From Uncertainty to Trust: Abigail Niles' Journey to Romania
By SEND Volunteer, Kayla Roddy
"This probably looks impossible, but you serve a God who is greater." These are the words of Abigail Niles, a young woman who followed the Lord to Romania.
Seeds of a Call
When Abigail was just a young girl, she began hearing stories of missionaries around the world. People spoke of the Lord's mighty work overseas, something she felt drawn to but never considered would be part of her own story. Even so, God was using these brief encounters to begin a stirring in her heart for the mission field.
"God was teaching me about persecuted believers and the daily spiritual battles they face, but more so about those who were doing the persecuting and how much they needed to hear the gospel of Jesus."
As she approached high school, Abigail watched as her friends pursued short-term mission trips. Once again, her interest was piqued, and at 15 years old, Abigail went on her first mission trip.
Although it was a short trip within the United States, God used it to open her eyes to the fallen world around her — a world full of broken people who desperately need the gospel.
Fast forward a few years, and Abigail graduated from college with a degree in ministry. Throughout those years, God was growing within her a deep passion for children's ministry. He filled her with a desire to proclaim his good news to the world, though she wasn't quite sure that she could go herself.
She remembers one friend in particular who urged her to listen to that quiet call and go. This is when the call to go became a physical reality.
Preparations for Romania
The journey seemed to be going nowhere. Abigail was sure that the Lord was calling her to the mission field, yet it seemed he was closing more doors than he was opening. She couldn't understand why her pursuit felt more like a screeching halt.
"I had applied to go to South America 8 times. Each time, I was denied."
In October of 2023, Abigail reached out to SEND International. She explained that she fully believed she was to pursue missions but was unsure of where God was calling her. During this time, her home church rallied around her and began praying for direction. It was through those faithful prayers and collaboration with SEND that the Lord finally opened a door.
New Place; Same God
When Abigail stepped foot into Romania, it became clear that this was where she was meant to be. Suddenly, the previously closed doors made sense. God flooded her with his peace, reminding her that, though she was in a new place with a new language, culture, and group of people, he was with her.
Things weren't as comfortable as she was used to. Abigail recalls going into survival mode as she made her way to her mission team.
"I remember sitting in the car with my team leader, whom I had only spoken with online. It felt strange to be in a completely new place with people I hardly knew."
Yet, even amidst the uncertainty, God assured Abigail that he would take care of her. It was through these new relationships that he would have a significant impact on her ministry.
After four weeks, Abigail watched as one of her teammates was appointed an elder at a local church. She recalls sitting with her team leader and his wife, feeling truly blessed to witness them and others she was learning from grow in their ministries and love for the Lord. Their example encouraged her.
It reminded her not only of how God had called her on her journey but of the grander picture of the church as a whole. She saw a community of believers seeking growth under the Lord's guidance and using the gifts God had given them to further his kingdom.
Life in Romania
No two days are alike for Abigail in Romania. Each day holds its own journey in which God works.
She spends some days learning the Romanian language and others ministering to children through Bible club. Here, children gather to sing songs, eat snacks, listen to Bible stories, learn to read, and build relationships. Even with the language barrier, Abigail is able to show the love of Jesus to those around her.
Romania, while not devoid of knowledge of God, is still a very broken place. Many people will discuss God but know hardly anything about a relationship with Jesus. Due to Romania's complex political history, many people feel hopeless and discouraged. This is one of the most challenging aspects of ministry for Abigail.
Though God is using her in the ways he has deemed best, there is still a twinge of sadness when she can't bring joy to someone in pain. It is tough to share deeply with someone when you don't speak the same language. It is in these moments when Abigail longs to grow in her understanding of Romanian. Even in these moments of sadness, however, the Lord is revealing his truth to Abigail.
"It can feel as though I'm not as equipped to serve as I'd like to be. Yet, in those moments [when the language barrier prevents me from sharing], I'm able to point people to someone else in the church who can. This is how the church is supposed to work."
Moments like these remind Abigail that the church is a body of believers, each one fulfilling the role that God has given. As 1 Corinthians 12:14 says, "For the body does not consist of one member but of many." (ESV)
Observing the community of believers in action not only encourages Abigail to rely on God for her equipping but also deepens her love for the Lord, leading her to look to him for joy.
Looking Ahead
Abigail just recently decided to stay in Romania long-term instead of mid-term. Although she has been there for nearly a year and a half now, the Lord has called her to remain there and serve as he provides.
Her ultimate hope for the Romanian people is that they would learn from the word of God and then become missionaries to their own communities and beyond. The Romanian people are already very community-oriented. That is one of the things Abigail loves most about their culture.
When someone needs help or the community plans an event, everyone comes together to make it happen. What a joy it would be to see them use these gifts to spread the gospel of Christ!
A Call to Go
God began working in Abigail's heart from childhood. He used people and experiences to prompt her to explore missions. He used a friend to give her that gentle nudge to go. And he used a series of closed doors to open the door to Romania.
You might be where Abigail once stood, interested but not quite ready to take that step. Or maybe you're staring at a closed door, sure that God has called you to spread the gospel, but confused about why the road ahead looks impossible.
If you take anything from Abigail's story, take this: God equips those he calls. You might not feel ready, but neither did Moses when God called him to go back to Egypt. You might feel confused, but so did Paul right before God sent him to proclaim the gospel.
If you feel unsure or unfit, you're in good company. The good news is that God is in the business of using ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes.
As Abigail says, "This probably looks impossible, but you serve a God who is greater."
Not sure where God is leading you? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Talk with a SEND missions coach and take the next step toward what God may be calling you to.
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