FBCC in Romania

Sunday, June 30 After 20+ hours of travel and a long night of sleep, Team 2 woke up this morning refreshed and excited to worship with our Romanian brothers and sisters. It was sad to say goodbye to our week 1 friends, but we are thankful for their encouragement, advice, and wisdom for us as we begin the week. This morning we attended Emil’s church where we were led in worship, prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with the church body. Wilson was given the opportunity to preach, and he challenged us to trust and obey God even in the seemingly small things. We were reminded, in Romans, of the Lord’s sovereignty throughout the story of Scripture and encouraged to respond, like Paul, with awe and wonder. I absolutely love worshiping through song and prayer alongside believers from other cultures. Moments like this morning are beautiful reminders that the love of God transcends all boundaries- He is living and working in every corner of the world and we are witnesses to that goodness!  ...

 Saturday, June 29 Team 1 really enjoyed their final day in Romania. The day began by surprising one of the DH girls and going to the coffee shop where she is training to be a waitress; she was very excited we came! Emil led the group through the city on a tour of how communism fell in 1989 & how he was a part of it as an 18 year old. We ended the tour at the revolution museum. 2 of the girls who translated for us this week joined us in the city, as well as a translator from last year! We then enjoyed some ice cream, final shopping, and exploring the city, prior to meeting team 2 for dinner! We had a few short hours of sweet fellowship all together! The torch has officially been passed from team 1 to team 2! Be on the lookout for recaps from everyone on team 1! Coffee Shop Surprise! A piece of the Berlin Wall  Incredible Group of Women!

Friday, June 28  Our last day at Deborah! I walked into that house Friday morning with so many different emotions. My heart was full of love for those girls, sadness that we were leaving, and already missing the girls I had yet to say goodbye to. I was also nervous about sharing our last Bible study with the girls today. Our focus was that God is in control of everything and that should bring us comfort. And to look these girls in the eyes, with all they have been through, and say that there is nothing God does not have control over was challenging to me.  I remember as Aimee was leading the younger girls’ Bible study I was able to just sense the Holy Spirit in the room and I started praying over the girls. Then with the older girls, as I was nearing the end of the Bible study, the Holy Spirit completely took over the reins. I felt the need to share with the girls that God being in control means we don’t have to worry or be afraid. I shared with them Matthew 6:25-30 about God ...

Thursday, June 27 El Elyon - God Most High We had another amazing day here with the girls and staff! In the morning the girls learned about El Elyon, God Most High. One of greatest pieces of truth we can leave with the girls this week is the truth that their God is sovereign. There is absolutely nothing that God does not have complete and total control over! As the girls have been using their new Bibles during Bible Study, the collective sound of all the pages flipping is music to our ears. It is beautiful watching their eyes light up as they find their scripture verses in the Bible. -Aimee H. During the afternoon, we visited a water park and the girls LOVED it. We swam and played and laughed-- enjoying being together. This was the highlight of my day, watching all the smiles and pure joy & overcoming fears as they went down water slides and swam. I spent most of my time with the smallest girl who was not very confident in her swimming abilities and there were areas in the pool she...

 Wednesday, June 26.  We had a very full day spending all our time with the girls with two Bible study sessions and crafts. Lots of giggles were shared among the girls and our team. The joy of the Lord is our strength! Here are some highlights of the day! "We did lip & face masks with the girls which was so fun! I got to share Zephaniah 3:17 and a little bit about how God has worked in my life. I want the girls to see and hear stories of our relationship with the Lord and know they can have a personal relationship with God too!" -Hannah M.  "I love how the girls are warming up to us & engaging more with us. I also have enjoyed my time with our team getting to bond and laugh and just really get to know each other at such a deeper level." -Lesley B. "Today was a wonderful day, the girls were all happy and loved all we were doing with them from tye-dying pillow cases to playing games. Our time together as a team has been really special and quite entertaini...

Tuesday, June 25th.  We started our day by visiting a juvenile prison. We visited the girls side of the prison. It was a sweet time with the girls. They shared some songs that they have learned through the Harmony program led by Doru and his wife Rodica. Several members of our group shared encouraging words with the girls and prayed for them. After visiting the prison we picked up supplies at a local school to distribute to a few families that are involved in the Back to School program. This program encourages families to keep their children in school and as a result of them attending school they are provided with food and basic supplies. We visited three homes and distributed the supplies and food. The moms and children were very sweet and welcoming, we visited with each family briefly and prayed over them. Through these 2 visits, we were able to see other ministries that are funded by MLI. In the afternoon we had a wonderful lunch prepared by the girls and house mom at Deborah Ho...

This morning to kick off the week, I shared a short devotional based on Psalm 119:103, 105 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17 with all the girls & staff. The biggest emphasis was how much our team love God's Word and treasure it. And that our prayer is for each of the girls to love the Bible one day just as much because it is our Heavenly Father's words to us. Thanks to the GO Fund, we were able to give each girl their own teen Bible & they were all very excited to receive them! And guess what the highlighted verse was on the first page of the Bible... 2 Tim. 3:16-17 - Only God could plan that! - Megan M.  The girls receiving their Bibles Last year our team project was to furnish a new Patio at DH1. Construction was delayed so we purchased the furniture but were unable to help assemble it. It was fun to see it all together this year! Another wonderful fruit from the GO Fund! It was so fun and sweet to be at Deborah House today with all the girls! In our Bible study time the girls ...