God’s Gift to US

Received Date: Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. Pacific

April 19, 2009
From David and Mary Jo Cunnard
On the Road from Iasi to Bostosani

God’s Gift to US

What if there is a mission trip announced in your church and you cannot go? Can you still have a part? Can you still have an impact?

Some 15 years ago, John Wesslen planned a mission trip to Vaslui, Romania, from Tabernacle Church in downtown Portland. We were not able to go, but were able to support the trip financially, with our prayers and by sending small promise cards to be handed out to the Romanians.

During this first trip John made contact with a man whose sons and nephews had formed a small singing group. On John’s second trip, John invited these young men to sing during his meetings. One of them, Alin Apostol, expressed an interest in studying in the United States. With the help of those on the trip, Alin was cleared to attend Walla Walla College in 10 days! Alin graduated from WWC and returned to Romania as a pastor. During his time at WWC he was a member of OAMC.

As many of you who are acquainted with the OAMC Mission to Romania know, Alin Apostol is the driving force behind the Romanian Adventist Men’s Chorus and managing the OAMC logistics in Romania.

Saturday night in Iasi (pronounced Yawsh), I talked to Alin’s mother after we completed our second wonderful meal at their vegetarian restaurant. She told me that it was not until she met American Christians that she learned what it meant and how to truly love.

Can you have an impact? If people had not supported John’s mission trip, the OAMC Mission to Romania would probably not be happening. We may never know until we reach heaven how much of an impact our gifts and prayers have had. I never dreamed that I would see any results of my gifts in this life. Please remember that those who are only able to give and pray are just as important to the mission as those who go. May God be blessed.