“Hello. Do you remember me?” a sweet voice asked.
Turning toward the young woman to whom the voice belonged, Greg answered, “Why, yes, yes, I do remember you. I remember seeing you many times here in Moldova.”
The voice’s owner, Sasha, responded, “I just want to thank you for what you did for me and my family.” She continued to tell Greg Hilgemeier this story.
In the summer of 2014, Greg found himself in Moldova with his wife, Lisa, and a mission team from their former church in Midland, Texas. The team hosted a sports camp for the youth in Chisinau, Moldova, in cooperation with the local church, KBC. (Our FBC mission teams have also been doing this sort of camp since the Hilgemeiers introduced this mission partner to FBC.) At that time, Sasha was 12 years old. She and her little sister, Vlada, came to that camp located at School 37, a public school that allowed KBC to use their fields. Sasha and Vlada came from a broken family life; their mother was an alcoholic whose addiction resulted in poverty and neglect.
That day, Greg and the mission team passed out new t-shirts and candy to the children and teens at the camp. That day, Sasha received a new t-shirt, which made a lasting impression on her since she could not remember ever having a NEW article of clothing. She was also introduced to Sergei and Alina that day, leaders at KBC, and invited to come to the church on Saturday for a celebration and a TEXAS SALSA party. She and her sister came and heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ that day.
Sasha said she loved the special attention she received, the kindness and generosity she saw in the people at KBC and the Texans, and she LOVED the salsa! Sasha told Greg that this was the beginning of a life change for her and her family. She began attending KBC youth activities and learned her identity in Christ. Eventually, she accepted Jesus as her Savior. As she heard more and more about God’s love for her, she was emboldened to pray for her mother. She prayed that her mother would stop drinking!
One month after she started praying, her mother announced that she was giving up alcohol and trying to change her life. Sasha was amazed at God’s faithfulness in answering her prayer! Sasha eventually became very active in the church, helping to lead youth activities. She met a pastor’s son, and they married last year. They are seeking ways to serve in the church.
“Thank you for coming in 2014 and continuing to come to Moldova all these years. Your kindness and generosity changed my life that day at School 37.
I know God is always working!” Sasha relayed this story to Greg this summer at the 2024 KBC/FBC Texas Salsa party in Chisinau, Moldova.
You just never know how Jesus will use YOU in your mission field to spread His love and light to the world! Join us as we go on mission for Christ!
