The Race has begun full force here in Craiova, Romania. We flew from Atlanta to London and finally landed in Bucharest, Romania late on Saturday the 15th. We got to our mission host after a few more hours in a caravan across the dark Romanian countryside. Thankfully, we had the entirety of the following Sunday to recover and adjust to the jetlag before attending orientation on Monday. I spent the day with Matt and Travis exploring the city and we discovered a delicious diner that served shaorma, a delicious food packed with chicken, fries, cabbage, onions, mayonnaise and picant (spicy sauce). I was pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of food you could purchase for less than $5. Only after getting out and seeing some of the city was it actually real that the race had begun. The feeling of anxious anticipation had peaked as we still had little to no idea of what we would be doing for/with our mission host.
Monday was spent wholly at orientation. We answered four questions from Raul, the Pastor of Hope Church and our mission host: Who are you? What is your role in the kingdom? What can you do for Raul? What can Raul do for you? Facing these questions made me realize how much trust I will have to have in the Lord’s ability to work through me when I am unsure of my own abilities. I am sure this will hold true for Romania as well as all the other countries. Discovering most of our ministry was going to be street evangelism certainly didn’t alleviate any uncertainties I had about our first stop. Perhaps it was foolish to think I wouldn’t be pushed out of my comfort zone so quickly. That is a big part of the reason I signed up for the race in the first place.
Fortunately, we had received some excellent teaching at launch about evangelism and the first half of our day was spent in worship, prayer, and equipping from Raul or Ana (Raul’s wife) about how to reach the youth of Romania well. The youth are the main target of Hope Church’s ministry as they wish to raise up leaders and missionaries through discipleship programs. We, the racers, are the first step in this process: Going out and inviting the youth to nightly worship sessions and to youth events on Saturday nights. Evangelism was challenging as we were tasked with starting conversations through the medium of tracts, a method typically taught against in America. This was difficult as probably only half of the youth actually spoke English and we typically only had one translator and many of us. It’s nearly impossible to connect with someone if you can’t talk to them. Later on, however, we were also given flyers to invite the youth to our nightly worship sessions and this method was much more personal and provided a great way to form an actual relationship with them.
The following week, I volunteered to assemble a small filing cabinet for the church’s offices. This was honestly a gift from God and great way to get some alone time while still serving the ministry. Though I did push myself and made some connections with some of the students in Craiova, I was certainly grateful for the break from evangelism.
For the first week, only half of our team was present as Hannah, Malachi, and Jacken did not test negative and couldn’t fly out with the squad. The days felt incomplete without them and being able to have team time was a refreshing addition that helped to process the business of life and ministry in a foreign country.
To give you a clear picture of our weekly schedule each day has essentially looked the same starting at the church with worship from 9-10, prayer from 10-11, administration from 11-12, lunch and team time from 12-2, evangelism from 2-5, worship night from 5-6, and dinner starting around 6:30-7 back at the mission house. Saturdays differ with prayer and then market ministry which entails giving out large posters delineating the journey from birth to death ending in heaven or hell. Sundays are our Sabbath day to recuperate and rest in the Lord. Mondays are our team adventure/ATL (Ask the Lord) days. Though this will change from country to country, our Sabbath days and team adventure/ATL days should remain consistent.
Though these first few weeks have been adventurous and exciting, the good has certainly been paired with the bad…or should I say, uncomfortable. Stepping out of my comfort zone and diving straight into evangelism was difficult, but rewarding as I have seen the fruit it has bared. Having hardly a second away from people has been one of the most challenging aspects thus far. It’s been wonderful spending time deepening relationships with my squadmates, but I have not consistently been decidedly intentional to spend time in the quiet and process thoughts, feelings, and what the Lord is speaking to me. This leads to pushing myself to operate out of a lack and not out of overflow which doesn’t end well for anyone. Skipping quiet time has never had more impact in my life before this trip and I am learning a lot about what I actually use to fuel myself and how vital this is not only to ministry, but really to every aspect of life.
Aside from trying and failing to live outside of the reality that I tend closer to the introverted side of things, God has been challenging me to truly trust him in all areas of life. Though the mission house and city have afforded many comforts similar to home, the time difference has made communication with loved ones extremely difficult. The lack of free time has been challenging but has pushed me to spend these times more judiciously. God has been very graciously showing me that no relationship, friendship, or solace found outside of Him truly satisfies. Relinquishing control of these things has not been easy, but the peace and joy found in the Father has calmed my spirit. Hebrews 12:1-2 has spoken to me deeply recently, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” It is daunting to yield to the Lord, but comforting to rest in his goodness and the assurance we have in Jesus. His ways are truly better than ours and it is this reason alone that I must trust (albeit begrudgingly at first) that His omniscience will save me from my finitude. On my own, I have only my perspective. In God, although the whole picture isn’t clear, I can trust that as I seek Him, He will guide my steps.
Finally, I would like to apologize for my delinquency in updating all of my supporters, family, and friends. Many things are abnormal in this season, but blogging more frequently is something I want to commit to. Thank you to everyone who has joined me thus far. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and I look forward to sharing more with you!
May God be with you,
Nathan D. Schubert
P.S. The chocolate croissants and pastries here are incredible. Here are some photos from the past few weeks as well.
