One Step Closer to Eternity

Recap of Week 2 from  Heidi, Wilson, & Brandy!

As I reflect on my time in Romania, I cannot help but be filled with gratitude, joy, and awe of what the Lord is doing there. Our time spent with the girls was so sweet and went by way too fast! It was so special being able to walk through the names of God with them and remind them just how personal God is. He delights in the details of our lives, and the depth of love He has for us is immeasurable. The girls were able to see how their identity is rooted in Him alone. Our identity is not found in worldly success, relationships, or our mistakes. When we accept His gift of salvation, we are His children. No matter what the world throws at us, we can peacefully rest in the promise of eternity. Along with Bible study, the girls did crafts. I helped in crafts all week, and it was so fun seeing each of their personalities expressed by the way they did their craft. girls are so creative and took their time with each one to make it their own. I am grateful for MLI and the work they are doing for the Kingdom. The present-day impact they have will reach far into eternity. Going into Romania, I really did not know what to expect. I left Romania with many new friendships and an encouraged heart. I loved getting to know the girls and seeing what the Lord is doing in their lives. They each are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image, and it is a privilege to be their friend. I know the Lord doesn’t need me to accomplish His mission, but I am incredibly thankful He chooses to use a sinner like me for His glory. It is such an honor to be a messenger of the Gospel. May we never take that for granted. -Heidi Ball

 I loved everything about today…….except for leaving. We played many games, hugged many hugs, and cried many tears. After 5 days, it felt like we had really connected with all the girls, even those who had tough exteriors. Although my heart aches to stay longer, I am reminded that God doesn’t NEED us to show these tender hearts genuine love. He’s already doing that through the MLI team and His Word, but he has graciously allowed us to be apart of the process. And although my heart is particularly fond of these 19, I am also reminded there are many more little souls where we live that need a similar kind of love. 

- Wilson Logan

Having the privilege of a second trip to Romania to work alongside the ministry of MLI with the girls at Deborah House was not an opportunity I took lightly. The Lord confirmed that I was going to be a part of the trip in ways that can only be explained by His activity. I’m eternally grateful that He gives us the opportunity to join the work He is doing and allows us to share the love that He has so freely given us. Experiencing His work in an international context is a beautiful thing! Watching the staff love the girls and the girls respond to that love radiates the love of Christ. Being among the MLI ministry feels one step closer to eternity. It sounds crazy, but being with Doru and Rodica in the adolescent prison feels more like heaven than a lot of places that should be holy. That feeling is created by the way that faithful couple has loved the least of these for over 20 years and continue to, even in retirement. Their picture of faithfulness is hard to rival. The Lord worked in specific ways that I would have never fabricated on my own. He used our Bible lessons to impact the translators in personal ways. They shared with us that they had learned a lot about the Lord and how He had used the week to impact their lives with His love. We were able to share information about a new ministry we have started in our church with the leaders of MLI. Through our consultant, I met a Romanian connection running the same ministry just 2 weeks before our trip. The Lord’s timing was so apparent in that meeting. They are interested in talking more and desire to see the same deep discipleship take place in their partner churches that we’ve seen happen at our church. Who knows what the Lord desires to do! The growth seen in the girls at Deborah House was remarkable. Their Bible knowledge has increased tremendously since last year. They have a desire to study God’s Word and know more about His character. We taught them five names of God and studied how each one is personal. They were locked in with each lesson and engaged with the new Bibles we were able to give them. My prayer is that they know God, and His Word, and experience the depth of relationship available with the Creator who knows each of personally and desires that we trust Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. May His Kingdom come in their hearts and ours! - Brandy Johnson

Stay tuned for 2 more posts from our team!