When OM worker, Ellie, went on a short-term outreach, she saw a lasting impact on all the participants—including herself.
Here is her story.
As a marketing officer for OM in the UK, I’ve spent years telling the stories of others—people who’ve stepped out in faith to serve on short-term mission trips. But recently, I had the chance to live one of those stories myself. And it changed everything.
When one of OM’s leaders who helped pioneer OM’s work in Moldova rallied a small church group from Sleaford, England for a last-minute outreach, I was invited to join. Just eight weeks later, we were on a plane to Eastern Europe.
Moldova, a country of about 3 million people, greeted us with snow-covered landscapes and warm hearts. Despite the challenges of war in neighboring Ukraine and the lingering effects of COVID-19, the OM team there radiated joy and purpose. Their faith was contagious.
In the past, OM in Moldova welcomed hundreds of volunteers each summer. But with fewer participants and tighter resources, the team presses on—trusting God to provide.
One of our first stops was a church in Chișinău. After navigating the city streets with our guide and OM team member, Pavel, we were welcomed with open arms. From the stage, we shared testimonies, Scripture and encouragement—translated lovingly by Pavel.
Then something unexpected happened.
Elderly members of the congregation—many of whom had suffered loss, poverty and instability—began to stretch out their hands to pray for us. These were hands that had known hardship. And yet, they were blessing us.
One elderly woman rushed forward, arms wide, and knelt at the altar. I held her hand tightly as we returned to our seats, overwhelmed by her love and generosity. Pavel reminded us: “Those who have little are often the most generous.”
Later that day, after a quick stop for plăcintă (a delicious Moldovan pastry), we visited a children’s center run by OM and a local church. Nellia, the deacon’s wife, oversees the center with the help of a dedicated cook. Over 20 children go there after school for hot meals, homework help and a safe place to be kids, as many of these children come from homes affected by addiction.
While the center continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, it still faces significant challenges—particularly in building relationships with parents. Sadly, many parents remain distant and hesitant to engage with the Church. During the pandemic, when the center was forced to close, the church stepped in to bridge the gap—delivering food parcels directly to the children’s homes to ensure no child went hungry.
On our final day, we visited a rehabilitation center. Eight men sat lined up on a couch, waiting to share their stories. They spoke of addiction, homelessness, broken families and trauma. But they also spoke of Jesus—of how He met them in their pain and gave them new life.
The room filled with music, joy and worship. It was a holy moment. God’s peace was tangible.
Please pray for these men. God is doing something extremely profound in them.
This trip left a deep mark on all of us. Veron, one of the older participants, said it best: “You’re never too old to have a life-changing mission experience.”
Lizzie, who has served in China, Ukraine and Romania, shared: “I was humbled by the hospitality of the Moldovans. Some had so little yet gave so much. My heart has been enlarged and changed.”
As for me, I came home with a renewed passion—not just to tell stories, but to live them. Moldova reminded me that God is at work in every corner of the world—and He invites us to join Him.
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