This picture was taken in a remote village named Groserea in the region of Oltenia in the southern part of Romania. Only a bumpy, gravel road is the path that will take you to this place. The living conditions are unlike most Americans have ever seen, let alone experienced first-hand. But in that place, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is alive and well.
This service took place on November 4, 2007. In this picture, I am one of five pastors that are leading in an ordination prayer for my young friend, Dani Hardut. He accepted Christ when I preached at a youth camp in Romania in 1999. He has been special to me ever since. I have watched him grow in his relationship with the Lord and follow God's call to the gospel ministry. He and his wife Gia, have a baby boy named Timothy. At this point in their lives, they believe God has placed them in this region to spread the Good News.
Following their footsteps, I am reminded of the words of an old song that says, "Wherever He Leads I'll Go." Truly this young couple are living out that statement. They are among a growing number of young adults that I have the privilege of knowing that have sold themselves out to the will of God for their lives. How richer I am for knowing them.
I could wish that every American Christ follower would make a commitment to go to a place like this and spend some time ministering to the people there. The many comfortable aspects of our ministries are worlds apart from what is taking place in various parts of the world. We must remember that this world is not our home; we are here only for a season. Our home is in heaven. May we all, until we get there, make every effort to pray for servants like Dani and Gia, to give financially to missions, and to discover a way to go on a short-term mission trip that will open our eyes to the wonderful things God is doing all around the world.
