Our aim:  to proclaim God’s glory as one body, displaying the life and love of Jesus

Gary and Annie report on their first Summer in Romania

How do Gary & Annie come to be in Romania?

'It’s been good:
not a bed of roses:
but we’re sure we’re in the
right place.'

During the summer we’ve been involved with soccer events in 8 gypsy villages up and down the country. They’re run by the various local churches. We’re just there as support and encouragement.

(Gary says that Annie’s Rumanian is better than his – they’re both still learning.)

Each event lasts 3 days, and usually attracts around 80 children age 7 to 14. (That’s over 600 children altogether.) It starts with football training, penalty shooting, heading exercises.








If they should tire of football (!) there’s always rounders or a wide game.

The kids really appreciate it. No one else has time to play with them.

There’s a talk in the break – and the kids are very attentive:-
“What’s life all about?”
“What do you plan to do – after football?”

The event peaks on the third day with prizes and the film about Jesus.


Everyone (grown ups as well) comes to see the film - and a talk by an evangelist from the church.
The whole thrust is to value the gypsies, who are largely ignored in Romania.
The older generation seem largely stuck in their ways, with a reputation for violence.
This is an attempt to make a difference to the youngsters: life doesn’t have to be like that.

Football is off during the harsh winter (temperatures down to -30C), but Annie and Gary are going back intending to show films.
Once a fortnight in the 4 nearest gypsy villages. Film and a talk.
It’s all building relationships.
With us, and eventually with Jesus.

 


Text of the year (from Numbers — when Moses was about to set out into the unknown)

“Come with us, and we will do you good”

Last updated Oct 08 Entered Oct 08