Sandra's E-mail from Moldova

I just had to share this e-mail from one of the ladies, Sandra, who's on the mission trip with Alan. She rocks! Here's what she wrote in an e-mail home to her husband, Steve, yesterday:

"Well, today was AWESOME. The day started with a 2.5 hour talk with a Jehovah Witness. I could see the struggle that she was going through, and we were so passionate about the gospel that she could hardly refute it. The more I talked, the closer she came. And then I could see her backing off as she talked more. It was crazy, she went back and forth pulling verses out of text to prove points that didn't make any sense. I really felt the struggle, Steve, and I prayed like crazy for her and that the Holy Spirit would pierce her heart. Her name is tanya, and she was sweet and kind, only very confused.
By the way, Moldova is infected with Jehovah witnesses, and so when you knock on the door or approach people, they think you are one of them. Especially if you are wearing a skirt, or have a piece of paper in your hand. We actually have approached people and said, "Hello, we are not Jehovah Witnesses...". Would you believe it works?
The morning continued, but not much action, and after lunch we approached a few people and they listened, but there was nothing brilliant to report. yet. There are some struggles going on with the americans and the translators and nationals. After lunch they are absolutely done and it is like pulling teeth to get them to be proactive and approach people with us. Cheryl's team was with us today, and at one point cheryl and I were almost a whole block ahead of them. Slow walkers are infuriating.
Well, we messed around with some kids, invited some others to the soccer field at 4pm for some football fun with americans, ate wild plums that a little boy threw down to us as he was climbing the tree, and kept walking. the whole day i secretly prayed that I would see the boys from yesterday. and God is faithful. As we turned the corner to head back to the soccer field, I looked up and saw Alex, the 17 year old. we invited him to come play soccer. and by the time we made it back to the field, he was already involved in a full on match. there were 3 or 4 other little boys who weren't playing, so a few of us ladies kicked the ball around with them. Eventually the soccer match moved to a different field, and i still had the little kids. They were then climbing the monkey bars and telling me they were tired, and I kept saying, "Please friends" in a exaggerated Russian voice to keep playing. I got the evangecube and showed it to them. I did the whole thing, and then asked them if any believed. Steve, they all said YES, and they prayed with me and everything. I cannot believe that God let me be a part of this. Well as I continued to ask questions, I asked Alex if he also believed, and he said yes, too. there were like 7 of them... (Later did I find out, that one of the boys prayed with Tripp yesterday. :)
Anyway, as we prepared for our church service outside, I looked up and saw Alex, another young boy, and a girl coming my way. they were all cleaned up, and ready for church. Can you believe it? They sat with us, and i introduced them to everyone around. Then I had to get up and give my testimony, which was great. Eric went up and preached, and he was excellent. He also made reference to our water jugging contest last night in an illustration about earthly thirst and living water. It was perfect. then we sang some russian songs (I just smiled), and got to stand up and share things that had happened today. In front of everyone, I told the story of Alex and how God's God is faithful and that there was Alex. It was so great. I am meeting with the kids tomorrow at 3:00 to do some follow up, but I handed out a few Bibles. Alex wanted one. This brings such joy to my heart, I cannot even explain to you. As we left for the evening, he looked me in the eyes and said, "I am happy".
How can I top that? Cool!
Now I am almost ready to go to sleep, but not before Farkle.
By the way, the people here are very indulgent to their children, and many have asked me how i can possibly leave my children to come here. It has been the perfect opportunity for me to tell them that my greatest desire is that my children would know the Lord, and this is a way that I can show my faith as active and alive. That I believe in God's free gift so totally I am willing to leave my precious family to spread it."

PRAISE GOD for all the awesome things He is doing in the Moldova through Sandra and the whole NEBC team!