Remembrance Day at Almond Tree

Yesterday we held our annual Remembrance Day Service at Almond Tree.  It was a poignant time to honour all those men and women who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, not just in the 2 world wars but in the many conflicts since.   Some of our elderly members had served in the armed forces and had experienced first hand the loss of a family member or friend.  Here is a picture of Arthur who has served in all 3 Armed Forces reading a poem with his wife Greta..  Pictured below also with Arthur is Lily who served with the British Legion.  Her first husband was killed in action after only 9 months of their marriage and her second husband was in a POW camp for 5 years.

The mood of the occasion was enhanced by the war time decorations, a DVD, appropriate hymns, poems and true stories.  Pastor Chris played the moving  "Last Post" on his cornet.  Yes "We will remember them".  But we will also never forget the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour in dying for our sins so that we can be reconciled to the Father. 

Sandra's baptism at Ramoth Christian Centre

Last night our good friend and loyal supporter of Reaching Romania made a public declaration of her faith in her Lord and Saviour at our Church.  God has been speaking into Sandra's heart in a very real way leading up to this outward sign of her inner committment.  It was a joyous occasion when the whole church, including many of her "Almond Tree" friends came alongside in sharing her memorable day. 

Pastor Chris and Husband Wayne  carried out the baptism - sorry I was on the wrong side of the pool to get a good picture.  Alongside Sandra was her devoted grandaughter, Jemma (seen here on the left) and her friend Sandra O'Gready from Belfast (seen below) who surprised Sandra by lengthening her stay in Wales so she could share in the momentous occasion.     We all fellowshipped around a buffet supper afterwards.

God Bless You Sandra and our Word for you is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Rejoicing in answered prayer!

Those of you close to us are aware that for the last year we have faced a trial which has required a lot of patience and perseverance and which prevented us from going to Romania.   However funding has been sent out for the projects and our good friend, Pastor Jackie has administered everything and kept us informed of all developments and needs.  His grace and mercy is sufficient in all circumstances and we give thanks to our Church and everyone who covered us in prayer.  We always knew there would be a victory and we are giving thanks for good news this week.

In faith we booked our tickets to Romania one week before we received the news and we are so looking forward to our Mission trip in December.  Those of you who know us are aware that we love the simple life, we live in a log cabin with a Rayburn which burns coal and wood and we grow our own vegetables. This enables us to serve as volunteers both in Romania and Wales.  After lighting  up the Rayburn last year on our return we had 7 burst pipes in the attic and within an hour of our arrival back we had water pouring through our ceilings.  This year preventative measures will be taken!!

I occasionally get queries from people interested in coming out to Romania on a mission trip.  I will shortly be preparing a formal application form and guidelines in relation to this.  In the meantime I  need to clarify that all of our trips to Romania including travelling costs to and from airports, airline tickets and our simple accommodation charges are privately funded and this arrangement also applies to anyone joining us.

There is much to be done before we leave and we give thanks to all who continue to walk with us in support.

Giving Thanks for Ray and Kay

Join us in giving thanks for our good friends and Trustees of the Charity, Ray and Kay  - a real double act with a wealth of expertise and experience which is invaluable to the day to day running of the Charity.  As well as being our Treasurer, Ray (seen here at our AGM) is also the system administrator for our website.  Kay's IT skills are second to none - she does an amazing job in designing our newsletters and posters and much more (seen below in joyous mood packing shoebox gifts)  They are always available with practical and spiritual support and we value them greatly.

On the question of newsletters I will shortly be writing a new one for dispatch before Christmas.  Look out for an up-to-date report direct from Pastor Jackie in Romania.

Morgan is 3!!!

Sunday was a truly special day as we joined the whole family in celebrating little Morgan's 3rd Birthday.   He had such a wonderful day opening his cards and presents and being surrounded by family and friends.  He is a star and loved by everyone he meets.  Every day we give thanks for our 2 grandsons - they are gifts from God and we treasure our time with them.

  

Just look at the beautiful cake Aunty Becs created again this year - its a work of art and Morgan loved it.  We also laid on a party for him at "Little Lambs" on Monday making it a double celebration.

Hainford Primary Partnership School - an answer to Prayer

 Every day we give thanks for how God is blessing his work in Romania.  We must never forget that it is His work, we are his humble servants and we give Him all the Praise and Glory.  His timing on provision never ceases to amaze me.   At the middle of September we were down on last year on the number of shoe box gifts that we require and we prayed and trusted that the shortfall would be made up.

Our supporters and good friends, Peter and Christine, whom I wrote about a few week ago have developed a link with the staff and pupils of Hainford Primary Partnership School near Norwich.  When they arrived in Wales at the end of September to support the Charity's Sponsored Walk they gave us the news that the children and staff had donated 50 shoe box gifts.  Praise God - thank you to Peter and Christine and everyone at the school for being an answer to prayer.  Peter kindly transported all the boxes and other much needed items to Romania. 

Recently Peter and Christine informed me that the School are interested in forming a link with the School/Community Centre at San Nicolau Mic near Arad - we give thanks for you all.   I will be in touch with the school shortly to thank them and discuss further their incredible offer.