In Acts 16: 6 - 10, we read about Paul's Macedonian call. Stopped by the Holy Spirit from entering into Asia, Paul had a vision one night of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Scripture records, "After Paul had seen this vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." (Acts 16:10 NIV). In reviewing maps of the ancient Roman territories, it is interesting to note that Macedonia is shown to border southern Dacia or what is now Romania.
Last summer, during a mission trip to Romania, I was invited to join a group of five men from our sister church in Jibou to go into Oltania. This is a southern region of the country along the Olt River basin that has virtually no evangelical witness. It is known as the Eastern European concentration for witchcraft and occultism. While the official state church of Romania (Orthodox Church) has some presence in the region, many of the villages are absent any type church. This leaves a spiritual "atmosphere" that enables the forces of evil to keep a veil of darkness drawn across the hearts of the people.
In March of this year, plans were being made to once again minister in Romania. As Brother Bill, Joe Campbell and I gathered together to pray about the trip we sensed God leading us to a map of the country. Specifically, we were to pray for the southern area of Romania in which Oltania is located. God was giving us an opportunity to go back into that area to pray and preach. Not knowing all that He wanted to show us, we began praying that He would allow us to see with His eyes those things He wanted to reveal to us. During the trip in March we spent time with some of the few believers, pastors and missionaries. We went into the villages and towns and prayed specifically against the forces of evil, and for the Light to come to those precious souls who inhabit the area.
