Can you truly love an ugly baby? The answer is a definite “yes!”

I am not alluding to an actual child, but to something that is not always appealing to the eye.

Newborn babies are the best illustration. Excluding our three angelic daughters, the standard newborn is not what I would call stunning! Red, wrinkly faces…lumpy, bruised heads…red splotches and funky hair.

Those really are not words describing drop-dead beauty.

However, in the eyes of a parent, that child is the most beautiful creature in the entire universe. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Yet for us to see beauty in some things, we must develop a good case of myopia, nearsightedness. Fuzzy eyesight is not always a negative thing!

I say all this simply to explain why I love Moldova. I love the churches. I love the people. I even love the Russian language.

After all, some people think black olives and licorice taste delicious.

Others actually root for the New York Yankees. I have even met people who think running a marathon is enjoyable! There are strange people all over the world.

I enjoy living and ministering in Moldova.

Our concrete city, with its crumbling sidewalks and decrepit playgrounds, is beautiful to me.
Our Pentecostal churches, with wooden benches and outdoor toilets, are a joy in which to preach.
Our food is delicious (for the most part). Our fellow believers encourage me. Our roads even helps the heart rate.

But this place really is an “ugly baby.”

Our churches are not perfect. Some have worship as dry as the Sahara. Other churches have music loud enough to wake the dead. Some are full of grace and mercy; others are quite legalistic. Some pastors are preachers and leaders. Others could not preach salvation from a sinking ship. Nevertheless, I love these churches and leaders.

Russian is not perfect, especially my Russian! It makes me want to throw a textbook out the window, put my tongue in traction, and move to Scotland. In Scotland, at least I could learn English with a cool accent.

No,…our land of calling is not paradise. Every missionary understands that. When someone visits on a two-week missions trip, they see the nice side of the country and people. But a missionary is someone who stays…and works…and shares…and sees every wart and wrinkle.

I have learned to love my country. Living without love and passion is barely worth living at all.

I encourage you to get a heart for your town, your job, and your situation. Other people might look at your location or vocation and only see something ugly. But learn to love it. Whether you are a cashier or CEO, love your job with a passion. Whether concrete skyscrapers or majestic mountains surround you, find the beauty.

Whether you can write an encouraging letter or preach to thousands, do it with passion.

Love your church, your friends, your pastor, and your Jesus. The first three all have flaws and blemishes. Yet they all deserve your wholehearted love.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Rom. 12:11

Passionate for Moldova,

Andy Raatz