FAST - FINAL WEEK - IMMEASURABLY MORE - PART 1

ROTHWELL'S MISSION -  ROMANIA – AND BEYOND

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Ephesians 3 : 20

From last week's prayer requests

• Codrutz' leg is healing well, and Raoul's toothache is better after a visit to the dentist
• The TGI Thursday sessions with the teenagers are to continue
• The English classes are to continue
• The visit by the government ministers was encouraging and has led to more questions and interest

Highlights of this week 

Monday 

Certificates and chocolate handed out for those who completed the English classes plus special prizes (books and goodie bags) for the four 'most improved', Sebi, Loredana, Beni and Anna.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tarlungeni's Got Talent with prize giving on Wednesday. We had 25 enthusiastic young people taking part with an audience of over 50. Prizes went to Lucian (first - read a poem in English), Maria (second - singing) and Alin (third - singing) with a certificate for everyone who took part.

Tuesday evening

Voluntari Gala Evening in Brasov, the Mission House had been nominated in the category 'Best Project' - and won! Liz and Alina accepted the award which was well deserved, they work so hard to ensure as many children as possible (plus some more!) are fed, educated, play and learn about the Lord.

Wednesday

The snow and low temperatures came!

Thursday
Daniel and Stan visited a family in Apatsa to deliver shoe boxes - and Stan was introduced to the horse - Stan!

Friday

Decided on our favourite names by far - the twins Rom and Rem - Romulus and Remus :)

Saturday

A day at Sinaia, Castel Peres in the Carpathian Mountains with Liz and Masih, followed by a farewell meal at Alina and Avram's - will miss these guys so much.

Reflections on our time here

As we near the end of our time here in Romania we first of all want to thank you for thinking of us while we have been here, it has been such a great comfort to receive all the messages and to know that so many of you have been praying for us.

Although we had both been to FAST before this time was a very different experience. Not only were we were to be here for much longer we were to be preparing and delivering the courses ourselves. These courses had not been tried before, so these were very much pilot studies.

We had a few concerns before we started. Although we had taught 'English as a foreign language' before it had been with people who had already received a reasonable level of education and already had a little English. The children and mums we have been working with in the Roma village had neither of these, most of them didn't read or write even in Romanian.

As well as the English classes we were to spend time with some of the Roma teenagers, trying to boost their self-esteem and confidence and show them how much God loves them and values them. We did have some concerns about the language barrier, every conversation and discussion group we felt could only work if we were able to have a relationship based on trust first so they would be comfortable in talking to us – difficult when every conversation had to be through an interpreter.

However, we have been reminded daily that God equips those He calls, and now our involvement with the English courses is over there are children and mums who are delighted to be able to use their basic English with anyone who will listen.

In addition there are a group of teenagers who are happy to talk, even through an interpreter, who are starting to question what they do and realise that God has a plan for them and forgives them when they make mistakes. God is so good.

 We are so delighted that the work with all of these groups is to continue.

As always, what we have received from the people here has been so much more than we have been able to give, and we will leave Romania and FAST feeling humbled by a people who are despised by many of those around them and yet continue to be generally hospitable, warm hearted and a joy to be around. Also we have been amazed anew by the work of FAST and the love of God they show to the Roma in such practical ways.

Photos next, then Part 2 explains the 'and beyond'of the heading

.....to be continued