The Countdown Begins...

I have a question that I would like to ask you.  First, think about every gift God has given you.  Think about every talent you have...and now, let's say that if you wanted to be a Christian, you would have to give up your God given calling.  Tell me, would you still choose to follow God?

You see, the Bible tells a story about a master who divides talents (sums of money) to three servants.  All but one multiplies what he was given.  That one is then throne out of the master's presence...so now tell me, would you still follow God if the church told you that you couldn't multiply your gifts?  Put yourself in the shoes of a boy who loves to act or a girl who loves to dance...and is now told the call of God on his life is a sin.  As a Master's Commission, this is one stigma we constantly find; and a legalistic bondage that we are breaking.

Last week a group of Americans came to Targoviste to do a crusade.  We got to help them out by helping invite the city.  In the process of doing so, we received a lot of favor.  Enough favor, that were given the rare chance to do a very risky thing...perform a drama.  The drama we did was the same drama we did on tour.  This drama was about the effects of spiritual oppression on the country, and how God was raising up young people to serve him.  As we performed, some people walked out.

It wasn't because they were offended by the content, but merely that it was a drama...and drama was a sin.  However, the next day, one of the lead Romanian pastors said this, "I know a lot of people walked out when Master's Commission did their drama.  But you cannot deny that the Holy Spirit fell.  If this was wrong, then God wouldn't have come down.  We know that it was right, because of how he moved during the drama."

God really has had his hand on this drama.  When we were on tour I remember people crying, because they knew that what was said was true.  I remember seeing people come to know Christ because of what God did through that drama.  And, that night, The Holy Spirit moved on people's hearts.

I tell you this story to give a platform of what I want to say next.  This year I was a missionary, who was discovering what works, what doesn't work, and what needs to be done in Romania.  Well, this wasn't a one-time go people.  A few months ago God confirmed in me that I would be coming back next year.  I know now that I will be coming back with these two forms of ministries in mind: fine arts, and men.

From the previous story before, it's obvious why there is a need for a fine arts ministry.  One of the things I've noticed is that Romanians are a very artistic driven culture, and are deeply touched by the arts.  Music, acting, dancing, etc. make the big impacts on their lives.  Many Romanians won't become Christians, because they find a lot of fulfillment in doing what God has made them to do, and won't give it up.  There are no Christian dance teams, so they dance in the clubs. I could go down the list but I think you have the idea.  So I really want to give Christians a platform to exercise the talents God has given them.

I will be writing tour again for Master’s Commission Romania, working on the media side of things, getting films, sound, etc. together and developing a core team for fine arts ministry.  One of my visions for next year that I'm really seeking the Lord out on, is a fine arts competition as part of three big events related to the arts.  As more planning, counsel, and prayer go into this I'll have a better idea of what I can and will do.  These are just some ideas that feel right in my heart right now.

I also will be coming back to found and build a men's ministry known as ISI.  Since before my first year of Master’s Commission in The States, God has been speaking to me about starting a men's ministry.  I personally never thought it would be so soon, or me be so young.  However, it has been confirmed in me and my counsel that now is the time to get it rolling.  My deep attention to men’s ministry was spurred from something I saw during one of the crusade nights.

In the park there was a free concert that I felt the need to see.  Somehow, I felt like it would be important.  The first act of the show was a very seductively dressed woman, who did not hide her agenda.  During the concert the night before many people were talking during the performance, but that night, they were all silent.

I had heard that Tarvoviste was the center for many of the mafia rings of Romania from a first year and friend of mine, David.  I had heard from Pastor Shawn that pornography dominated the male culture.  I had heard people talk about the rise of gang violence and abuse.  I had heard these things but had never truly seen these things until that woman walked up on stage.  And then in that moment I saw it...all of it...

I figure that in that moment no one was trying to hide their struggles but willfully gave themselves over...and in that moment of all their open doors...God opened up my eyes to see things as they really were.  I could see the signs of gang and mafia life.  I could see the signs of the abused girls.  I could see the signs of drugs.  I could see the hypnotic effect of what hours of pornography can do to a man.

I may be a man of God...but I am still a man.  So I grabbed a youth student who was with me and left.  That whole day, and days to come, I was haunted by the bondage I had seen that night...and I sought God out, asking him to free those men.  So, I really do have a heart for starting this men's ministry, ISI, here next year.

As time goes by I will be keeping you updated on how everything is going as I prepare to launch these ministries next year, and how the Master's Commission Romania program is doing.  I say this, because on July 27 I will be heading back to The States to see my family, meet with ya'll, and earn more funds for next year's ministry. In the meantime, please keep the last month of my stay here in your prayers.  God is doing a lot in people's hearts during this last crunch time of our stay.  We want our First years to finish strong.  And we desire to see God to continue to move in incredible ways!

Also keep our upcoming events in your prayers too.  We are hosting another American team, and we will be taking them with us during our ministry in the girl's home, nursing home, youth nights, food drives, etc.  This group is a phenomenal group, and I really want to see God do some amazing things in them and through them.  For those who have gone on a mission's trip before, you know that if you're open to God, he'll do some amazing things in and through you.  After they leave we will be doing an event called "Experience Master's."  This gives young people a chance to experience master's commission, and the ministry we do, as a student for about four days.  Our hope is that this will build our program as well as motivate young people to change their communities.

Thank you for all of your support.  If you live in Texas or Louisiana, I will be seeing you really soon and can't wait to meet with you and tell you more, face to face, about what God is doing here!  God bless.