Connections & Generosity

I’ve been back in Sighisoara, Romania, for nearly a week, after spending the past two months in the United States. It’s hard to summarize 9 ½ weeks in a single blog post, nor will I try. Instead, I’d like to focus on two words that highlight my experiences of sharing with local churches what God is doing in and through the Church of the Nazarene in Romania.

Connecting with kids at the
Georgia District's Children's
Missions Day

Connections
Traditionally, the period referring to when missionaries return to their home countries to speak in churches and raise funds for continued ministry and raise awareness about missions is known as “Furlough,” “Deputation,” or “Home Assignment.” While I was in the US this time, I heard a new term that more accurately describes my experience: “Connection Tours.” During the past 2 months I’ve had the opportunity to connect (and reconnect) with a lot of people.

The most obvious connection is made as I share with churches about ministries in Romania. For some, it was the first time I connected with them. For others, I was able to reconnect by sharing an update of what has happened since the last time I had been at their church.

Another form of connection is that I get to learn how local churches experience missions. Some have participated in Work and Witness trips, while others have packed Crisis Care Kits and School Pal Packs. I also get to share with churches how their support of denominational programs such as the Alabaster offering and the World Evangelism Fund is being used in Romania.

Finally, between speaking engagements in churches, I was able to squeeze in visits to reconnect with family members and friends living in (or relatively near) the area where I was speaking. Often our visits were shorter than I would have liked, but it is nice to know that we can stay in touch through email, Skype, and Facebook (and occasionally a hand-written letter). 

Generosity

Reconnecting with Albany First Church in Georgia

During these connection tours, I’ve experienced a lot of generosity. Although I need to raise all of my financial support, I don’t enjoy asking for funding. God has placed generous people in my path who have contributed to my Mission Corps fund (which goes to basic living expenses) and have given love offerings to help with personal expenses. (To read more about how my funds are used, click here.) I’ve been able to raise nearly enough funding for one additional year of ministry. (Additional donations may be made online here.)

Another aspect of generosity went beyond the collection of funds in an offering plate. I was provided with cars to use to travel to churches, and was often hosted in church members’ homes.

The generosity that I experienced wasn’t just toward my own support, but also for ministries in Romania. Various individuals gave donations to help support the Open Door foundation, Romania’s only emergency shelter for survivors of human trafficking, directed by a Romanian Nazarene. (You can read more about Open Door by clicking here.) Countless others supported the ministries of the Church of the Nazarene in the village of Tigmandru by purchasing dolls dressed in traditional Romanian costumes, made by the church’s women.

As I get settled again in Romania, I do so with gratitude. I am thankful to have been able to connect with so many while in the US, and I am grateful to all those who have in one way or another support me and the ministries in Romania.