Shortly after finishing pre-field training for my first two-year term to Romania, one of my brothers died tragically. This sent my family into a tailspin. I was emotionally lost and grasping for God. I remember praying, “God, please hold on to me. I have nothing left. I am so weak; I feel like I cannot even hold on to you. Oh God… HELP!”

My leadership was very supportive and allowed me the time I needed to grieve. I expressed to them that I was not making any decisions about going to Romania, as I was concerned about my late brother’s three children. I asked God for direction. I felt I would have naysayers whether I stayed in the states or continued on to Romania. I told the Lord if I heard clearly from Him then I could deal with the naysayers. Immediately I heard an odd notification from my phone that I could not ignore since the sound was so unique. The screen had a messaged titled “Mission Week” with Matthew 28:18-20,

‘And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.’

This text gave me the confidence to continue my assignment to Romania. I will never forget the day I met a young boy in Romania who thanked me for being there to tell him about Jesus. I believe my opportunity to serve in Romania is just one example of fulfilling this scripture, commonly known as the Great Commission.