History Makers in Romania - Part V

 

As I reflect back on my visit to Sibiu, I remember Paul's word's about Timothy's report found in 1 Thessalonians 3.  Paul said it was an "encouraging report" (v. 6) as he brought "good news about your faith and love."  So, it is my dear friends and prayer partners at TWUMC, The Loft and in the Houston area, I also bring encouraging words from Romania.

                     

I am encouraged by:

• the steadfast faith and reliance in Christ Jesus I see in the lives of the HM leaders I met---Mark, Petry, Ionut and Scott are now great friends and Jesus Followers; they are filled with humility and a passion for the harvest.  The same can be said by Pastor Nistor Popa in Sibiu.  I am proud to call each friend and fellow Christ-Follower.
• the men and women I met at Pastor Popa's church who love him, care for him and are fellow humble servants of Jesus.  It still amazes me that the men of his two churches are so in tune with Nistor's vision of doubling the number of believers in Sibiu this next year that they pray and fast three times a week.
• the young people (ages 15 -early 20's) I met at Nistor's youth group that are beyond committed Christ followers....they demonstrate missional living by "going and doing" every day for their family, in their school and community.  They are mighty young warriors for God willing to stand at town center five days a week and sing and pray.
• the young women I met at the History Makers conference.  I appreciate the clarity of their vision, their shared commitment to Christ and to one another, and their tireless energy and excitement about spiritual things.
• the young men I met at the conference.  Their willingness to embrace the "old guy"; to include me in their small accountability groups; to pray with and for me; to open up about their concerns, family members and friends who are lost, their futures and their vision for ministry.
• the stories and testimonies I heard all week; the dreams I encouraged; the hurts we discussed; the fun we had together; I was particularly touched by the prayer life of the young people and their passion for spiritual things. 
• the impression I left with and still have today (as many of us have kept in touch through Facebook and email) that these young people are "His Story Makers" in the making; they are committed to the eight core values taught in HM and maintaining a life of spiritual disciple measured by a long life committed to personal integrity.
• Those HM'ers who told me the last couple of days that they attend "camp" 8-10 weeks each summer working on mission projects, VBS, etc., yet this week meant more to them in understanding God purpose for their life and the necessity of going deeper with Him than any other experience they have ever had.  The tears we shared together when they said thanks "Uncle Bob."

Finally, I am thankful that I am part of a community of faith at TWUMC/The Loft who believes in and encourages "organic spirituality"---passionately seeking where God is working and joining Him there."  I realize that how we are "doing life" may seem unconventional to some...but our leaders know that it is Kingdom work...so thank you.

For me, my passion is post-Christian Europe, as I've mentioned before.  Others in our faith community are called to ministry primarily  in The Woodlands, Conroe, or Houston; many others are called to minister in Jesus name all over the globe....children, youth, adults and our older generation (me included).   Our leaders have encouraged us to embrace our passion, follow the Holy Spirit and "do good works."  Those of us who "sign on" for a missional life can claim a purposed-filled life; one that we can run and not grow weary. So, as Paul did to the early church, I ask and urge each of us in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more (4:1). 

Thanks again Church.  Selah