Background Photo Credit: www.bucharestdailyphoto.com
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
The words stuck in my throat as we belted out the song. The others in the car didn’t hear me trying to choke out those lyrics. At least, they didn’t seem to give any sign that they heard. This song holds a special place in my heart - and has become my song for Europe.
Greater Things
Background Photo Credit: www.bucharestdailyphoto.com
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
The words stuck in my throat as we belted out the song. The others in the car didn’t hear me trying to choke out those lyrics. At least, they didn’t seem to give any sign that they heard. This song holds a special place in my heart - and has become my song for Europe.
Greater Things
The past few days in Romania have been pretty powerful.
God has shown up in some powerful ways, opening doors of ministry and opportunity that only He could open. During our small group party Saturday night, while one of our team members shared his story of coming to Christ, an opportunity arose for the Agapia church members to really explain the importance of salvation and baptism to some Orthodox members of the group. We’ve had a few conversations with people in the streets as we’ve handed out fliers to our Practice Your English workshops. God has used those fliers, which can be very ineffective, to bring individuals to our workshops who never heard about the church and who aren’t believing Christians. We’ve spoken into people’s lives, are building relationships with people each night, and saw an open door tonight for the pastor of the church to share about Christ with one of the attendees of our workshop.
We even had an open door with the community center where the church meets to have the name of Ignite, the name of Agapia church, and our personal names typed up and presented before the mayor of Bucharest. The President of the community center was so moved that we came from America and were willing to paint doors in the community center, that she asked for us to type up a paragraph in both English and Romanian explaining who we are, what we did for them, and why we did it so she could take it before the mayor of Bucharest.
It’s been an amazing trip.
Patriarchal Cathedral, Roman Orthodox Church, Bucharest, Romania
The past few days in Romania have been pretty powerful.
God has shown up in some powerful ways, opening doors of ministry and opportunity that only He could open. During our small group party Saturday night, while one of our team members shared his story of coming to Christ, an opportunity arose for the Agapia church members to really explain the importance of salvation and baptism to some Orthodox members of the group. We’ve had a few conversations with people in the streets as we’ve handed out fliers to our Practice Your English workshops. God has used those fliers, which can be very ineffective, to bring individuals to our workshops who never heard about the church and who aren’t believing Christians. We’ve spoken into people’s lives, are building relationships with people each night, and saw an open door tonight for the pastor of the church to share about Christ with one of the attendees of our workshop.
We even had an open door with the community center where the church meets to have the name of Ignite, the name of Agapia church, and our personal names typed up and presented before the mayor of Bucharest. The President of the community center was so moved that we came from America and were willing to paint doors in the community center, that she asked for us to type up a paragraph in both English and Romanian explaining who we are, what we did for them, and why we did it so she could take it before the mayor of Bucharest.
It’s been an amazing trip.
Photo Credit: Mario Sánchez Prada
A few months ago, I labeled 2013 as my year of promise - a year I believed I would see both current promises being fulfilled and new promises being made. It’s a process I go through every year, trying to align every aspect of my life with what I believe God wants to do in me and through me.
It was an exciting word.
One I genuinely looking forward to living out.
But I could never have expected what it truly meant.
This Friday, I will load up my car, drive to Chicago, hop a plane, and begin the 13 hours of flights and layovers that will land me in Bucharest, Romania.
I’m excited and nervous about this trip.
Photo Credit: Mario Sánchez Prada
A few months ago, I labeled 2013 as my year of promise - a year I believed I would see both current promises being fulfilled and new promises being made. It’s a process I go through every year, trying to align every aspect of my life with what I believe God wants to do in me and through me.
It was an exciting word.
One I genuinely looking forward to living out.
But I could never have expected what it truly meant.
This Friday, I will load up my car, drive to Chicago, hop a plane, and begin the 13 hours of flights and layovers that will land me in Bucharest, Romania.
I’m excited and nervous about this trip.
Photo Credit: Teresa Boardman (Creative Commons)
God rewards the faithful.
You don’t have to look far in scripture to discover that truth.
Abraham believed God’s promise and was labeled righteous.
Moses went back to Egypt and defeated the most powerful ruler of the day.
David sought God’s heart, and experienced victory over his enemies.
Esther trusted God at the risk of death, and saved the Jewish race from extermination.
Mary said yes to God, and birthed the Savior of mankind.
Paul faced persecution, imprisonment, and shipwreck, and spread the gospel around the known world.
When we are faithful to God and his commands, we are given more.
More influence.
More authority.
More blessings.
More.
Photo Credit: Teresa Boardman (Creative Commons)
God rewards the faithful.
You don’t have to look far in scripture to discover that truth.
Abraham believed God’s promise and was labeled righteous.
Moses went back to Egypt and defeated the most powerful ruler of the day.
David sought God’s heart, and experienced victory over his enemies.
Esther trusted God at the risk of death, and saved the Jewish race from extermination.
Mary said yes to God, and birthed the Savior of mankind.
Paul faced persecution, imprisonment, and shipwreck, and spread the gospel around the known world.
When we are faithful to God and his commands, we are given more.
More influence.
More authority.
More blessings.
More.
A few days ago, one of the young men in Czech uploaded the final video testimonial we had recorded at our retreat back in July.
It couldn’t have come at a better time.
You see, this week marked the start of a new school year at both colleges where Ignite operates - one this past Monday and the other this upcoming weekend. Students are moving back to campus, classes are in session, student organizations are starting to gear up, and I get my start of the year apprehension.
Will Ignite really draw in new students?
Will I be able to connect with the incoming freshman? (let’s be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to find common ground when I’m 32 and they are 18)
Did I get everything done, or am I forgetting something?
Are the student leaders really prepared?
Are the coaches?
Is God going to expand us this year and can we handle that?
And my absolute favorite:
Do I have what it takes to make an impact in the lives of these college students?
It’s a question I face each year.
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