Warm bready pastries on every corner, old Orthodox Churches with stained glass windows, rooster calls at 5am. The first week of Romania has been exciting and heart-breaking, exhausting and beautiful.
Southern Romania is an area highly unreached by the gospel. Only 0.5% of the population are followers of Christ, as compared to the 7% in Northern Romania. Craiova specifically is known to be a “pastor’s graveyard”, meaning that most church planters do not last long because of a variety of spiritual, mental, and physical barriers. Our partner, Hope Church, has been standing strong for fifteen years now, housing and equipping World Racers to effectively witness to their community.
The spiritual atmosphere in Craiova is heavy. As I walk the streets and greet everyone with a smiley “buna”(Hello), people stare back at me blankly and confused. Everyone seems to be in this emotionless state of apathy, relying on smoking and alcohol to get through the day. Disunity and distrust especially haunt this community, due to the lasting effects of the communist reign. Romanians are more likely to trust a foreigner than their own people, and the Roma and Romanians continue to stand in tense division. As a squad we have felt the effects of this division as we have been individually plagued with insecurity, comparison, and doubt.
The Lord is faithful and has continued to shine light in Craiova. He is using the small seeds planted by previous and current Racers to raise up young people for God. My squad has had the opportunity share the gospel on the streets daily, form new friendships with the local shop owners, serve the hungry in Roma villages, and throw game nights and hangouts to connect with the Craiova youth. God is moving and all I have to offer is my “yes”.
All of that being said… How can you pray?
-Pray for the Craiova youth. Pray that their hearts will be softened to receive the gospel, pray that young leaders will rise up among them.
-Pray against the division of the Roma and Romanian people. Pray there will be peace and unity among them.
-Pray for angels to guard and protect my squad. Pray that we will walk boldly and confidently in who we are in Christ.
-Pray for Hope Church. Pray that they will continue to thrive and produce fruit.
Become a prayer partner with Hope Church by commenting your interest down below!!!
Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. My squad is beyond blessed to have a community of people interceding on our behalf. Your prayers are powerful and effective, your prayers matter.
