When OMer Ellie went on a short-term outreach, she saw a lasting impact on all the participants — including herself.
As someone who had never really experienced an outreach overseas before, Ellie, a marketing officer for OM in the UK, was privileged to join a church group on their short-term adventure to Moldova.
My role as part of the marketing team at OM in the UK usually involves advocating for short-term outreach and discipleship by sharing the stories of others. Recently, I was given the amazing opportunity to participate in a short-term outreach myself — an experience that changed me profoundly.
Matthew Skirton (OM in the UK CEO) has always been passionate about our ministries in Moldova, having pioneered OM’s work in the country. It came as no surprise, then, when I found out that Matthew had rallied eight individuals from a church in Sleaford for an impromptu outreach — just eight weeks before getting on the plane!
The quickly arranged trip provided me and a couple of other colleagues with the opportunity to join them and see what was happening in Moldova for ourselves.
Moldova is home to approximately 3 million people. When I arrived, I was struck not only by the country’s natural beauty (and deep snow), but also the infectious enthusiasm radiating from the OM team there.
In previous years, OM in Moldova has welcomed around 400 participants from all over the world to its summer outreaches. However, applications have been affected by the war in Ukraine and the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. Despite the decline in numbers and financial support, OM staff remain steadfast in their belief that God will provide people and resources.
Although I was in the country for less than a week, I could write so much about my time in Moldova. Today, I will be sharing just a few of the many stories from our time there.
Hands of Blessing
During the week, we visited a church in Chișinău. After being guided through the city’s streets
by Pavel, an OM worker, we were warmly welcomed by the pastors and congregation. Pavel translated for us as we shared our testimonies, words of encouragement and passages from the Bible.
After we had all shared, it was clear that the Lord was powerfully at work amongst those gathered. Something amazing was beginning to happen. From across the congregation, shaky, elderly, wise and caring hands were outstretched towards us.
These were the hands of those who had suffered great loss in their families through conflict or disease. These were the hands of those who had little money and food. These were the hands of those who might not always feel safe in their own country. Yet here they were, praying for us! Even though there wasn’t a war going on next to my home or a lack of heating in my house, these brothers and sisters were blessing us.
Moved by generosity, an elderly woman came hurrying to the front; arms stretched wide towards us as she knelt down in front of the altar. I wanted to cry. I held tightly to her hand on the way back to my seat, wanting her to know that I truly saw her and that I cared for her.
As the church emptied and food parcels were handed out to cold but grateful congregation members, Pavel reminded us that those who have little are often the most generous ones.
Refuge for children
Later that afternoon, after a brief but delightful plăcintă stop (a traditional Moldovan pastry with
either sheep cheese, potatoes or cabbage inside), we visited a children’s centre run by OM and the local church. Nellia, the deacon’s wife, is responsible for managing the centre alongside a dedicated cook who ensures the children get hot meals daily.
The centre provides a safe space for children to come after school, which finishes at midday, and do their homework. Over 20 children seek refuge here, many coming from families grappling with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
The centre still faces challenges, especially with the lack of parental communication. Sadly, many parents avoid any contact with the church. Even though the centre was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church delivered food parcels directly to the children’s homes so that they wouldn’t go hungry.
Visible transformation
As the final day came, I could see that the short time we had spent in Moldova had impacted the church group from Sleaford. It was so encouraging to see the church’s love for God and for Moldova. Already, there are plans to return the following summer.
I caught up with Veron, an older participant from Sleaford. She exclaimed, “You’re never too old to have a life-changing mission experience.”
We embarked on a visit to a rehabilitation centre where we encountered a group of men whose lives had been remarkably transformed by God’s grace. As we stepped into their temporary home, eight gentlemen lined up along a sofa in a small living area in anticipation of our arrival.
The room quickly became full, and we engaged in an exchange of stories.
There were stories of wandering the streets, losing custody of children, fleeing from Ukraine, grappling with addiction, enduring abuse and bearing the trauma of broken childhoods. Yet, through their often painful journeys, they had each found peace in Jesus. Their unwavering faith and yearning for renewed hope were incredibly moving.
Words can’t really describe the depth of emotion I felt that morning. The room quickly became full of music, joy and worship. The atmosphere shifted and we glimpsed something of God’s peace in their lives.
Please keep all these men in your prayers. God is doing something extremely profound in them.
Going home
Moldova is home to an astonishingly beautiful community of Jesus followers. I have never met a more enthusiastic, passionate group of people excited for God’s mission.
Lizzie, another participant from the church in Sleaford, has witnessed missions in China, Ukraine and Romania. She said, “I was humbled and blown away by the hospitality that the Moldovans we met have shown us, some of whom have very little materially. It has been a joy to work with a local church in a village, meet with the church community and experience first-hand the amazing work they are doing in their community.”
She adds, “God has definitely challenged me on this trip, and I am going back with my heart enlarged and changed. I would wholeheartedly recommend serving on a Short Term Outreach team with OM.”
Our short time in Moldova will have a lasting impact on all of us who went. I encourage all of you, whatever your age, to go and see firsthand the work of OM in this amazing country.