With these apparently contradictory statements the apostle Paul describes his own circumstances and those of his fellow evangelists, as they engage in their God–given task. What is seen on the surface is not the whole story – or even the real story!
How applicable this is to the great majority of Christ’s followers in the country of Moldova. They have little of this world’s treasures but they are rich in Christ, and are reaching out with the Gospel to bring the unsearchable riches of Christ to others.
Economically
Economically, Moldova is one of the poorest countries of Eastern Europe. Harsh living conditions, poor infrastructure, low wages, and high unemployment make life very difficult for the majority of the population of just over 3 million. Many parents, especially fathers, are forced to look for work abroad, resulting in fractured family life with wives and mothers struggling to cope on their own, and the consequent social and behavioural problems created by these conditions.
Spiritually
Spiritually, Moldova is also in great need. Almost 85% of the population is nominally Orthodox. Evangelical believers make up a small minority, and are regarded with suspicion and often antipathy by the country’s religious hierarchy. In some areas still there is no evangelical witness and much spiritual darkness. The largely ‘village–structured’, close knit pattern of social life can make it particularly difficult for believers both in their own lives, and in their efforts to share the Gospel with others.
On the surface therefore, the circumstances of the Gospel churches are difficult and daunting, but what is seen on the surface is not the whole story! SGA has been working in the northern part of the country for almost thirty years, responding to a ‘Macedonian–type call’ after the collapse of the Soviet system in 1991.
That heart cry was for the training of church leaders and evangelists to serve the existing relatively small number of evangelical churches – and to help them to grow and expand! The work of the Mission has been singularly blessed of God, so that Patrick Johnstone, in the early editions of his book ‘Operation World’ paid tribute to SGA’s Biblical Leadership Training programme which had changed the face of evangelical life in the region.
The ministry of SGA in Moldova has mushroomed over the decades, for it soon became clear that financial support was essential for Mission School students, for the provision of church buildings essential to the work of evangelism in the Orthodox context, and for the wide variety of humanitarian needs of the poor – orphans, widows and other vulnerable and needy people.
The faithful prayer and practical support of SGA supporters has, under God, been of immense blessing and help to thousands here and now, and most importantly for eternity.
