Ministry From The Far Side
Missionaries are humans too! Observations from a missionary to Moldova.
Other blog 27 Jun 2009, 7:29 am
In case you don't know or have it bookmarked, I do write two more blogs, a family one and a book blog.
Here is the link to my last family post, Swim Time.
Source: Ministry From The Far Side | Raatz
Photo Blog 26 Jun 2009, 10:59 pm
Just wanted to write a short note to let you know of the photoblog I post, usually weekly.
Feel free to click here to check it out. I'd love your feedback.
Source: Ministry From The Far Side | Raatz
Hostages Released! 25 Jun 2009, 5:13 am
At 11 am today, Gheorghe was finally able to secure the release of our hostages---bats, wiffle balls, and frisbees. I guess Moldova customs decided to finally let them go.
Lesson learned? Make sure you NEVER put any value on a package mailed overseas! Just say $0---gifts!
AND these balls and bats are going to be GREATLY appreciated and used at all of our outreaches this year. If you know Jeff Anderson and Rapid City First A/G, tell them thanks from Moldova. We can not say thanks enough.
Source: Ministry From The Far Side | Raatz
Hostages 24 Jun 2009, 9:51 pm
It started out quite simple. I only asked a great friend in Rapid City if his church could send us a few fat bats and wiffle balls for outreaches this summer. They were gracious to oblige, throwing in a few frisbees.
Then I got the call.
"You have a package from Fedex. Can you come to customs?"
I went on Tuesday, simply expecting to sign a few papers and get the package. I was excited that we could even get them up to Casunca for the Day of Hope outreach this Saturday.
Then the customs guy says that I have to pay import tax of $150 to receive clearance.
$150!!!! The stuff cost less that that! What is he thinking?!
So they are holding them hostage at the moment. I don't want to pay that kind of money, and I'm hoping that we can resolve for less. If I need to pay $50, I'll do it. How much higher do I go? Can I get someone there to just settle for less?
Ahhhh. The joy of missions.
Source: Ministry From The Far Side | Raatz
Altoids 18 Jun 2009, 5:53 am
Almost six years ago, a wonderful friend came to visit us in Moldova. Shawn was a youth pastor in Whitefish at the time, and one of his youth was drawn for the Montana Youth STL trip, the chance to "deliver the keys" the missionary. Of course, we had already bought the vehicle, but it was a nice reward for a youth that had helped us so much with our vehicle.
STL (Speed The Light) is the Assemblies of God ministry challenge for the youth of our churches. It is a way for the youth to tangibly help missions by giving toward vehicles, sound systems, etc. We cannot express enough our appreciation to the youth, because a vehicle is absolutely crucial. You wouldn't believe the roads this Nissan has traveled!
Their trip was also a special treat for the girls. They were our first visitors, and the culture shock of Moldova was relaxed by having friends at our apartment. It was so nice to show people our new country. We didn't know much at all, nowhere near our knowledge of Moldova right now.
AND when Shawn, Justin, and Rob came to visit, they also came loaded with fun stuff! They had a suitcase of suckers for the girls, treats for Nancy, and ALTOIDS for me. They actually brought 3 large packs of Altoids, a treat you can't find here at all.
This photo is one of the two last tins of Altoids left in the country. I am enjoying them slowly, usually when I'm driving out to town. Moldovans don't like the spicy cinnamon flavor, so the only people have to fight off our our girls. (They love them!)
Six years. And still refreshing a missionary.
Another case, another six years?
Source: Ministry From The Far Side | Raatz