Transition - and the Need for God

I finished my position as a nanny roughly a month ago and to be honest, it has been a struggle moving into this next phase of the journey. Ministry preparation is now my full-time job and it takes intentional focus and motivation. However, it is hard to be intentional, especially in ministry, when you try to do it alone. Without God's power and strength and without prayer and accountability it was to get stuck in a deep rut. Distractions, laziness, numbing, and isolation were quickly becoming my norm. I did not know how to move forward on my own and it was easier to quit trying.

But thankfully God does not expect us to get out of the ruts of life on our own. He has taught me a lot about how much I need Him and others, especially going into longer-term missions overseas. It was easy to believe the lie "I am alone" but the truth is God has provided me with individuals that love me and care about me if I am willing to be vulnerable and reach out. These individuals have been able to point me back to the ultimate source of life and strength - God himself. "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." [Psalm 29:11]

And so, while the steps have been small, I am moving forward. I am spending more time talking to God and reading his Word. I am tackling one small task at a time. I am reaching out with more specific prayer requests. I am preparing for my training and I am actually excited for 4 weeks of intentional learning. I am reminding myself of the many beautiful people God has placed in my life both here and Romania.

The struggle is far from over. The enemy doesn't want me to be successful and will continue to do everything in his power to keep me off task. "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." [1 Peter 5:8]
But God is always victorious if only we continue to rely on him. "For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." [Deuteronomy 20:4]

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Update on the Journey:

• My four weeks of training at the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in North Carolina begin Sunday. This will be cross-cultural training and equipping. 
• Following training I will begin intentional ministry partner development - meeting with individuals to share my ministry vision and financial goals - in order to be ready to return to Romania in September.

Romania Update: Q&A

Friends & family – it is time for an official update. Many of you know bits and pieces of my journey to Romania but I also know there are a lot of questions.

Where exactly are you going?

I am returning to Hope Church in Romania. Hope Church is a gospel-centered community dedicated to growing and impacting people with the hope of Christ from Draganesti-Olt, Romania to the ends of the earth. Their mission is to fulfill the spiritual and physical needs of people according to the teaching and practice of Jesus Christ. For more information: www.hoperomania.org

How long are you going?

My plan is to be in Romania for at least two years.

What is your timeline?

I am currently working as a nanny and spending time in prayer and preparation. In April and May I will be attending the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in North Carolina for long-term missionary training. I will spend my summer doing ministry partner development as well as enjoying time with my friends and family, including my youngest sister’s wedding in June. My plan is to return to Romania by early fall 2016.

What will you be doing?

My main role will be Director of the Social House. The goal of the Social House is to provide a physically, emotionally and spiritually safe place for those transitioning from hard situations, especially orphans and young mothers, which is something I am passionate about. My role will include administration, counseling and mentoring but most importantly sharing the love and hope of Christ.

What sending organization are you going through?

I will be a missionary with Commission To Every Nation (CTEN). CTEN is an inter-denominational missionary co-op serving 600+ missionaries in over 50 countries through administrative support and pastoral care. Their motto is “Helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary.” For more information: www.cten.org

What will your needs be?

As a missionary with CTEN I am responsible for raising 100% of the funds needed to live overseas. However, it is about more than raising money. I need people to partner with me and my ministry through prayer, emotional and financial support over the next two years. Right now I am in a time of prayer and preparation but in a few months I will begin the active process of ministry partner development. It is an important process and I want to be prepared, intentional and focused as I move forward. However, if you are interested knowing more about giving now, please contact me or visit www.cten.org/naomidemmon. 

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Hope this helps answer some of your questions. I am getting ready to send out my first newsletter which shares more about my journey and how I decided on Hope Church and CTEN. If I do not already have your address and you are interested in getting my newsletter and any future newsletters, please message me and I will be happy to add you to my list. I am also open to sitting down with anyone who wants to hear more! Thank you to all who have already been supporting and encouraging me over the last few years!