Putting a Face on Missions
by Pat Northcutt
sex trade industry. Provided with commercial sewing
machines, fabric, yarn and craft supplies, these young
women are learning to produce marketable garments,
scarves and jewelry to support themselves. One
mission team was assigned exclusively to these
transition homes, demonstrating God’s love to the
women by giving them a “makeover” from hairstyle
to manicures and pedicures, as well as helping them
with sewing techniques.
Team 2 was assigned to teach ESL in the university at Chisinau (Moldova’s capital) and Balti, as well
as area grade schools. Team leader Pat Carpenter
from Hoschton, GA conducted two training seminars for teachers in Balti and Floresti, giving them
techniques and methodologies that would improve
their effectiveness in teaching English.
Recent news about Russian military activity focused
worldwide attention on Crimea, the Ukraine, and
surrounding Baltic nations. Moldova, the smallest
country in the former USSR, is one of the nations in
potential jeopardy.
During times of political upheaval, mission
opportunities can evaporate overnight. Two teams
from the Atlanta, GA area went through the stillopen door this March, specifically to minister to
young women in transition homes, as well as students
studying English as a Second Language (ESL) in local
schools and universities.
Mission Moldova, a 501(c) 3 organization, has
established two shelters for women coming out of the
Pat Northcutt (center) with English Department
Chairwoman and three journallism students
Both teams worshipped with local congregations
during the three weeks they were in country. While
the preaching and songs were in Russian, the tunes
for many of the hymns were familiar to our American ears. Together we sang “Showers of Blessing”
and “How Great Thou Art”; surely the joyful noise
pleased the heart of God.
One of those praising God is Vera. Now 84 years old,
Vera inspires the body of Christ at Bethany Baptist
Church in Floresti, simply by her presence. Standing
in prayer, “multu mesc” (thank you) pours from her,
over and over. “Thank you.” Her heart of gratitude
is hard to understand, outside of the love of God.
Vera is a survivor of the Soviet NKVD roundups and
seizures of over 60 years ago. Through Christ, she has
forgiven those who hurt her and her family. Vera puts
a personal face on missions in Moldova.
Vera