I am stubborn.

Now I prefer synonyms such as “strong-willed” or “determined.”  They sound more noble and positive.  Those words sound like characteristics of world conquerors and wilderness explorers.  “Stubborn” is usually associated with an animal that is a member of the equine family.

But stubborn is probably quite accurate.

That characteristic has served me well at many times.  It sure helped as I struggled to learn Russian and this different culture, as we labored to build the Home of Hope, and as we pressed to see Moldova’s churches start and grow.

But five weeks ago, a simple, spiritual lesson finally dawned on me.

I can’t do this alone.

I’ve always thought (and said) that we were going to build the Church in Moldova, whether through a physical building, or a broken woman; a lonely child or an abandoned grandma.  If people wanted to join us by prayer, muscle, or finances, we’d be thankful.  But even if you didn’t, we were still going to do it!

Stubborn?  Yes.  Stupid?  Double Yes.

I am coming to the recognition that I cannot do it alone.  I do not have enough time to come alongside every pastor.  I do not have enough wisdom to help counsel every girl at the Home of Hope.  I do not have enough resources to pay for church roofs, or water wells, or Convoy of Hope outreaches.

I can’t do it alone.

In the Old Testament, I read that Moses couldn’t hold his hands up long enough to help Israel win the battle, so two men help up his arms.  The Apostle Paul didn’t do his ministry solo, and his letters are littered with the names of his partners and friends.  He didn’t say, “All I need is the Holy Spirit and my parchments.”  Paul was surrounded by co-laborers, mutually strengthening each other.

Thus I am trying to kill the pride of self-sufficiency this week.

I’ll admit—I need people to hold up our hands.
…to pray intensely when the Spirit leads, interceding for huge needs.
…to give of their vacation, skills, or finances to build the Church.
…to know when to encourage and when to pray.
…to dream how to creatively use their abilities to be a part of a miracle.
…to care for Moldova.

We are blessed to be a part of a wonderful team in Moldova, but the harvest field here is more than even a small team can accomplish by themselves.  We need a community that continues to pray, to give,  and to care for our nation.  We need hundreds of voices lifted in prayer, caring for the hurting people in Moldova.

We can not do this alone.

With great expectation,
Andy Raatz