Enjoy the Journey

from the travel log of Darren Parker, Date June 1, 2004

I have been back in the United States now for two months, and there is not a day goes by I do not have thoughts of Romania and how God took a missionary with a vision, a small Romanian town, and some extraordinary people, and totally changed my life.

I accepted Christ at the age of 13, and I remember the details of that day like it happen yesterday. The feeling when Christ came into my sole and I accepted him as my Lord and my Savoir. I remember the cleansing feeling, the tears of joy, and the empowerment. That was truly a wonderful day! My relationship with God grew thought high school and was proud to take the message to other youth. Then I went to college.

While in college I slowly slipped away from God, and by my sophomore year, God and religion were part of my past. I graduated in 1998 and went out to concur the world. I work hard and sacrificed everything to get ahead. The cash pored in and I was promoted fast. At age 28 I was on top of the world living in New York and one the newest executive in one of the world largest companies. And although happy with my place in life, I was clearly unhappy and searching for answers to lives big question, “Why am I here.” It was late one night on the rooftop of my Manhattan Apartment that God came to me once again. I was overwhelmed with his presence and I realized that I owed all my success to him. He helped me understand that He had been preparing me for bigger things and that He had a plan to me. It was that moment I rededicated my life to God. Once again I was excited and empowered, although I was more confused than ever.

Within a week of my rededication I was transferred to Dallas, TX. It was in Dallas I got involved with Metro Family Church. It was great to be back in church again. I continued to pray for God to show me his plan for me. On a flight from the West Coast, he came to me in a truly divine thought and clearly told me that I should travel outside of the U.S. and see the work He and His servants are doing in other parts of the world. I spoke to a close Christian friend and he forward information regarding R.U.T.H Ministries. Within a few days I was having conversations with Marta and Marshall about Harsova, Romania, of all places. It was clear that God wanted me to go and see, a month later I found myself on a plane to Bucharest. It hit me as I was flying over the Atlantic Ocean that I had no idea why I was going to Romania, but for some reason it felt right. This is what God wanted, and I was happy to be going to help.

I spent 10 days in Harsova and the moment I arrived all the locals accepted me. I broke bread with them. I played soccer with them, and I worshiped with them. I have sat in many church services in my life, but none have moved me more than those in the small 500 sq ft church there in Harsova. The passion you can see in the pastors eyes, the love in the voice of the youth as they sing, and the prayers of the church member moved me to tears in each service.

While I was in Harsova God used many people to change my life. The pastor’s children thrilled my heart every day. Shasa and Nick became great friends and I miss telling jokes with them. Pastor Emi, he is the most amazing person I have ever met. I could have listened to him talk for hours about life before the revolution. He is a great Christian man and wonderful leader. The street kids and there amazement of me touch my heart in a very special way. And above all the many late night discussions with Marshall about RUTH, mission work, Gods plan, and a million other topics.

I left Harsova on a Saturday afternoon, and to be honest it was one of the hardest goodbyes I have ever had. It was hard not to cry as everyone hugged me and wish me farewell. Some prayed with me, some cried with me, others laughed with me, it was a truly emotional day. I guess the hardest good by was with Oti the pastor’s eight-year-old son, and I have to admit there were tears in my eyes as I gave him a hug goodby. I departed from Romania on a Sunday and it was not until I was flying over Greenland I took out my digital camera and started flipping through the 500 plus pictures that it really hit me. I had gone to Romania to help people and I gained more than anyone.

Upon arriving back in the United States I continued to pray to God to revile his plan for me. I questions, “should I quite my job and become a missionary?” “God what am I suppose to do with this wonderful knowledge you have given me.” In answering my prayers God has made it clear to me that it is part of his plan for me to involved in mission work, but at what level God has not told me. I am certain it will come in time, and I am committed to follow that plan as God shows me more.

Since I returned from Romania people I have known for years continue to comment that I am different, that something about me is different. This opens a door and allows me to share my personal story about my salvation and gives me the opportunity to lead a lost sole Christ.

I would have never thought that I would have to get on a plane and fly halfway around the world, but I am glad God took the people in Harsova, Romania and changed my life and the lives of all those I witness to in his name.
When Marshall dropped me at the airport he said one thing to me that I will live by forever, “ Enjoy the Journey!” Christian life is truly a journey, and I happy that God’s plan for my journey included Harsova Romania, and I am excited to see what the next stop in this exhilarating journey will be.