We are on our journey back home that has taken us from Germany to Romania then London and Atlanta. The Lord has opened a wide door of opportunity for us. There are few words to express my overwhelming joy at having the chance to return to Romania and the ministry the Lord has prepared for us here.

The people are treasures with a great faith and so few things of the world. We have worked with Pastor Peter from our first trip over 3 years ago where our ministry, H.I.S. BridgeBuilders, was able to give a gift to help construct several small classrooms for the children’s Bible studies. The rooms have been in process for 3 years. Their own men come on the weekend to work on the construction when there is money for supplies. This small, vibrant church voted  not to have air condition or heating so they could invest in their children the Word of God. Their sacrificial, servant hearts humble me every time I am with them.

We were blessed to be able to walk among the people in the Valley of Galati with Bogdon, our city pastor. In the snow and freezing temperatures we were hosted graciously in every house and able to pray with the new believers. As we went in their homes there was no heating and maybe 12 people living in a 2 room home. They opened their doors with no shoes and no socks, but with graciousness and love that only comes from Christ.

By God’s grace we were given funds from several families in Dallas to buy clothing for the children and fire wood for the homes. According to Bogdon, who was once sold drugs and ran a prostitution ring, most of the women in the Valley have been involved in prostitution and the men have stolen and/or dealt drugs. It was amazing though to see how the power of God has changed so many hearts already in the Valley! Now these believers are bringing others to Christ and living a life led by Christ in a sin saturated culture.

Several homes we visited had some very ill people that cannot even see doctors because they do not have papers. A common cold can be their death sentence. I was humbled by God’s undeserved grace of the medical care I have received. I was so moved and we must continue to pray for their healing and restoration. Not only are we going to pray for that, but we are working on enabling these people to receive the testing and care they need. I am grateful for Chris Anderson, our Director of International Missions, and the amazing work that he is doing in Romania as he works with local pastors, businessman, and Serving Him Ministries.

It was a joy to meet up with Allen Hobbs and BJ Woods, who are on the international board, in Bucharest and spend several days with them in the Valley. What a great God we have to allow us the opportunity to go to Romania six months after I was supposed to go, but couldn’t because of the cancer diagnosis! It is evident that God’s timing is perfect as we were able to establish our international foundation, meet the needs of the people in the bitter cold, pray for healing and medical help, and had the opportunity to preach the gospel.

The climax of any day is the opportunity to preach the gospel. Sunday we had the joy of preaching at the Holy Trinity Church in Galati with Pastor Ovi. This is the largest Baptist church in the city and is partnering with us and continues to pray each week for our ministry in the Valley. This is an incredible gift for us to work with this humble pastor and people. When the invitation was given to know Christ there were two older men that came forward to surrender their lives to Christ. A missionary in the worship service said that typically in Romania you will not have older men come forward. So we praise God for He is mighty to save.

Later that day, we went to our house church in the Valley that is hosted by Gina, the wife of the “King of Thieves”. Gina’s husband, one of Bogdon’s friends, is now in prison. This beautiful, heated home that was once the epicenter of drugs in the Valley is now a lighthouse of hope where there Gospel is preached and lives are transformed daily. Truly, by God’s grace we are taking back the Valley one life, family, and house at a time. In every way it is just like the early church in the Book of Acts. When we shared the Gospel at the house church, a lady named Roxanna gave her life to Christ. We challenged the house church to be strong and courageous and believe God for miracles for themselves and their community.

God has clearly opened this door as I was able to go with my sons and this incredible team and once again be used by God. I was humbled and blessed to watch my sons be such a great encouragement to me, the team, and the people of Romania. Thankfully, the ministry in which we serve is not just a city transforming mission, but a generational ministry in which young and old are called together for His glory.  Thank you for all your prayers and love in this season of God’s blessing!