In just a few short hours I'm boarding a plane (actually a series of planes and then a long car ride) bound for Braila, Romania. For the next 8 weeks, I'll be living in an orphanage and working with youth at a local church in this city.
In a word, the focus of this mission trip is discipleship--to help establish a regular pattern of spiritual multiplication in which people are being raised up as disciples of Jesus Christ who makes disciples of Jesus Christ.
“I have received full payment, and more.” (Phil 4:18) I am deeply encouraged to share with you that my financial needs for this trip have been fully provided for! Praise the Lord! As I considered this yesterday, I nearly burst into tears of gratitude and awe. It is difficult to put into words just how overwhelming it is to see the Lord’s provision through your faithful and generous partnership.
Thank you so much for giving sacrificially to make this trip a reality. Thank you also to all of you who have prayed faithfully for the Lord to provide the funds I require—yours prayers have been answered! Praise Him!
The Glorious and Gritty Work of Prayer I must be honest with you in saying that the week before a missions trip is often brutal. Having been in this place many times over the past few years, I have come to expect the days before my departure to be filled with distraction, discouragement, confusion, temptation, tiredness, and all forms of spiritual opposition—this week was no exception.
As I wrestle through the reality of my own weakness, I am reminded of our ever present need to seek the Lord our God in prayer. We have nothing apart from Him, yet he tells us “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). With this as our confident expectation, I ask you please to join me in praying for myself and for the children, youth, men, and women of Braila.
I have created a guide to help us in prayer which you can find HERE.
Thank you!
Brothers and sisters I wish there was a way I could express more sincerely just how thankful I am to God for each one of you. Thank you for partnering with me this summer in advancing the gospel among the people of Braila, Romania, and beyond. Though my email access will be relatively limited, I hope to keep you updated throughout the summer with how the Lord is at work answering our prayers.
May the name of Jesus Christ be exalted above every name as lives are transformed by the power of His love and grace.
Yours in fulfilling the Great Commission,
Lucas