Mingle With Men

“The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good.” {MH 143.3}

“The Saviour mingled constantly with men, not to encourage them in anything that was not in accordance with God’s will, but to uplift and ennoble them. “I sanctify Myself,” He declared, “that they also might be sanctified.” John 17:19. So the Christian is to abide among men, that the savor of divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.” {CT 323.1}

This is part of the work of evangelism here in Moldova. The It Is Written team here is reaching out and touching lives right where they live. Many people here in the capital of Chisinau live in small, Soviet era apartments where the living room, dining room and bedroom are all one room. And it seems that in every home we go into, they are setting food before us. I know, I know, missionary work is supposed to be filled with hardship, but wow! The people are so kind and gracious, ready to share, and even to send us on our way with fruit, grape juice, and baked goods.

In the meantime, we get to sit with them and hear their stories. We are able to encourage them in the way of the Lord. Many families here have members that have emigrated overseas and the church feels the loss. Additionally, many members have believed that evangelism doesn’t work anymore. It is easy to be depressed about the decline in the church, but with Jesus there is hope! By coming and doing these meetings, not only are non-Adventists hearing the message, but our own members are encouraged. They see that they too can still touch lives.

And so they are talking to their neighbors, inviting them to the meetings. Door to door surveys have been encouraged, some members talking to everyone in their building. One called the office saying, “I did the survey, and now I have 25 people who want to study the Bible! What do I do now?”

This is our work--wherever we are--to be like Jesus, to uplift and enable.

Preaching in Moldova

Take a look at the picture. It has Jesus looking down lovingly on our planet in the center. It has
a blue, yellow, and red striped map with some kind of crest on it. And it has some words that we don’t understand.
This is the first slide people see every night when they come into our churches for the
evangelistic meetings. They see Jesus as the center of our work. Yes, we will preach
enthusiastically on the Sabbath and the state of the dead, but Jesus is the heart of it all. We
want people to love Him with all their hearts, and recognize Him as the Lord.
It is exciting to see the happy faces come in, rosy cheeked from the cold outside. Many feeling
strange in this strange church and they don’t know the songs. But they know that these people
welcome them and are willing to take time to befriend them, showing them the love of Jesus.
There are about 23 It Is Written speakers opening the Word of God all over this country pictured
on the map. Everywhere there are people coming into our church for the first time. From north to
south, in city churches and country village chapels, Jesus is being preached in a new, and for
some, a startling way. This whole land is being given the opportunity to come to know a
personal Savior.
Oh, yes. What do the words on the picture mean? They say, “Moldova for Christ.”

Moldova, Here We Come!

At 30,000 feet, am I closer to God? At least with all my electronics in airplane mode I have less distractions for my prayers.

Lord, what will be on the other side of this ocean? What will You make of our little efforts in the evangelistic meetings we will hold?

“It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul.”

That's so reassuring to know that You are leading this work in Moldova. Success is Your domain.

“He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him.”

So, what will it look like, Lord? Will lives be changed? What can I expect? I'm eager to see You at work. What can I do?

“Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you.” {COL 146.4}

We’re on our way!