Overseas Mission Trips

Andrew Crothers - Romania 2008

 

 

You help out in the church with children and young people, has this changed you in any way and how?

I really believe that working with children and young people has changed me a lot. It has given me a real focus on the youth work in Ballykeel and shown me the importance of reaching out to kids and teenagers with the Gospel. Being a children’s meeting leader and Sunday school teacher gives you a real passion for the kids on an individual basis.

Why do you feel you need to be involved?

Personally, I believe that there’s nothing more important than reaching out to kids with the gospel at an early age. If children or teenagers can put their faith in Christ at that stage, it means that when life begins to get tough, they have Jesus walking beside them, helping and guiding, every step of the way.

You went to Romania last summer for 6 weeks how did you come to this decision?    

Well, I headed out to Romania for a couple of reasons. I felt that I wanted to put my summer to good use and do something for the Lord. I had been out to Romania before a couple of times to help out at the CEF centre so I had developed a real passion for the work out there. Also, an international placement was a requirement for my Bible College Diploma, so for me, there was no other destination but Romania.

Was it hard to adjust to the life there?                                      

Initially it was quite difficult to adjust to life out there. Thoughts of things at home occupied my mind but after a couple of weeks, I settled in great. The culture is amazing out there and people are so friendly. Once you grasp the basics of the language, life becomes a lot easier. Also Missionaries like Linda Corry and Claire Bain look after you well and always have jobs to keep you busy! In a good way!

The best part of your trip? 

Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint a best part as the whole experience was fantastic. There was a week where we did 3 clubs a day in three different villages which was amazing. (Although tiring) Being part of telling hundreds of kids about Christ was a real privilege. The week of camp with Sebi and Ina was also amazing, we had so much fun with the teenagers and I truly grew closer to God.

Worst part of your trip?

A pretty hard question! Maybe the first week there when I found it difficult to adjust and got a bit homesick but other than that, no other major downs!

How do the children react to hearing about God? Is it a lot different from the people at home? 

The children’s reaction is unlike anything anyone would experience at home. To see them run as hard as they can to get to where we were setting up was brilliant. They listen so well and don’t want to miss a single word that’s said. There was an area we went to where they had never heard of God or the Bible before and they were so eager to listen. When you see them coming back the next day bringing maybe 2 or 3 of their friends along as well, it shows you that God is really working in that Country.

Has it changed you in any way?

I think it did change me. It gave me a stronger passion for missionary work and reminded me that evangelism is not something you do, but something that you are. Everyday life should be a mission field.

How has it changed your spiritual life?

The six weeks when I was away was a time where my faith deepened and I grew closer to God. I felt I became more mature spiritually and it strengthened my Christianity whilst reminding me of the need to spread the message of the Bible.

Would you recommend it as something everyone should try at least once?

There is no doubt in my mind that foreign mission work is something everyone should try at least once. Mark 16:15 which states ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news’ isn’t a suggestion, it’s a command! Although it’s equally important at home, there is something about seeing God at work in a different country and culture which reminds you of His awesome power and lets you see the Christian faith from a different perspective. If you ever get an opportunity to go, grasp it with both hands.

 

 

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