Celebrating 26 Years of Mission Work: Lessons from a Life of Service
Today marks a significant milestone in my life—26 years since I embarked on a mission that reshaped my life.
Twenty-six years ago, I left the comfort of my job, family, and friends to venture into the unknown, guided solely by the desire to seek God’s kingdom. This leap of faith was inspired by Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Reflecting on the incredible journey of the past 26 years since I first followed God's call to serve, I'm overwhelmed by how much we've grown and the deep impact we've made together at Maria Naomi. When we laid the foundation in 2008, our mission was clear: to empower women and families in Southern Romania through sustainable employment and robust community ties, all centered around the Gospel. This mission was born from a heartfelt desire to see grace, restoration, and transformation flourish in a place I had come to love deeply.
Throughout these years, the Scriptures have been my constant sustainer and refuge. They have comforted me in times of trouble, lifted me from despair, illuminated my path, filled my heart with songs of praise, and kept me humble, ensuring that only God’s glory is magnified through my life.
Key verses that have guided me include:
Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 84:6, "As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs."
Psalm 32:7-8, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
More recently, John 12:28 has resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of God's glory above all: "Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
This scripture underlines that the true essence of my mission is not about personal preferences or plans but about glorifying God’s holy name in all circumstances. Celebrating God’s glory means trusting Him fully and being grateful for His workings, regardless of the outcomes.
As I reflect on these 26 years of mission work in Southern Romania, I am reminded of our mission at Maria Naomi to not only foster economic stability for local families through business as mission initiatives but spread the love of Christ to everyone. Our efforts at Maria Naomi nonprofit have focused on empowering local communities by providing both spiritual support and practical solutions to improve their livelihoods.
The Maria Naomi workshop in its earliest days, providing employment for local women and exporting handmade goods across the world that has come to be through our clothing label, Melissa’s Natural Fabrics.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the past 26 years, from my initial leap of faith to the thriving scope of Maria Naomi today, my heart is filled with immense gratitude. Each step we've taken together in faith has not only enriched the lives we've touched but has also deepened our collective commitment to both spiritual growth and economic empowerment. I am incredibly grateful for your steadfast support and love, which have been the backbone of our mission.
Your involvement extends far beyond mere assistance; it is a true partnership in fostering hope and nurturing the potential within our community. As we look forward, I ask for your continued prayers, that I may remain a faithful servant of God's work. Your prayers, encouragement, and active participation are crucial as we continue to uplift each other and magnify the Lord's grace in all we do.
Thank you for choosing to be part of this transformative journey through your donations and prayers. Together, let us keep our sights set on the Kingdom of God, trusting that He will provide all that we need. Let's celebrate our past achievements and approach the future with eagerness and dedication to further extend our reach and deepen our impact. Your role in this mission is invaluable as we continue to empower and inspire lives, making a lasting difference in the world.
