The team of 13 comprised people from England, Wales, New Zealand, and Malaysia – a very strong team of mature Christians.

The Team: Alfred, Peter, Jan, Miriam, Jon, Marilyn H, Ian, Georgina, Judith, Elaine, Alex, Marilyn W, and Julie

For the first 3 days we were based in the Constanta area, staying in the comfortable Seaman’s centre. (Constanta is a busy Black Sea port.) On Wednesday we relocated to Galati, where we stayed in a well-appointed hotel (the best mission accommodation I’ve ever stayed in!).

Our ‘villa’ in Galati

The aim of this mission was to serve and to sow. To go out into new territory and spend time discerning the spiritual climate, demolishing strongholds, and supporting local Pastors. In the space of 5 busy days we visited 15 different Church Plant locations. This proved rather a stretch towards the end of the week, and we were not able to spend as much time with the CP as we would’ve liked. However, we did have some quality time, prayer-walking and praying for the leaders. I feel sure they will have been encouraged by the ‘words’ God spoke through us and the insight He gave us into each area. There were times of worship and prophetic song: Alex’s flute-playing was an inspiration.

One of the things I love about being away on mission is the sense of ‘team’ that develops, especially when prior to the trip you hardly know the people you’re going to spend the next 7 days with. Mission is such an intense experience, taxing you spiritually, emotionally, and physically, as those with dicky tummies and insomnia will testify! But it is such a rewarding experience too. We spent many hours in the 2 minibuses traveling between the churches: an opportunity to talk, laugh, sleep, ponder, and build lifelong friendships! Frankly I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in such a short space of time before! I’ve certainly never been on a mission like this before, although I doubt there has ever been or ever will be a prayer mission like this again! The adventure was amazing, and it was great to work with experienced intercessors and to learn from them.

Thank you for your prayers whilst we were away. I hope you will be inspired by our mission and the following photos which tell our story in a more graphic way.

Sunday’s 6th birthday celebrations with the Good News Church (BBV) in Constanta

Worship at the Good News Church

Praying for the Church Planters in Negra Voda

Marilyn prays for Traian (CP Project Director) & his wife Elena

Praying in Ovidiu. (Had to get the shirt in somehow Julie!)

Ian praying over a potential church building in Negra Voda

In Romania, seeing people travelling by horse a cart is not a rare site.

In Tecuci the devastation caused by recent floods broke your heart. It helped us identify with those in areas of Britain that have been hit by recent floods. Although here there would be little help from the local government and no insurance companies to replace and rebuild.

We also visited an outreach for the elderly people. Called ‘Heart to Heart’, it’s run by Elena and a team of dedicated people. The aim is not charity, but justice. Life in Romania is tough for many people, especially the elderly with no family to look after them. The day centre provides a hot meal, shower, clean clothes, and support to about 30 people. The project also tries to re-house people when required. The Good News Church has purchased some land where they hope to build a more permanent centre.

Working with Iulia, who will be the STM Coordinator in Romania. This was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other before we start to work together more. She is definitely the right woman for the job, although the male-dominated culture here will present challenges for us both.

On our visit to Harsova we visited Mia in her home. She has a brain tumour, (and stroke effects) so we gladly spent time praying for her. We were thrilled when she was able to open her previously clenched fist, and we continue to pray for complete healing.

Matthew (originally from Nigeria) talks to local children in the old town part of Constanta. He works in this area, reaching out to the youth and kids.

The ornate museum building in Constanta

Statue of Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) – a 1st century Roman Poet

Team meeting in the Seaman’s Centre

Alex, Julie, and Iulia: 3 of my gorgeous new friends!

Sharing a joke!

Come on lads, break it up now. Peter eases Ian’s tension with some of his chiropractor skills.

Was this the offending meal? Seriously though, we had some great food, although it helped to like chicken & potatoes!

Peter & Marilyn giving one of our trusty van a quick clean.

That’s all for now. There is so much more I could say, and so many more photos I could show, but I have to end somewhere. Trust you have been inspired and impacted. if you want to know more about going on one of NLI’s 3 Prayer Missions in 2008 then please get in touch with me as soon as possible – you won’t regret it.