Happy Birthday Teresa!!

Our good friend Teresa celebrated her birthday on 27th and I was overjoyed to join in her party celebrations at the Providence Baptist Church.  It was a blessed few hours with her and children, Beckie and Phillip plus Pastor Hilary and friends from her church.  We played musical chairs and biblical charades - it was a great fun!!

We first met Teresa and her family in Ramoth 3 years ago.  Since that time,  she and her sister have been actively involved in supporting the Lord's work in Romania for which we give thanks.  Last year the family moved to Mountain Ash where they have settled well.

"Little Lambs" are frolicking!

Although the "Little Lambs" Parents and Tots Group officially shuts down for the summer holidays we felt it was important tp keep contact with everyone by inviting them to meet us at the Park in Hirwaun every 2 weeks.  Wayne and I take along a supply of large toys to add to the fun.

On 26th we enjoyed a few hours in each other's company.   Thank you to Diane who supplied all the picnic food from Kyle's 1st Birthday party the day before.  Here is little Kyle enjoying a ride in the limousine!!!  My precious son,  Neil who was  home from Ireland for a few days joined us and here he is with our beautiful little grandson, Morgan.  This little car is very popular.

Welcome back to Pastor Jackie

Pastor Jackie and her beautiful granddaughters, Sarah and Elizabeth are back on UK soil enjoying a well earned break in Devon with Kay Grover, the founder of Reaching Romania.

On Saturday, 25th July we drove to Clevedon to spend 4 hours with them at the home of a lovely couple who hosted us for a delicious meal.  Even though Jackie and I communicate regularly by email, it was good to catch up with them all face to face and to obtain  news of the projects and what has been happening in their own lives.

Unfortunately I forgot to take any pictures but here is a nice shot of the 3 of them during our December mission trip.  Even at the age of 10 and 11 Sarah and Elizabeth are both actively involved in Pastor Jackie's ministries and we give thanks for them

Christmas in a Shoebox

Preparations for our Christmas Appeals begin in January each year when we purchase cut price wrapping paper.  This is followed by collection of shoeboxes which are beautifully wrapped by our good friend, Sheila.  Then begins the process of checking the inventory of items in stock from last year.  We give thanks that our Church, Ramoth CC kindly store all our plastic containers in their attic.  We are blessed by many people, Churches and other organizations  who donate items all the year round.  However, I also do a lot of purchasing (I love shopping for bargains and stretching the funds!!).

After a lot of organizing and with the support of church members we were ready by Wednesday, 21st for our packing night.  Each person was blessed as they carefully chose items for individual vulnerable children.  By the end of the evening over 200 boxes were filled and packed into large boxes ready for delivery to Romania in October.  Another 250 filled boxes are expected from other generous people, organizations, a Church and 2 schools.    We give thanks for everyone who has supported this Appeal in any way.

Wayne and I give special thanks to Kay, Jemma and Ken who worked so hard alongside us for 2 days following the pack in sorting the inventory before putting the remaining items back in storage.

Old Time Music Hall Sing-along

On 15th July we reached out into the community of Hirwaun and invited  senior citizens to join us in an Old Time Music Hall Sing-along fund raising event to help support The Widow's Mite Project in Romania. The admission charge included tea/coffee and home made cakes.  Everyone had a song sheet and the room was filled with the cheer of a medley of war time songs led by our good friends, Jen and Billy Stewart.  They are such a double act with Jen on the keyboard and Billy leading the singing.  We ended with a beautiful rendering of "Amazing Grace".  It was a blessing to meet many new people.

A total of 103 pounds was raised - thank you to all who supported. A special thanks to Jen and Billy, Jen and Derrick, Ivan and Priscilla and Kay who did so much in preparation and clearing up.

"Little Lambs are Leaping" for Reaching Romania

Monday 12th July was a special day for our Parents and Tots from Ramoth as they assembled in Aberdare Park for our Under 5's Sponsored Walk to raise funds for Children's Ministries in Romania.  The sun shone on the day and in our hearts as Wayne and I, our helpers, Pearl and Jemma,  parents, grandparents, tots and friends walked the perimeter of the Children's playgroud. 

Joined by Pastor Chris we later enjoyed a lovely picnic.  Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and everyone who has supported this event.  We are still collating the money and will let you know the total raised.   Thank you for having a heart to help vulnerable children in Romania - be blessed in being a blessing.

The Miracle of my Mum

My apologies for not being in touch for so long but life has been hectic. Well it is 3.30 am and I am catching up at last on some entries about recent news events.

My last entry asked for prayer for my mum.  Sadly on 1st July she had a mild heart attack, fell in the kitchen, cut her head and broke her hip.  For several days prior to the operation she was poorly and in a great deal of pain.  She and I prayed together and rededicated our lives to Jesus.  The following day the consultant  explained to her and us as a family that it was unlikely that she would survive the operation and if her heart stopped beating during it she would not be resusitated.  Mum was completely at peace when she signed the consent form.  After 4 hours of waiting we were told she was back from theatre.  We could not believe it she was bright as a button and wanting a cup of horlicks - what strength and spirit for an 85 year old who is just over 7 stone.  She is making an excellent recovery and hopefully will be discharged next week.God obviously has more work for her to do yet and we give thanks.