CEE Story From The Mission Field
A Volunteer with Vision
October 29, 2007
When Lisa Kail signed up to participate in a summer mission trip in 2001 she had no idea she was setting a course for her future. No stranger to ministry, she was already heavily involved in volunteering with students at the First Baptist Church of Humboldt, Tenn. However, during her trip her heart was burdened for a group of students from another culture—the Romany, or Gypsies, of Romania. The latest result from her obedience to God’s call six years ago is 20 new followers of Christ from this year’s camp--the 5th she has spear-headed.
“One particular evening, we saw Jesus and felt His presence like never before,” Lisa said. “I witnessed young people broken and humbled in front of Almighty God--hands raised to heaven, on their knees crying out or gathered in circles praying and celebrating. Twenty out of 50 campers prayed to receive Christ. It was after midnight when we stood outside singing praises to the King that had made Himself known that night.”
This night of worship was the highpoint of a week-long camp that Lisa now organizes every summer in conjunction with TeamRomany, the International Mission Board group that focuses on reaching the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe. Boyd Hatchel is the Strategy Coordinator for ministry to the Roma and has worked with Lisa for the past six years.
“During her second volunteer trip, God gave her the idea of hosting a Romany youth camp the next summer,” Boyd said. “She went home and gathered some mature believers from her church's student ministry. For months she worked with them, trained them and prayed with them. The camp was an incredible experience both for the Romanian and American youth.”
The camp became a summer tradition for Lisa, who directs the ministry and takes responsibility for finding a camp pastor, counselors, funding, materials and more. The American students now come from churches across the Gibson County Baptist Association, as well as Union University.
“Lisa has impacted countless lives by her commitment to serve the Lord in this way,” Boyd said.
One life that has been forever changed is Lisa’s. This year’s camp had a huge impact.
“Truthfully, it was the highlight of my faith-walk as a believer,” she said. “Never have I experienced the Living God any more real or obvious, other than the day I was saved.”
Even bystanders were drawn to God’s activity in their midst. The owner of the camp was in awe of God’s presence.
“It is raining from Heaven!" he said, during a group worship time.
Lisa plans to be back in Romania next summer and continues to prepare a team to come and work alongside her. Please pray for her as she plans. Pray also for the twenty new Romany believers as they mature in their walk with the Lord.
To learn more about working with the Roma, as well as what God is doing among them, go to TeamRomany.com