I May Never Go to Moldova

This morning, a cell phone notification indicated that I had received an email from a good friend who lives in Moldova—a local missionary there.* Timely, it arrived as I read about one of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, one that did not go particularly well for him physically. (He and Barnabas were stoned and dragged out of the city because of their efforts.) Yet many believed.

Can you imagine the reaction of his prayer supporters when he returned from the journey? Concerned faces would have turned to joy as they listened to all that God had done. New believers. Lives changed. Cities turned upside down. I picture that tears welled up as they listened, recognizing that Paul and Barnabus suffered for the spread of the gospel. But it was worth it.

Those people were part of the mission too. They were one team. Paul went. They prayed.

I try to escape my twenty-first century mindset to absorb the miracle of those moments on Paul’s journey, to sit with it for a while.

Later I replied to my Moldovan friend. Like previous times, while she is my guest, I will hear updates from the ministry. I will learn of new believers and answered prayer. I will pray with her as she continues to build her team. Together, we will celebrate this significant work.

I do not want updates from a missionary to ever become so common place that I forget the wonder of what God is doing. Just like two thousand years ago, he is still growing his church. I have the chance to participate in that mission by supporting and earnestly praying for those who go. I may never go to Moldova or Peru, or Slovenia, but I am with them on their journeys.

And you can too.

Who do you know on mission? What kind of teammate are you?

The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. (Acts 15:3-4 NIV).

*Message me if you are interested in learning more about the Moldovan ministry.