I am struck today in a very profound way by the circumstances in which I find myself. I’m standing in a camp that was built during the Soviet era that was used as an Communist indoctrination camp for youth. I’m standing on ground that was dedicated to promoting thoughts and ideals that were openly in opposition to my Christian beliefs. And yet because of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of men, I stand here teaching young people a song that openly declares that “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!” I’m reminded that what Satan intends for evil, God can always work for good.
To see young people laughing and playing and raising their voices in worship to God was certainly not the vision cast so many years ago by those blinded by the lies of Communism. But it was my great joy today to see simple men and women, surrendered to God, perform a miraculous thing in this place. They simply, but most powerfully, loved God and loved their Moldovan neighbor thus fulfilling the two greatest commandments.
We often make the mistake of thinking that we can only accomplish great things for God, if we have great things to offer. But the greatest thing God ever created was us. A creation made in His image to love Him and to love our fellow man. We, as humans, get it wrong so many times but today, this Sweet Sleep team from Texas and Tennessee got it so right. They embodied the commands of Jesus and turned this dark place into light for all to see.
– TONY BLACK
Today was an amazing first full day in Moldova. We started out visiting a Bethany Baptist Church that had a biligual service of Russian and Romanian. It was beautiful. Then we headed out to camp, which was a spectacular 3 hour drive filled with beautiful sunflower fields. Do you ever have that moment you truly know God is present and you are exactly where you are supposed to be? That happend on our road trip today. God opened the door for me to share why he brought me to Moldova. He is working on a very special lady to potentially become an adoptive or foster parent for special needs children. He perfectly ordained this moment and it was sweet to see him working. Anything else that happens this week will just be a cherry on top. I am celebrating tonight as God is preparing another YES to take place. Praying for all those here today as seeds are planted and stories begin to unfold. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, planst to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
– CHRISTI SOWELL
Why did God bring you here?
KELSEY
It was time to come home.
MYKALEE
I am here because I’m a shoulder for the children to cry on.
JESSICA
God brought me here to open my eyes; because I will be back.
TANYA
I just love kids and knew there were more kids meant for us.
LEON
I’m here to train pastors on Biblical leadership.
SAVANNAH
I’ve wanted to travel to see God work in different ways and Sweet Sleep has led me to love people I never thought I’d have the chance to.
KELLY
I’m here to encourage people in areas they need to be encouraged in and to love where I need to love.
LANNETTE
I keep coming because the work’s not done.
CHRISTI
I came to encourage and equip foster and adoptive parents.
CINDI
I have no idea why God has me here, but I absolutely know I’m supposed to be here.
SINCLAIRE
I’m here to love on kiddos.
DEBRA
God called me to love these children.
RANDY
I came to return the love to others that God showed me.
BROOKLYN
I’m here to help kids break out of their shells and become who they truly.
DEBBIE
God brought me to Moldova again to remind me of His great love for all of His children, and to let me see faithful brothers and sisters in Christ taking care of orphans in their land.
ARLENE
We’re all part of one body and we each have a part to do.
JACOB
God called me here to get me ready for my future, because this is what I want to do.
ASHLEY
I’ve always had a passion for children, and when I heard about Sweet Sleep and what we were doing, I felt the tug on my heart to come.
TONY
I’m here to see Jesus’s two greatest commandments lived out in front of me : to see people loving God, and loving their neighbor.
JANA
God brought me here to honor Him and I wanted to serve.
MADELENE
I’m here to tell the stories and put the pieces together that will help Moldovan families care for Moldovan children.
STUART
God brought me to Moldova because it’s the country he used to break my heart for orphaned and abandoned children nine years ago, and now he uses it to continually remind me of why he’s called me into this ministry.
