MOLDOVA | ORPHANS CAMP | Summer 2008

I, along with about 50 other brothers and sisters in Christ served the orphans in Moldova during the summer of 2008. This particular year, more than 50% of those who served at the Orphan's Camp did so for the very first time. We were all anxious, excited, and expecting the unknown but knowing that God was in total control! We had approximately 150-200 kids at the Orphan's Camp and this was my first year serving in Moldova. I don’t think anything could’ve ever prepared me quite enough for what I experienced. There was every type of emotion you can think of – moments of exhaustion that were followed by renewed strength. Moments of disappointment that were followed by acts of love and compassion. It was a cycle that seemed to carry on day after day. There were many days of frustration, confusion, and questioning why God wanted me in the small country of Moldova. It seemed impossible to fulfill the needs of even one child. Sure, I could show them love but when I left, who would take my place? Are they understanding anything? Will anything I do here have an impact in their lives?

When the final day of the camp arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. I tried not to think about it until we had to walk them to their buses and the inevitable would have to happen. We’d have to leave them. It was in those final moments that I saw the tears flow from many of my children’s faces… then the leaders’ faces. Some children who I would’ve never expected to cry, did. One orphan in particular, Ioan, couldn’t hold it in. He was a trouble-maker for some leaders, but I saw a lot of potential in him. Every time he saw me, he would shout my name and give me a huge hug. I never had any problems with him. He was just like a little brother. As we were walking to the bus, tears began to flow down his face. I couldn’t bare to look at him so I walked away and said goodbye to other kids who were boarding their buses before him. And then Ioan’s time came. He gave Flo a great big hug, and held on. He didn’t want to leave. I hugged him next, and I tried my hardest to not cry in front of him. Yeah right. I looked over at Flo and he couldn’t do it, so I knew there was no chance for me! I hugged him as if it was the last time I would ever see him. And then it hit me… It just might be.

In that very moment, I knew why God sent me to Moldova. I may never see these kids again. It’s a heart-breaking thought but a bitter reality. Everything we taught them, showed them, and lived out to them, is now a memory that they must hold onto forever. I, along with the 50 other leaders did our part to plant seeds. As small or insignificant as it may have seemed to me, everything I did was under a microscope. These kids will look back at everything we did together. The rest is now up to our Heavenly Father. As we walked back to our camp, it was hard to accept the fact that a once lively camp, was now… quiet. No child in sight. What each and every one of us would have given to see a child fighting over a ball, or a teenager blasting music on his cell phone. It’s incredible how frustrated we were at these things during our time in the camp, but we would’ve done anything to have those moments back again.

I’m encouraged to know that God’s Word will never return void. It gives me an overwhelming peace that no words in this world can ever describe. We leave them in the hands of the Lord. I pray that in this very moment, as they are in their broken homes or no homes at all – but orphanages – that God will speak to each and every one of their hearts. That they would accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. That they would experience the love of a Heavenly Father that no father on the face of this planet can ever give. That they would never forget the love we showed them through the reflection of Christ.

Thank you to everyone who made this Mission Trip possible for me. It was through your thoughts and prayers that I was able to effectively share the love of Christ to a part of the world that desperately needs it. Christ is complete and blessed in Himself. He doesn’t need me or you to fulfill His work. The amazing thing is, He WANTS us. He desires us.

If you have the time, please say a quick prayer for all these kids that were exposed to the Gospel in the ten days that we spent with them. And if you would like to personally pray for an individual child, you can pray for the following kids who taught me more than I could’ve ever taught them… Ruslan, Ioan, Dima, Anastasia, Ioan (#2). Thank you.

Domnul sa va binecuvinteze (God bless you all)!

- Sammy Cosa

Here is a small video that gives you a glimpse of our
experience at the Orphan's Camp. Enjoy!

MEXICO OUTREACH | SPRING 2008

As seems the rule for mission trips, it was as much a blessing for those who went as for those we served. As one of our leaders said on the way home – sometimes we may not be truly excited about going, we are just trying to be obedient, but when all is said and done, you come home very excited and knowing it was where you were supposed to be.

The outreach was organized by Charity Cup and brought together over 100 brothers and sisters from across the United States, as far away as Chicago and Tennessee, and as near as our own church. We met at several churches in Arizona and California and caravanned down to near Rosarito, Mexico. We joined together as one body to work for Christ, encouraging, praying and providing for fellow believers and reaching out to children and unbelievers. It is hard to imagine much can be done in 2 days, but with over 100 people pulling together, much was accomplished. There were several ministries reaching out to fill different needs – Construction, VBS, Women’s Ministry, Community Outreach, and Drama.

Saturday
The morning began with an hour of personal devotion and preparing our hearts for the day and work ahead. The “food ministry” provided a hearty breakfast and we were ready to go. Here is how we were able to serve:
The Construction Team worked at a local church plant (by a Romanian pastor), hammering, building and painting.
VBS worked with the children at La Mission Orphanage sharing God’s love and teaching about Christ. There was more then one child who just wanted to sit in a lap and be held.
Women’s Ministry provided personal care to their sisters in Christ who worked at the orphanage. These diligent workers were reluctant at first to “take a break” and be ministered to, by one by one they came.
Community Outreach visited local church members and families in the community. We handed out bags of food, bibles and prayed a lot! They’re prayer requests were truly humbling. They were so open and not afraid to share their needs – from cancer, to emotional support for a recent death in the family, to sick children and for work opportunities.
The Drama Team performed skits for VBS and the community.
We ended the day with a wonderful traditional Mexican dinner prepared by our sisters at the local church and then a bon fire where we sang worship songs and shared special moments and lessons from the day.

Sunday
The food ministry outdid themselves by making us omelets for breakfast. We cleaned up the camp grounds, sang worship songs and got ready for church. We split up to go to different churches. At one church, the VBS team worked with the Sunday school kids and the rest of us were blessed with a message of “Christ alone is our help." The local church was kind enough to provide an English translator as well as PowerPoint in both English and Spanish. After service, a magnificent lunch was served. Then it was back on the road for the homeward journey.
Dios te bendiga (God bless you)!

- Mary Flores