It's all about Jesus.

Our first full day in Romania is complete and I think it was much needed by everyone, as well as the perfect way to kick off what is setup to be such a fantastic week. I think everyone was having some severe jet lag from the day before because sleep was hard to come by on our series of flights. At one point when we got off of our long flight, I made the comment that I was so tired that I felt like I was having an out of body experience and I have a feeling I wasn't the only one. But overall, besides some turbulence going from Atlanta to Amsterdam, our travel was pretty uneventful.

The crew getting ready to go on the big plane.

For the first time ever leaving the Bucharest airport, we did encounter a strange moment. We always hold our breath getting through customs and getting stamped in, which went off without incident. We waited one by one for our twenty-some-odd suitcases and they were (Praise the Lord) all there and intact! After a scramble to find carts to help transport all the bags out of the airport (because once you leave you can't go back in) we loaded everything up and were prepared to walk out when we were stopped. Sandy said her heart went to her head, mine went the other direction. Guards stopped us and sternly asked, "What is in all these suitcases?" Luckily, Sandy is over prepared and every person has a sheet stating every item in their supply suitcase. We were able to produce these. As they thumbed through the sheets, they began to ask questions about our trip. After a couple of exchanges and some concerning looks on their faces. We were let through... and then we could breathe.

A portion of our gear! 

This morning we went to church service at Feldioara and of all my trips over, that was probably one of my most favorite services. It touched my heart to no end. It didn't take me but a few minutes to get in that building and begin seeing all of my precious friends before the tears began flowing. As I said before, the love and peace I feel here is so overwhelming.

Beth and I with our sweet friend, Mundra

The sermon today was about salvation and knowing Christ and our guys did an amazing job bringing a message that was so spot on and I know many souls sitting in that room today, were touched by it. The verses in the message came out of 1 Corinthians 15 and verses 54-57 stood out to me so deeply. People ask me what we do on our trip and the easiest way to put it is we touch their physical needs through our medical, dental and vision team and we touch their spiritual needs. I get asked upon return often times, "Well how many people did you see?" "How many people got saved?" "How many people made a commitment?" I think my response often baffles people but it is the very reason why I love being apart of this team: Numbers. Don't. Matter. I honestly don't know the exact number of patients that pass through our clinic, nor does it matter. What matters is that we saw the most that we can and they know that we care so deeply about them. To be honest, we are there to love on people through our gifts that the Lord has given us, whether it's medical, dental, vision or more of a heart level. God is shared and I know I personally make it abundantly clear that I am there because I love them and that God loves them. I know there are seeds planted that maybe we will never see but I do know one thing, God is so very faithful and He is claiming those souls as His own. "But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (verse 57). That is what it is all about and why we are here... as Bro. Jerry said, "It's about Jesus."

Such a great music special brought this morning!

Beth and Mundra listening to the message. Be still my heart. 

Our team is ready for clinic and I already know people are waiting to be helped... to be healed... to be loved. This team has been so perfectly orchestrated for what is to come this week and I couldn't be more thankful! Our first clinic days are in Feldioara! The people know us and are so receptive. It is such a great place to be! Pray for things to run smoothly and that we can extend our reach to every need that walks through our doors! Pray for strength and energy for our team! Thank you for all your support and prayers, they are so needed and so helpful to our team! I'll leave you with a few more pictures from our day!

Walking into the courtyard to the church

Such a beautiful welcome to the church!

Courtyard in front of the church

Feldioara

Precious. Pure Precious.

Live. Laugh. It's all about Jesus. 

Melissa