addition to a Children's Ministry, we also had a Physical Therapist present for this year's trip. She did a great job, and the people kept her busy. Teamwork is impressive. These trips incorporate the assistance not only of the Americans but of drivers, translators, and those who provide food. The national pastors also do a great deal of work obtaining permission for us to enter into villages. They must obtain approval from mayors and priests, which can come and go. It is always a blessing to me, a little taste of heaven, to work alongside brothers and sisters in other countries far away. Although we may be divided by language and culture, Christ brings us together. In Him we have the same mindset and the same heart. 

"We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."
(Romans 12:5)

"Always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you."
(I Peter 3:15)

Driving back to Bucharest, our team was divided into two vans. One van was running a little late. When they did arrive, they were excited to share a story. On their drive they were listening to a sermon by Pastor Jack Graham from Prestonwood Baptist Church. Suddenly the sermon was interrupted by a flat tire. They pulled off the highway to fix the flat. Another car pulled off as well to address a flat tire. The man who drove the other car and our team wound up helping each other. One member of our team, however, decided to address a potentially greater need. He approached this man and shared the Gospel with him. When our team reloaded their luggage and climbed back into the van, they turned the sermon on again. The first words they heard Pastor Graham say were, "You are not here by chance." This brought joy to their hearts as they considered what might become of this man who heard the Gospel message. This is a reminder that we are all on mission every day, everywhere. We don't have to be in a clinic or in a church. We don't have to be at home or overseas. We simply have to be alert and prepared wherever our day leads us and for whomever we meet.



These visible results of this trip are as follows:


  •  217 Evangelism   
  •  14 Professions of Faith                                           
  • 152 Children's Ministry 
  • 232 Medical 
  • 59 Physical Therapy 
  • 281 Eyeglasses 
  • 420 Pairs of eyeglasses distributed

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things."
(Romans 10:15)