I have discovered a new recipe for memory enhancement. You take a bag of rice and beans, add a jar of canned vegetables, and throw in some chips. Add a free lunch and a free haircut, and give with the love of Christ.

After our last Convoy of Hope outreach, a man approached and said, “You have made me remember that which I had forgotten–God.” He hasn’t missed a service at the church since.

We are called to demonstrate God’s love to the world. On Saturday, April 7, the church in Ungheni, together with the support of Convoy of Hope Europe, showed about 1300 people the love of Jesus. We blessed the people with free groceries, free lunches, and free haircuts. Children were treated to a fantastic kids program, games and candy. Every person both heard and saw the message of God’s grace and mercy.

And people remembered.

They remembered that the world contained people that cared for them.
They remembered that love does not always come with strings attached.
They remembered that God had neither abandoned nor forgotten them.

We invited hundreds of the poorest people in Moldova; elderly people living on a monthly pension of $15, young widows trying to work and raise their kids; handicapped people. The mayor of the city gave us a list of the people most in need–and they all received an invitation!

Over 300 came an hour early, standing in cold, windy weather. Even though we told them that we had enough groceries, they waited, fearful of missing out. When the gates opened, almost eighty volunteers gave food, visited with guests, and let God’s love flow through them.

Pastor George and the church have been following up, bringing groceries to scores of people physically unable to come. They have followed up with the families, sharing more food to those with the greatest needs. They have invited kids and youth to special programs and events. And soon they will not be able to squeeze into the already packed room to worship the Lord.

My goal in Moldova is simple—to help people remember that God cares for them. I want to help awaken in them a hunger for God, a recognition of their spiritual vacuum. Scripture says that since the creation of the world, God’s power and divine nature have been clearly shown (Rom. 1:20). I want to help people remember what they once knew.

So I encourage you today to show God’s love to those around you. Help them to remember that the world is not full of terrorists, con artists, and criminals. Help them remember that love is not self-seeking, but God-centered. Remind them of God’s generosity, simply because He is love.

Do you remember?

ìGreat are the works of the Lord…. Glorious and majestic are his deedsÖ. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.î Ps. 111:3-4

Remembering in Moldova,

Andy Raatz

PS: We are swamped with prayer requests and needs. With just two months to go before we return to the states for our year of itineration, we are trying to get things in place for our absence.  Pray for the building purchases, church needs, and general sanity as we pack!