On Saturday we are holding our Annual Sponsored Walk which this year commences from Aberdare Country Park along to Cwmaman and return. Grateful thanks to our friends Sally & Alun for organising the walk which we are looking forward to. We are also organising a tasty buffet at our Church, Ramoth Christian Centre on our return.
Our good friends, Peter and Christine who have just returned from Romania will be joining us for the walk and weekend and we are blessed to have our little grandson Morgan for a week whilst his mum going on a working trip abroad.
Hubbie, Wayne is also running the Cardiff Half Marathon again but this year sadly he is running alone - please pray for his strength.
This year, due to a change in Christmas transportation arrangements to Romania we are having to pay more than double previously so we have to raise an incredible amount of money to cover costs. We wish Support for Romania a happy retirement from the road transport but we shall miss them.
Please consider supporting us for either the Sponsored Walk or Marathon. We are trusting in God for provision.
Monday, 24 September 2012
Monday, 17 September 2012
At last an update!
Hi everyone
Further apologies for the lack of communication. Its been a difficult 8 months of renovations in our new home. Wayne & I are a double act - he on the DIY whilst I do all the decorating and we are suddenly feeling our age!!! Even though we are settled in we have still not completed all the work. As our last newsletter went out in March we had to then change over our phone line in order to give our new contact details but then our office in Padest was not ready to transfer our equipment.. However works are now finally drawing to a close you should hear more from me.
Throughout the spring and summer in amongst the decorating I have been busy with Charity work - accepting invitations to talk to various groups/organizations who are offering support. Our AGM was well supported at the end of May. We did a fund raising Table Top Sale in July and organized "Little Lambs are Leaping" - a sponsored walk for our Pre-School children at "Little Lambs" Mother and Toddler Group which I lead at Ramoth Church. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us and so we held the event in the main Church Building followed by an indoor Teddy Bear's Picnic. Money is still coming in but to date we have raised nearly £300.
We had a summer break from "Little Lambs" but continued with "Almond Tree" throughout the holidays, taking the old people out on several outings. We have also been busy with all the preparations for our Christmas Appeal - over 300 shoeboxes have been filled in preparation for transportation to Romania in November. This operation goes on throughout the year. Further boxes are due in from various sources efore the end of October. We have had to make new transportation arrangements this year which will cost us more than double previous years so please pray that funding will be provided.
Our Annual Sponsored Walk takes place on 29th September. This year we have changed the route - it will commence from The Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare and we will walk to Cwmaman and back. If the weather is good then we will enjoy a picnic in the Park otherwise we will return to the Church for our usual buffet. We are looking forward to the day.
Wayne will again run the Cardiff Half Marathon for "Reaching Romania" but sadly this year we have been unable to raise interest from any other runners. Please pray for him because he suffers with emphysema and chronic bronchitis but God is keeping him strong and his doctor is happy for him to participate provided he takes it easy.
We have just had a break - our first for almost 5 years and we so...o enjoyed. We stayed at Nicholaston House, Christian Retreat Centre on the Gower coast. For 4 days we recharged ourselves and balanced our stay with some rest, costal walking and most of all spiritual refreshment. We were blessed to meet so many wonderful people and we spiritually encouraged each other. We felt the benefit so much that we have booked another trip for end of January.
We are so happy living back at Sennybridge - it is such a blessing to be back among family and friends. I support my elderly mum (now 87) and now I only have 6 miles to travel instead of 27 as previously. Also our beautiful grandson, Morgan lives in the village so we get to see much more of him - he is such a treasure. However, we still spend much time in Hirwaun serving voluntarily at our Church and also running the Charity.
Please pray for our friends, Peter and Christine who leave for a 10 day stay in Romania tomorrow. We have been blessed by 2 supportive visits from them at Padest this summer.
We are giving thanks for many things: our new home, our family and friends in Wales and Romania and our Churches in both countries. We serve an Almighty God who provides for us in all aspects of our lives. I can testify to His almighty healing of my body this summer. I have been given a clean bill of health and I give Him all the thanks.
It is good to wake up each day and count our many blessings.
Further apologies for the lack of communication. Its been a difficult 8 months of renovations in our new home. Wayne & I are a double act - he on the DIY whilst I do all the decorating and we are suddenly feeling our age!!! Even though we are settled in we have still not completed all the work. As our last newsletter went out in March we had to then change over our phone line in order to give our new contact details but then our office in Padest was not ready to transfer our equipment.. However works are now finally drawing to a close you should hear more from me.
Throughout the spring and summer in amongst the decorating I have been busy with Charity work - accepting invitations to talk to various groups/organizations who are offering support. Our AGM was well supported at the end of May. We did a fund raising Table Top Sale in July and organized "Little Lambs are Leaping" - a sponsored walk for our Pre-School children at "Little Lambs" Mother and Toddler Group which I lead at Ramoth Church. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us and so we held the event in the main Church Building followed by an indoor Teddy Bear's Picnic. Money is still coming in but to date we have raised nearly £300.
We had a summer break from "Little Lambs" but continued with "Almond Tree" throughout the holidays, taking the old people out on several outings. We have also been busy with all the preparations for our Christmas Appeal - over 300 shoeboxes have been filled in preparation for transportation to Romania in November. This operation goes on throughout the year. Further boxes are due in from various sources efore the end of October. We have had to make new transportation arrangements this year which will cost us more than double previous years so please pray that funding will be provided.
Our Annual Sponsored Walk takes place on 29th September. This year we have changed the route - it will commence from The Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare and we will walk to Cwmaman and back. If the weather is good then we will enjoy a picnic in the Park otherwise we will return to the Church for our usual buffet. We are looking forward to the day.
Wayne will again run the Cardiff Half Marathon for "Reaching Romania" but sadly this year we have been unable to raise interest from any other runners. Please pray for him because he suffers with emphysema and chronic bronchitis but God is keeping him strong and his doctor is happy for him to participate provided he takes it easy.
We have just had a break - our first for almost 5 years and we so...o enjoyed. We stayed at Nicholaston House, Christian Retreat Centre on the Gower coast. For 4 days we recharged ourselves and balanced our stay with some rest, costal walking and most of all spiritual refreshment. We were blessed to meet so many wonderful people and we spiritually encouraged each other. We felt the benefit so much that we have booked another trip for end of January.
We are so happy living back at Sennybridge - it is such a blessing to be back among family and friends. I support my elderly mum (now 87) and now I only have 6 miles to travel instead of 27 as previously. Also our beautiful grandson, Morgan lives in the village so we get to see much more of him - he is such a treasure. However, we still spend much time in Hirwaun serving voluntarily at our Church and also running the Charity.
Please pray for our friends, Peter and Christine who leave for a 10 day stay in Romania tomorrow. We have been blessed by 2 supportive visits from them at Padest this summer.
We are giving thanks for many things: our new home, our family and friends in Wales and Romania and our Churches in both countries. We serve an Almighty God who provides for us in all aspects of our lives. I can testify to His almighty healing of my body this summer. I have been given a clean bill of health and I give Him all the thanks.
It is good to wake up each day and count our many blessings.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Computer Problems
Computers are wonderful when they go. I am experiencing problems and we pray my wonderful technician will resolve everything without the need to purchase a new one!!!
Just a little update again from the local library. Last month we held an "Irish Sing Along! musical afternooon at the Hirwaun OAP Association Hall and raised £132.00 for the Widows Mite Project. Grateful thanks to everyone who helped me with cooking for the Cake Stall, lovely Billy and Jen who led the singing and to all who supported. Picture to follow
We give thanks for the safe arrival of our beautiful new grandaughter, Bethan Phillips - she is a real blessing and Dylan, her older brother is overjoyed. Picture to follow.
On a sad note, George from the Widows Mite Project sadly passed away - we shall miss him terribly. Vicuta, another of our widows is poorly - please hold her up in prayer.
Just a little update again from the local library. Last month we held an "Irish Sing Along! musical afternooon at the Hirwaun OAP Association Hall and raised £132.00 for the Widows Mite Project. Grateful thanks to everyone who helped me with cooking for the Cake Stall, lovely Billy and Jen who led the singing and to all who supported. Picture to follow
We give thanks for the safe arrival of our beautiful new grandaughter, Bethan Phillips - she is a real blessing and Dylan, her older brother is overjoyed. Picture to follow.
On a sad note, George from the Widows Mite Project sadly passed away - we shall miss him terribly. Vicuta, another of our widows is poorly - please hold her up in prayer.
Monday, 20 February 2012
I'm back with an update!!!!
Apologies for the delay in communication since my return to Wales. After my arrival home in late December it was straight in the hasty Christmas preparations here. After catching up with old friends at the Christmas Eve service at St. Mary's Church in Seven Sisters and enjoying Christmas Morning at our own Church we headed up to Brecon to spend a family day. It was a blessed time especially having my son Neil back among us for Christmas for the first time in 9 years. We also had a blessed time with our grandson Morgan. After my Romanian Trip and all the preparations for Christmas on arriving home, I literally crashed out on Boxing Day and put my feet up - something I rarely do.
Well here we are in 2012 and we look forward with excitement to what the Lord has in store for us as a family, a Church and as a Charity. Preparations are already underway for the Charity Christmas Appeal - all the cheap wrapping paper has been purchased and my friend Elizabeth Peters and I have both been out separately picking up many bargains for our shoeboxes.
The Church Ministries are back in full swing - Little Lambs is growing and today we had 18 children present and an equal amoung of mums/grandparents. We give thanks for more helpers - we are a real family!!! Almond Tree is also thriving and our team has been busy organising the timetable for the year. Last week we had a St. Valentine's Day celebration and tomorrow we are tossing Pancakes!!!
We have had a Charity Meeting since my return and last Friday we raised £220 at a foyer collection at the Co-op supermarket in Hirwaun. Grateful thanks to everyone who supported God's work in Romania.
On a personal note last week we travelled to Burton on Trent for the 3rd Birthday of our lovely grandson, Dylan. We are looking forward to the birth of his sister, Bethany in 3 weeks. Please pray for a safe delivery.
Well here we are in 2012 and we look forward with excitement to what the Lord has in store for us as a family, a Church and as a Charity. Preparations are already underway for the Charity Christmas Appeal - all the cheap wrapping paper has been purchased and my friend Elizabeth Peters and I have both been out separately picking up many bargains for our shoeboxes.
The Church Ministries are back in full swing - Little Lambs is growing and today we had 18 children present and an equal amoung of mums/grandparents. We give thanks for more helpers - we are a real family!!! Almond Tree is also thriving and our team has been busy organising the timetable for the year. Last week we had a St. Valentine's Day celebration and tomorrow we are tossing Pancakes!!!
We have had a Charity Meeting since my return and last Friday we raised £220 at a foyer collection at the Co-op supermarket in Hirwaun. Grateful thanks to everyone who supported God's work in Romania.
On a personal note last week we travelled to Burton on Trent for the 3rd Birthday of our lovely grandson, Dylan. We are looking forward to the birth of his sister, Bethany in 3 weeks. Please pray for a safe delivery.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Mocrea Christmas Programme and time to say goodbye
I can't believe it is my last day here - it's only been a 3 week trip but we have done so much in the name of Jesus and it has flown. I give thanks that I have had strength despite lack of sleep.The Pre-Christmas visit is always so busy - I am hoping to come back in the spring/summer to be able to devote more time to each Project.
A little chaos this morning as we packed Adina's Peugeot full of all the items for the Mocrea Christmas Programme and realised that Traian would not fit in. There were 170 packages of gifts, plus coffee, pop, biscuits,oranges and gifts for the staff and the transport problems were overcome. There are many people who have contributed to the day and I give thanks for them. Kay Grover, the founder of RR who joined us today and who makes all the gift bags in Devon with the help of her friends; Adina for helping me with all the shopping in Romania and together with her niece, Patri, friend, Rebecca and mam, Maria stayed up until 2 am making up the bags ready for loading.They insisted I catch up with my blogging!!!We also give thanks for Peter for his Father Christmas duties, to Marius and his team of musicians who led all the carols etc and to Cerbu and his team for returning to do another programme after yesterday's success. 
3 vehicles set out on the 1 and a half journey along bumpy roads and there was much excitement as we all arrived to set up for the programme which was a terrific success. They absolutely loved the variety which started off with the puppet show. They were soon joining in with responses, clapping and singing. I toured the secure wards with the musicians singing carols and distributing gifts. At the end of the programme the other gifts were distributed and the earings for the ladies were a huge hit. We were almost reluctant to say goodbye - we all felt truly blessed by their response to whole programme - the love of Jesus was there. I shall miss them all. On way home the whole team - 15 of us stopped off for a simple Romanian meal and a time of fellowship. It was a lovely way to end the day and my trip.
After arriving back in the apartment I took a quick nap before finalising the accounts. Then a lovely girl, called Alexandra arrived with her adoptive mother of 9 years, Carla and sister, Dafina. Alexandra is aged 10, has been diagnosed with Glaucoma and is in danger of losing her sight unless she has an urgent operation. Adina in her capacity of social worker has been supportive of the family and arranged for Alexandra to see an eye specialist at Timisoara. 720 Euros (592 pounds) is required for an operation. Carla has worked extremely hard at raising support for her daughter but even with a donation from our Charity and a private one she is still approximately 100 pounds short of the target. The operation is scheduled for 9th January and the money must be raised by then. If there is anyone out there with a heart to help this beautiful little girl then please please contact me with your pledge. Every little helps.
I give a huge thank you to my hosts, the Luca family, including Adina and her brother, Danny and his family. They pull out all the stops to support God's work here and have their own ministry.
Well my blogging is over for this trip. It is now 10.30 pm and I leave for Timisoara at 3 am in the morning and I have packing to do yet.
My final word is "Thank You God for a blessed trip". May each and every person we have touched feel the love of light of Jesus this Christmas.
On behalf of Wayne and I and the Trustees of Reaching Romania we wish you a Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year full of his love, peace and joy. I am looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with all the family.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
The Works of His Mighty Hand
The work of the hands of our Almighty God is awesome. He is good, He is faithful and His love endures for ever. This is His work and we give Him all the Glory.
Whilst in Vinga Community Hall Pastor Jackie & I were emotional when we saw T(formerly of Mocrea Mental Hospital) along with us as part of the Team serving sweets and oranges. Then there was Julie and Rebecca - on the stage taking part in sketches and singing - having had the most horrendous life prior to entering the Osana Children's Home in January. Pastor Jackie had rescued them from the street and placed them with Cerbu and his family. They are not only safe, but full of joy because they gave their lives to Jesus at Easter. Now they not only have hope, they are so....o happy and content.
Then last night we see the miracle in Yasmina, expected to be a cabbage all her life - now despite many visits to hospitals she is a miracle girl who lives life to the full. She is enrolled in a Christian Gradinita and Metanoie's Sunday School while her mother studies and makes new friends at Church. Her mother is continually giving thanks and has made a commitment to be baptised. Vinga Youth Group is growing and many of the children have been baptized.
This is your work Oh Lord and we give you all the glory. Thank you for your Grace and Mercy which is renewed every day.
 |
| Iasmina with one of her Christmas presents |
 |
| Julie and Rebecca with Pastor Jackie |
Then last night we see the miracle in Yasmina, expected to be a cabbage all her life - now despite many visits to hospitals she is a miracle girl who lives life to the full. She is enrolled in a Christian Gradinita and Metanoie's Sunday School while her mother studies and makes new friends at Church. Her mother is continually giving thanks and has made a commitment to be baptised. Vinga Youth Group is growing and many of the children have been baptized.
This is your work Oh Lord and we give you all the glory. Thank you for your Grace and Mercy which is renewed every day.
Sabboth activities
at
I thank God for a good night's sleep enabling to rise early. This was my last sabboth in Romania and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Up early but the internet is still down so I caught up on my accounts instead. Quick phone call to my hubby to send best wishes to our Church in Wales today it it is their Christmas Family Service too and my "Little Lambs" are taking part.
Then Danny arrives - he has already been out to Sofronea to pick up Pastor Jackie and the girls. This is the first time Jackie has been out since she returned from hospital a week ago. After loading the minibus we were on the road to Vinga Church where we had a morning service and a Christmas programme which included lighting the "Love" candle, the Children's, Youth and Adult programme. It was indeed a real blessing. This was followed by shoe box distribution a delicious meal prepared by Leontin and Maria who live next door. Leontin is one of the Church deacons.
You will recall that during the first few days of my trip we visited the "Osana" Children's Home in Timisoara where Cerbu and his wife Nadine care for 6 girls in addition to their own 2 daughters. Well Cerbu has a band and together with his older girls they spread the gospel by going on the road with their shows. Pastor Jackie hired the Community Hall in Vinga and they offered to come along and do a Christmas Show so after lunch we all went along to this evangelistic event after chugging along in the truck with children in the open air back. It was an awesome show which lasted 1 and a half hours. After performances by the various Vinga Church groups, the team performed sketches, the Scrooge Story, a Puppet Show followed by some modern carols. The whole hall came alive as the audience joined in with everything. As they left we gave out sweets and oranges. Everyone commented on how much they loved the event. Praise God for a blessed afternoon.
On arriving back at Arad I attended with Adina and Rebecca a Ladies Night at the Metanoie Church. It was awesome with quizes, games, carols & powerful testimonies. To me it was the icing on the cake. Little Yasmina and her mother (whom I wrote about 2 weeks ago) had last night arrived back from medical treatment at Cluj and they joined us at Metanoie. They were both happy in the midst of much adversity. Praise God Adreana made a decision tonight to be baptised. God is really working in her heart. In addition to Yasmina's many health problems, her mother, Adreana also needs a knee operation in January otherwise she is at risk of loosing her leg. As she has no family in the area, Adina and her mother have agreed to accommodate Iasmina. She loves Adina and she will certainly be in a loving home.
It got late and I had a lot of blogging to do and so Adina, Rebecca, Maria and Patricia kindly offered to pack all the Mocrea Gift bags ready for distribution tomorrow. Praise God I have such loyal people who help me out here. It is 1.30 am here and I am just calling it a day.
I thank God for a good night's sleep enabling to rise early. This was my last sabboth in Romania and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Up early but the internet is still down so I caught up on my accounts instead. Quick phone call to my hubby to send best wishes to our Church in Wales today it it is their Christmas Family Service too and my "Little Lambs" are taking part. 
Then Danny arrives - he has already been out to Sofronea to pick up Pastor Jackie and the girls. This is the first time Jackie has been out since she returned from hospital a week ago. After loading the minibus we were on the road to Vinga Church where we had a morning service and a Christmas programme which included lighting the "Love" candle, the Children's, Youth and Adult programme. It was indeed a real blessing. This was followed by shoe box distribution a delicious meal prepared by Leontin and Maria who live next door. Leontin is one of the Church deacons. 
You will recall that during the first few days of my trip we visited the "Osana" Children's Home in Timisoara where Cerbu and his wife Nadine care for 6 girls in addition to their own 2 daughters. Well Cerbu has a band and together with his older girls they spread the gospel by going on the road with their shows. Pastor Jackie hired the Community Hall in Vinga and they offered to come along and do a Christmas Show so after lunch we all went along to this evangelistic event after chugging along in the truck with children in the open air back. It was an awesome show which lasted 1 and a half hours. After performances by the various Vinga Church groups, the team performed sketches, the Scrooge Story, a Puppet Show followed by some modern carols. The whole hall came alive as the audience joined in with everything. As they left we gave out sweets and oranges. Everyone commented on how much they loved the event. Praise God for a blessed afternoon.
On arriving back at Arad I attended with Adina and Rebecca a Ladies Night at the Metanoie Church. It was awesome with quizes, games, carols & powerful testimonies. To me it was the icing on the cake. Little Yasmina and her mother (whom I wrote about 2 weeks ago) had last night arrived back from medical treatment at Cluj and they joined us at Metanoie. They were both happy in the midst of much adversity. Praise God Adreana made a decision tonight to be baptised. God is really working in her heart. In addition to Yasmina's many health problems, her mother, Adreana also needs a knee operation in January otherwise she is at risk of loosing her leg. As she has no family in the area, Adina and her mother have agreed to accommodate Iasmina. She loves Adina and she will certainly be in a loving home.
It got late and I had a lot of blogging to do and so Adina, Rebecca, Maria and Patricia kindly offered to pack all the Mocrea Gift bags ready for distribution tomorrow. Praise God I have such loyal people who help me out here. It is 1.30 am here and I am just calling it a day.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
