Romanian Summer Mission Report 3

Geoffrey's Report - It has been a good week for us. We started our classes on Monday and have been meeting with 7 students a day. We have students on MWF and a different group on TT. They read a chapter to us from a World English Institute book and we help them with pronunciation and comprehension. The first few lessons are designed mostly for introducing basic concepts about God and man's fall from grace. Over time, as students become comfortable, we start having discussions with them about faith. Often we can only just listen to their needs and struggles and give assurance of God's love for them. Sometimes a student allows us to pray with them as did one of my students this week. Our studies can be a little tedious and mind-numbing as we listen to the same story over-and-over again but God gives us the strength. In fact, last night the whole group of teachers (there are 7 of us) were so wrapped up in deep discussions that nobody wanted to stop even though we had been doing it all day and it was after 8 P.M. It was an amazing moment as we realized that our tired bodies took second place to God's powerful word. My students include an computer engineer, a food-quality engineer, a soldier, a aviation-communications expert, a couple retired people, a heavy-equipment salesman, a graphic designer, and a few students. It is interesting to hear their stories and get to know them. We are glad that we decided to stay for the entire 4-week institute because it will give us more time to get to know our students be a tool for hope in their lives. Thanks for your continued prayers.

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Dana's Report--What an exciting first week! I had no idea how encouraging, humbling, and rewarding these Bible studies would be. With 12 new students, the breadth of their life experiences is overwhelming. From chemical engineer, hotel manager, to university faculty, each of my students are unique in their jobs, their home lives, and their relationships with God. I believe that the next 3 weeks with these students will provide me with the opportunity to know them on a personal level and with many prayers, some interesting conversations may arise. God has already surprised me this week, as some of my students have already felt comfortable enough to share personal information about their lives.

One student that has been especially important to me this week is Nicoleta. Although her studies are on Tuesday and Thursday, we spent an intense hour together in our second study session as I witnessed an incredible event. After reading the story of Adam and Eve, Nicoleta began to share a moving and heartbreaking story of how her husband of 19 years left her and their 5 year old daughter to begin a new family. Although this in itself can be devastating, soon after her father passed away which resulted in her mother's desire to move to America. Alone, Nicoleta began to struggle with depression and for the past 2 years, she has been doubting the presence of love in the world. Nicoleta shared that the Bible studies at World English Institute are the first thing she has been excited about since her mother's departure. When I first spoke with Nicoleta on Tuesday, I could feel the sadness in her voice, her eyes, and her heart. I am hopeful that Nicoleta will be able to see God's love through me as He puts a desire in her heart to seek him. Please prayer for Nicoleta.

Another student who has also been very special to me this week is Dana (pronounced Donna). Although she has a beautiful name, this is not the reason she has become special to me. In our first session, she shared with me that she hasn't ever read the Bible, nor does she have one of her own. I was able to give her an English Bible and spoke to her about the power of the word and its importance in my own life. Since Monday, Dana has taken time to compare the Bible with the first 3 lessons in our WEI booklets. She is excited to see that the booklets are in line with God's word and she is very suprised at how powerful God is. Dana expressed her skeptism that God is present in a world that has much pain and suffering. I assured her that God does love each of us and that He has demonstrated this in many ways. I feel Dana is open to receive God's word and I pray for her to desire a relationship with Him.

Although each of our students are studying at different reading levels, with different people, and may be in different stories, I trust that God's word is working. God blessed me with the opportunity to see and feel how powerful His word is. It is also important for each of us to share the word and to plant the seeds, even when we cannot or do not see His results. I praise God for the work He is doing here and thank you for your continued prayers.