Nate and Noah to Romania

The first day of spring came recently, and at the risk of sounding cliche, such a concrete mark of growth and change feels appropriate and analogous to the state of things as I see them now. In recent weeks, it has felt increasingly apparent that the time for initiation and fresh discovery has given way to a season of maturing and refining. As it happens, I sense this both for the ministry and for myself personally. The first year with youth was a year in which we saw the Lord establish an identity and a purpose for the teens of Oradea, and while we continually seek to realize that more fully, much of the foundation has been set, and we now begin on the diligent work of discipleship, spiritual growth, and deepening of relationships. Personally, I have been greatly challenged to mature as a leader, both in my practical skill set and in my surrender to the Lord as He sets the path for the years to come. It is a process that is at times daunting on both accounts, but it is hard not to get excited about the fact that the Lord is looking to build on what He has begun!

One of the most consistent joys of these days has simply been the enjoyment of time spent with the youth, our church family, and our friends. Youth and Refresh Nights are times of continuous life and delight to me, and I cannot help but feel such gratitude for the honor and pleasure of getting to serve and relish in life alongside our students. There was truly something missing from us while we were away in the States! The youth, of course, represent a segment of the larger church family of SALEM, which as a whole represents such a significant and central portion of our lives. In the first year here, Noah and I were welcomed in with open arms and gracious hearts, and they are as good to us today as they were in the first days of our arrival. It is gratifying to be able to reciprocate this love and care, not just in the moment, but with the commitment to serve and remain present with them for several years to come. The knowledge that this will be home for the next couple of years brings with it an even greater sense of excitement and anticipation for what awaits this beautiful family.

With the youth specifically, we’ve focused a great deal on the area of surrender. The Lord has really impressed on us the fact that the next level for Oxygen Youth as a group is learning to trust Him with our everything and live our lives in radical obedience to the Holy Spirit. As the capstone of this series and focus, we are holding a youth Worship and Prayer Night this upcoming Saturday (April 12). I believe the Lord is preparing to not only to bring a new measure of freedom and life to these students, but that He is preparing them to be used by Him for His will and His kingdom. In addition to this night, we have had the pleasure of enjoying a weekend retreat hosted by our friends and ministry partners at Barnabas Ministries in Laz, which was a great time of fellowship and refreshing for everyone who made the trip out. We are also making preparations for our own youth camp in August, and we very much look forward to the work that the Lord is preparing to do among our students in the coming months!

I have found this message of surrender to be one that the Lord is challenging me with personally as well. In beginning this next chapter of ministry and life as a whole, the Lord has faithfully and gently begun to show me how desperately I need Him for each and every part of my life. He has been reminding and teaching me recently that the greatest thing I can do is respond to Him in obedience, trusting Him with the means and the outcome of each situation. He is teaching me to use well what He has put in my hands while submitting the rest humbly to Him, and I am very thankful for this lesson in my life. It feels difficult at times to release that control to Him, but He proves time and time again His faithfulness and His power in bringing things to fruition in His good timing!

Regarding the events of this month, Noah and I have been busy men. Aside from the day-to-day operations, we have been involved in several projects and activities, including planting a blueberry orchard at the church land in Arieseni, helping to host a national conference that rented the church’s space for a weekend, receiving our friend Seth from the United States, and best of all, helping to plan and then witness the proposal and engagement of our friends, Denis and Ashley! This past month has certainly not been lacking in excitement, and I feel incredibly grateful for the days of fulfilling work as well as those days that overflow with beautiful moments!

As we continue onward, we continue to receive many great opportunities and see many openings for the Lord to work. I typically try to keep prayer points focused down to three specific areas, but for the present moment, there are several more situations I feel burdened to pray for, and I would ask for you to join me in prayer for these things.

Ministry Prayer Points:

This weekend’s Prayer and Worship Night: This is an event for our youth that we have been preparing for and praying into for quite some time now. Pray with us that the Lord would be glorified in our gathering and that He would teach students to come before Him in total surrender and openness. Believe with us that He seeks not only to challenge and grow our students, but that He is also equipping them for Kingdom work!

An opportunity for a children’s camp in Ukraine: We have received an offer to continue our partnership in Ukraine and assist in providing Gospel messages and games for a summer camp for the orphans we have previously visited. This is incredibly exciting for us, and we believe in faith that the Lord is opening the door for us to serve this group of children despite some of the practical challenges leading up to the camp itself. Pray with us that the Lord would continue to open doors and that we would be able to be present with them for their camp in August!

Preparations for the summer – Camps and Teams: This summer is set to be a big one for us, and we are already beginning to plan specifically for the arrival of a short-term team from Mannahouse, as well as for our own summer camp. As we believe for a deeply impactful summer of outreach and quality time with our students, pray with us that the Lord would give us vision for both the missions team and for our camp, both practically and spiritually. Pray that He would prepare the way for fruit to be produced abundantly this summer!

Personal Prayer Points:

Living Permits: Noah and I both have appointments set to present our portfolios for consideration regarding our living permits. There is still one vital document that we have yet to receive that we will need to have for our appointment later this week. Please pray that we will receive this document from the government in time before our appointment, and that when we submit our portfolios, we will be approved for our long-term permits!

Language Learning: The Lord has been gracious, and by His power, I have made leaps and bounds in learning Romanian. Presently, I am listening and taking notes on sermons without translation, and I am beginning to hold short conversations in Romanian. This is incredibly encouraging, but there is still a great amount of work to be made towards fluency. Please pray that the Lord continues to open my mind and mouth to supernatural understanding and usage of the language!

Upcoming Travel: At the end of this month, I will be traveling briefly to the US for my good friend’s wedding. I will also be taking a few days to see family and take care of some practicalities while in-country. Please pray for safety and smooth travels, as well as for good times with friends and family. While I am gone, multiple teams will be coming to the church here, so pray also that Noah and the rest of the team will have additional grace and capacity to facilitate these events in my absence.

It is a joy to share the stories of life here, and I pray that they are an encouragement. I believe wholeheartedly that while we have seen amazing days, the best days still lie ahead! Thank you for your prayers and your support!

Blessings,

– Nathan