Good morning.
It was brought to my attention that it appears that I am on vacation. Isn't God amazing like that? I do feel like I am on vacation-- it is that inspiring... incredible... spiritual. Maybe you want to vacation with me here next year on mission trip to help raise a home that can start housing orphans?
A wise missionary recently told me when I told him how useless I feel at the moment-- "The first mission trip is more for the missionary than it is for the mission." Aww-- more words of wisdom.
Relationship building is key over here. That in itself is a mission. Encouraging the missionary is also important. Fellowship is something that took me a long time to understand and yet it is vital to any ministry. What value is building up a house or spreading the gospel if you don't have relationship?
I will share that this area has quite a few Muslim Tartars. One of the granddaughters came to the second camp. What a spunky gem she is! Another Muslim Tatar helps do construction here at ROJ. It is such a blessing to get to know him and all the others.
My mission for this trip if nothing else is to share about ROJ, about Ukraine's people, and about the beautiful simplicity of living life outside the umbrella of "The American Dream." My hope is to encourage you to get involved. I am blessed to declare that prayers are answered.
There is even more. But pictures... videos... need to accompany the story to make them come alive. I promise-- God willing-- they will come once we are home.
Be blessed my friends and family. Be blessed.
7 inspiring thoughts:
I have some Tatar friends in Simferopol. They are incredibly friendly, generous and well practiced in hospitality. Many are quite open to hearing the Gospel. Too bad they are looked down upon by many Ukrainians.
I think that a mission trip might feel like a vacation for me compared to the activities and responsibilities of daily life with MANY children at home. Thank you for sharing ROJ with us!!
So glad you are blessing and being blessed! I am sure your role has been bigger than you even know in the lives of the missionaries over there. I am sure they are thankful that you even care enough to be there. Blessings to you my friend!
Your posts are wonderful to read and make me want to be there too! I had hoped to go on a mission trip in the middle of august to Mexico to build a house and help in orphanages but seeing as my son is such a kling-on right now I had to decline. I am hoping for next year, if you do plan on another trip to ROJ I'd bet there are many people who would love the chance to go and serve/help. It sure sounds like an amazing opportunity to meet others and such an adventure! :)
Hi! I think in time of need many different faiths will come together to aid one another. In Erie a family needed a home .Several churches worked together to build one the project was called the house that faith built.It was a great project. It was nice to see the religious communities come together in Erie,Continue to spread the faith.Pat
I am sorry that you have to hear hate while doing such a wonderful thing over there with ROJ. It always amazes me the amount of hate that people can spew. Remember that we need to feel sadness, not anger. So far they have not found the love of Christ that fills our hearts and allows us to see things from a different perspective. Know that God is being glorified thru your trip AND the way you live your life. He is smiling on you and that is all we should care about (even though I don't always do that!!!)
Blessings to you, sue
You have no idea really, prayers are being answered in so many ways for River of Joy.... you are a blessing to this ministry, God has anoited you to serve... Can not wait to work along side you in this place.
Post a Comment