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This summer I will be heading to Moldova, part of the former U.S.S.R., for a six-week mission trip organized by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). IVCF is present at many universities in the U.S. and Canada and their presence is rapidly growing throughout the world. During my two and-a-half years at UMBC as a student, the ministry of IVCF allowed me to grow in my understanding of God and my relationship with Him. As I have been a volunteer leader with IVCF at UMBC this year I have heard others say the same thing; IVCF helped become closer to God. One student told me that when she came to UMBC she could have gone either way. She could have grown closer to God or drifted away from Him, but through the ministry of IVCF she has grown closer. Amen. That testimony is so encouraging to hear.
Well, I hope to be a part of something just as significant in Moldova. There are some Christians in Moldova, not a large number, and there are quite a few who have never heard the Gospel. During the communist reign Christians were not allowed in Universities and students were actually required to take classes in Scientific Atheism. However, during the late 80's many of these oppressive laws were lifted. In 1989 InterVarsity organized a team for Kiev. That summer many students became Christians and that fellowship has now spread to over 44 cities.
Our team in Moldova will be another pioneering project. Our team hopes and prays to challenge those students who are Christian to continue growing, and invite many people who don't know Jesus to accept him as their Lord and Savior. Our vision does not stop there. We hope to help establish an indigenous Christian Fellowship at the University. I, along with my teammates, will be living in a dormitory with students from the Moldovan University. We will be helping the students with their English skills and teaching them about our culture. They will also be sharing their language and culture with us. Obviously, living and being together will provide excellent opportunities to share our lives, including our Lord, with these students.
Going on a mission trip is nothing that just popped into my head. Two years ago I was seriously considering spending part of the summer in the inner-city of Philadelphia. However, concerns about safety prevented me from going. Last year I considered living in Baltimore City and working with the youth in the neighborhood and a local church. However, participating in my brother's wedding prevailed. Well, here is another opportunity. After I decided to not go on the trip to Philly, I felt as if I missed where God was calling me. But God is persistent. I am very excited about this new opportunity.
I want you to be involved in this experience with me. The most important thing you can do is pray. Pray:
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