Made in His Handiwork | By Noah Reynolds
āTaste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.ā - Psalm 34:8 NIV
āThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!ā - Ezekiel37:5NLT
I have found myself going through several dark moments throughout the summer, the reality of being a missionary back in the God-assigned country he sent me to has weighed heavy on my shoulders. I have felt discouraged and confused in this season of questioning purpose, faith, and my own sanity. I am thankful for the close relationships in my life both in Romania and America who have encouraged me, helping me to hold my arms up in surrender to Yahweh.
As this hot summer came to a close into a seemingly early winter(this week Romania has skipped Fall), I am encouraged to know how much God has blessed me with certain privileges. The privilege to be missing good friends and family, to be exhausted after the end of a long day, to pray for promises that have yet to be fulfilled, to gain the knowledge and wisdom that comes from learning the hard way, to see things my mind couldnāt have thought to witness.
The privilege to be healed of great pain from The Great Healer. The privilege to be comforted every day due to dayās troubles by The Great Comforter. The privilege to be sustained every day by grace by The Great Comforter.
šļø 1. A Camp in Ukraine and Youth Camp
šŗš¦ The Camp in Ukraine
This summer, Nathan and I had the opportunity to volunteer at a childrenās camp in rural Ukraine hosted by Uniting for Children, a non-profit organization serving orphans through humanitarian aid and the love of Jesus Christ.
Our friends Andrei and Oxana, the camp organizers, warmly welcomed us. We helped wherever we were neededāpreparing meals, cleaning, washing dishes, and assisting with daily camp operations. Though the days were long and often exhausting, they were filled with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable presence of God.
š The Oxigen Youth Camp ā āRunning the Raceā
A highlight of the summer was our annualĀ Oxigen Youth Campāa powerful week of prayer, worship, and fellowship. The theme,Ā āRunning the Race,āĀ inspired our youth to persevere in the journey God has set before them. It was a time of renewal and encountering the presence of God together. I had alot of fun, being present and attentive to "our kids".
š A Time To Be Away
After our Oxigen youth camp, I decided it was time for a vacation. I took my time exploring the cities of SighiČoara, Sibiu and BraČov. It was a deeply personal time for be to be alone and reflect on this stressful year while also seeing the beauty that Romania has to offer. I took so many pictures with my camera of 12th century churches, mountains, and colorful buildings. The older I get, the more I value gifting myself the time to get away to reflect on my life and where God is taking me. My heart and soul felt satisfied exploring whatever I wanted to explore at my own pace. I am blessed beyond I can ever imagine to see that things I have seen so far in this country.
āŖ 2. The Church
šŗšø A Team from America
We were blessed to welcome a āStorm Teamā from my sending church, Mannahouse (Portland, Oregon). They came to serve our youth, assist with outdoor projects, and host a community soccer camp. It was deeply encouraging to see friends from my home church invest their time and hearts here in Romania.
š± Church Growth
The church continues to grow, especially among young families. Weāve even seen families who grew up here and had moved away return to make Salem their home again. One of them is my good friend Corneliu, whose friendship and encouragement have been a true blessing.
Romanians have shown me such warmth and hospitalityāitās been a daily reminder of Godās faithfulness and provision for community.
š My Transition Out of Youth Leadership
After prayerful consideration and counsel from church elders, Iāve transitioned out of youth leadership at Oxigen to focus on maintaining the church building and property. Though this change was bittersweet, Iām grateful for the chance to serve in a more practical wayācaring for the physical needs of the church family.
āļø Transitioning from Summer to Early Winter Responsibilities
šŖµ Stacking and Chopping Wood
Winter has arrived early this year! Nathan and I have been busy cutting and stacking dense oak wood purchased from the local lumber mill. It burns slower but keeps the building warm longer. Weāve been using chainsaws instead of the splitting machine, cutting logs about one meter in length.
My main responsibilities include maintaining our work schedule and sharpening the saw blades after each day of cutting. The work is hardābut deeply fulfilling.
š„ Maintaining the Furnace
Keeping the furnace going has become a daily rhythm. Our heating system isnāt very efficient due to water shortages, so temperatures can fluctuate. Still, by Godās grace (and a lot of wood!), weāve kept our school and neighbors warm through chilly nights that dip to 6Ā°C (43Ā°F).
Wood is added every few hours, ashes are emptied regularly, and a turbine fan helps the coals burn efficiently. Itās humbling work, but itās amazing to see how something simpleālike warmthācan be a blessing to so many.
š§ Baptisms
On Sunday, October 12th, we will celebrate baptisms for youth who have made the public decision to follow Christ. What a joy to see young hearts responding to Godās call and committing their lives to Him! Truly, God has been good.
š 3. Praise Reports & Prayer Requests
āØ Praises
- Praise God for bringingĀ new familiesĀ into the church and strengthening our community.
- Praise God for aĀ warm buildingĀ and the resources to keep it that way.
- Praise God for givingĀ strength and enduranceĀ for every task.
- Praise God forĀ continued progressĀ in learning Romanianāmy tutor has been a great help!
š¬ Prayer Requests
- Please pray for myĀ family and I, as my grandmother recently went home to be with the Lord after a stroke.
- Pray forĀ grace and energyĀ as the winter season becomes busier.
- Pray forĀ additional financial supportersĀ to sustain the ministry here in Romania.If youād like to contribute, please consider clicking theĀ āDonateāĀ button above. Every gift, no matter the size, helps advance the work God is doing here.
š Thank You
Thank you for reading, praying, and sending love from afar. Your encouragement reminds me that we are one body in Christ, united in purpose and mission.
Made in His Handiwork,
ā Noah Reynolds