As I said in my last update, these past months have been a lot different than what we had planned. But looking back, I’m thankful. Many days, it’s been hard and I’ve seen a lot of fear and suffering, but God. He has a way to turn terrible things around and make something good come out of them. I love to see Him do that. To take hopeless situations and fill them with hope. To take fearful people and comfort them. To take lonely people and bring them some encouragement and remind them that they are never alone. God sees them and knows what is going on and He has His people who will help them. I’m so thankful that we have been able to be some of those people during this time.

We are going full speed ahead with ministry. We have adapted a lot, but haven’t slowed down one bit. I’m so thankful for that. I have been put in many uncomfortable situations, many times in front of a camera. As you many know, I enjoy being in the background, where I am not seen. That is my happy place. If you place me in front, I don’t do so good, but like many others, I’ve had to adapt during this time, and I have, knees-shaking, sweaty palms and all.

We have had the opportunity to help quite a few families and older people with groceries during this time, either because they were isolated and couldn’t get it themselves or because they couldn’t afford them. Also, we’re been able to bring protective gear like masks and gowns and cleaning supplies to the hospitals in Craiova. We also made Easter baskets with some goodies for 3 of the hospitals just to show our appreciation to the medical staff. It’s been a blessing to see so many people praying for our doctors. Prayer is so powerful and encouraging. To know someone is praying for you makes a big difference. It makes me think of all of you who are praying for me and I’m so thankful. Please continue to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit because we are doing a lot of things that the enemy doesn’t like, so he sometimes hits back and that’s when yours prayers are like a weapon or a shield.

I’ve done many different things in my life but there are some things that I haven’t done before, like being in a puppet show. That was new. Also, I’ve been in front of a camera numerous times because as you know, we can’t have church physically, so we stream our Sunday services Live. We also make videos almost daily with different topics and different styles. We have interviews, devotionals, testimonies, children’s videos, biblical teachings and others. I’ve had to learn a lot about making videos and I mostly help with the design of the background and getting things prepared. Another thing I’ve had to learn is about zoom, as many of you have. But it’s been great because now I am able to see some of the other missionaries once or twice a week on zoom, which is a lot more than before. Times are definitely changing and I’m thankful that I’m able to adapt and learn what I need to learn to further what we are doing for the Kingdom. It’s so wonderful to hear responses back from people of how different videos have impacted them. Our prayer is that God would continue to speak to people through all of our videos, to encourage them, bring them hope and ultimately to bring them to Him.

So much has changed since my last update. So far, we have had 9 short term teams cancel their mission trip to Romania this year. As you can imagine, this changes our ministry a lot. So much of what we do depends on teams coming here to help because we are just a small team here in Craiova. When we have teams here, we are able to reach and impact more people. And now with the restrictions that have been put into place, we are not allowed to meet for church anymore or do a lot of the things we had planned.

So we have been praying and God has given us a new strategy of reaching people and still being able to continue on with our goals for 2020. As many others, we are working on different ways to reach people through the internet. We’ve already made several videos to encourage people and bring hope. Until now, I’ve been going to work everyday like normal. It seems like things may be changing shortly and we may need to stay in our homes unless we go to the grocery store or pharmacy. I know there are places that are already dealing with that.

The coronavirus is spreading all over the world. I’m sure many people are afraid and anxious. I understand. But I want to encourage all of you with some in-your-face kind of truth, even though this may seem a little insensitive.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:4-5 NIV

But then it continues.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 NIV

Guys, God sees you. He knows what is happening. For a lot of us worrying comes pretty natural. We can worry about anything, but again, God’s Word has something to say about this.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33 NIV

What are you doing to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness today?

Having food and water and toilet paper is good. It’s wise to be prepared. But what are you doing for others? How will you help someone today? How will you encourage or pray for someone today? Will you make the right decision when a situation presents itself even if it causes you suffering or means you will have a little less food or water or toilet paper? Will you suffer so that others can have? Lots of questions that are going through my head right now. I hope they will get you thinking as well.

I had someone tell me today that I should just go home. What am I doing here during this time when I should be home with my family? Are they right? During this time of suffering, when so many people are hopeless here in Craiova. People are so afraid of this virus and of dying. Should I go home to be with my family who knows Christ? They know Jesus. They have eternal life. They know where they are going after they die. They are safe and secure in their homes. I could be safe and secure with them. I love my family so much! Anybody who knows me, knows I care about my family. They love me too, a lot! But what about the people here in Craiova? They do not know Jesus. They don’t have eternal life. They don’t know where they are going after they die. They don’t have hope. Where do you think I am most needed?