Blessings in Moldova

we have had the great opportunity to work in a town this past week named Strasen. we stayed in homes of people in the church. during the day we were able to rebuild a concrete wall that was old and cracked on the sanctuary building. it would have cost the church over 500 dollars in just labor for our work – not counting the cost for materials. all week we worked on that wall during the day. then, a group would go to the orphanage that had about 100 kids in it. we had a service for them with fun versions of Bible stories, songs, and games. great ministry! we were also able to be a part of a feeding program the church in Strasen has for elderly people every day for lunch. saturday we had a service for visually impared people. we gave out 200 bags with groceries and slippers. the service was in the community center, and most were non Christians. we sang songs for them, gave testimonies of God in our own personal lives, and presented the gospel to them talking about the salvation that Jesus offers us all. it was an amazing time to meet their needs physically, give them some entertainment, and let them know that they are not forgotten. they really needed to know that people do care about them that and Christ has a plan and purpose for them. elderly people in Moldova are often forgotten and left alone. with physical disabilities it can be even lonelier for them. the church in Strasen is doing an amazing job of reaching out to their community with physical help as well as spiritual help. they really “get” what it is all about – going into all the world whether it is your neighbor or someone at the store and show them Christ’s love and compassion and share the message of His saving grace to all.

i made some great friends. on our way out of town, the father of my host family, peter, who i worked with all week, was waiting for a bus across the street. i ran over to say goodbye and he gave me a huge hug. even though we don’t speak the same language we became great friends. its all about relationships here.

today we worked at the “home of hope”, the house for trafficked women to help them recover. they officially open next week and we were finishing up making cabinets and odds and ends so it will be ready for the girls when they come in. we prayed for each room and the girls who will be there and that they would have peace and feel the comfort of jesus.

great times. delayed till Saturday to head out to Armenia.

till next time
your friend
chad