These past two months have been full of both humility and celebration.
There has been celebration as friends and loved ones have grown a little older, and humility as things have broken, needed repair, and reminded us again that God is the One who sustains and restores.
1. Making Space for Friends From Another Branch
Every spring or so, a local Romanian Pentecostal church hosts a large one-day conference at our church facility, bringing together over 600 people.
This church invites believers from their network all across the country, and it is always a joy to host them. They are warm, friendly, and they always leave the church better than they found it.
My role is simple but important: helping the day run smoothly by unlocking doors, making sure spaces are ready, and being available for whatever practical needs come up. It is a beautiful reminder that serving the body of Christ often looks like making space for others to gather, worship, and be encouraged.
2. Humility Comes Like a Thief
Lately, it seems like many things have been breaking all at once: tractors, doors, water pumps, and worst of all, our boiler overheated and burst a pipe.
These moments are frustrating, especially when life is already busy. But they also have a way of humbling us. They remind us that we are not in control, but God is. Even in the inconveniences, repairs, and unexpected problems, He is working all things together for His good purposes.
3. Celebrating Birthdays
On March 1st, I celebrated my 27th birthday, and my friends made the day special by taking me to a salt mine that has been turned into a tourist attraction. It was a unique and memorable way to spend the day.
This season also included celebrating the birthdays of my friends, Iulia and Marcus. Their celebrations were special reminders of the gift of friendship, community, and the people God has placed around me here in Romania.
The lives of my friends in Romania have deeply impacted me in ways that would probably require a whole book to properly express. Their care, generosity, and love have become treasures I carry daily. I often feel humbled by the size of their hearts and challenged by the way they love so freely and faithfully.
More than anything, these birthdays reminded me that I have incredible friends and family who love me deeply. Turning 27 has felt surreal. It has also reminded me that I am created in the image of God and called to serve Him with my life, not for my own approval, but to please Him.
4. Guests From Around the World
This spring has also been a busy season of visitors. We have had guests come from the U.K., Kosovo, the U.S., and Sweden to encourage our congregation through prayer, preaching, teaching, and seminars.
It is beautiful to see how the body of Christ reaches across nations. Our church loves hosting people from around the world, and it is always a blessing when others come to pour into the church here in Romania.
The world may feel divided in many ways, but the Church reminds us that we are part of one family in Christ.
5. A Much-Needed Visit to the U.S.
On May 13th, I will land in Portland, Oregon, to see my sisters graduate from Portland Bible College. I will be in Portland for about a week to visit friends, reconnect with people, and seek additional support for another year in Romania.
I am currently looking to raise an additional $200 per month to help recoup lost support.
On May 22nd, I will fly to California for a family vacation, and then I will leave the U.S. on May 29th to return overseas.
I am greatly looking forward to this visit and believe that God will use this time to encourage, refresh, and strengthen me for what is ahead.
6. Not Quite “Spring Showers Bring May Flowers.”
I have been hard at work cutting grass around the church property. Even though spring has been colder than expected, I am still hoping for a good harvest of cherries and apples soon.
Rain has also been minimal this year, so the land has not been as lush as in previous springs. Still, there is something meaningful about caring for the property, working with my hands, and watching the seasons slowly change.
7. Hristos a înviat!
Easter was a wonderful time of honoring the resurrection of Christ and remembering the hope we have because He is risen.
I thought it was a good opportunity to capture some of these moments with my camera. There is something powerful about photographing worship, fellowship, and the quiet beauty of people gathering to remember the victory of Jesus.
I also had the opportunity to attend an Orthodox Easter service at the local monastery in town. The candles, singing, reverence, and tradition were all something to marvel at. It was a beautiful reminder that across languages, cultures, and traditions, the resurrection of Christ remains the center of our faith.
8. A Personal Note
As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been praying about what the future will look like for me as a missionary.
Recently, I received an incredible prophetic word from a guest speaker that deeply encouraged me and confirmed the call of God on my life for the nations — coming and going from place to place for His purposes.
This word has stirred my heart to think seriously about the future. I plan to discuss it with trusted voices in my life as I prepare for the next season, especially since my current contract serving in Romania ends next February.
I do not have every detail figured out yet, but I am praying, listening, and asking God for wisdom.
John 10:27-28 NKJV
Conclusion
Especially in this season, I feel deeply blessed to be across the world, taking part in simple yet profound acts for the Kingdom of God.
The people of Romania and the experiences I have shared with them have certainly been written on my heart — and they still are.
The mission field has its sorrows, but even more, it has its joys. Despite the challenges, my heart is full of hope and confidence: hope and confidence that God’s will is being done on earth as it is in Heaven.
With Oceans of Gratitude,
Noah Reynolds