"For we are partners working together for God," Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "and you are God's field." (1 Corinthians 3:9)

We often think of these words when people tell us that they pray for us or send gifts for the work among the Gypsies. We thank you for the support you give us is so many ways in all we do, and especially for your prayers and encouragement. We value your partnership with us, as we all share together in fulfilling our part of the Great Commission.

It was wonderful to attend Martin and Michele's wedding in August and share with them and their families in this very special occasion. It was truly the 'Wedding of the Year!' They are now settled in their flat in Bath. They are working very hard and establishing their own contacts. Martin is doing Bible Studies with a group of Gypsies in the Forest of Dean, and Michele is working on audio tapes, a slide presentation, a GFC brochure and perhaps a promotional video. Their pressing need at the moment is for a servicable vehicle, so they would appreciate your prayers. They are also available for deputation work in the West Country.

Our trip to Belarus was long and arduous. It was very hot and some days we travelled over five hundred miles but it was a great  experience to pass through so many countries and see so much of God's wonderful world. Unfortunately communications are bad and the letters sent to arrange our itinerary had not arrived. In many places we were not expected but we still felt that the Lord was in control. We met with Gypsy families in there homes and experienced something of what their living conditions are like. We visited Vitebsk, Minsk and Baranovichi and also Rudniya in Russia. We joined with underground churches for worship and Valdemar Kalinin acted as our interpreter. In the women only situations his daughter, Christina, did the honours.

On our way home we were held up at Brest for 22 hours as, for some unknown reason, the border had been closed. This meant that we lost a night's sleep and a day's driving which we could ill afford on account of our tight schedule. During the night a group of young racketeers, smuggling vodka into Poland, managed to insinuate their car into the queue in front of us. They looked after us and helped us to exchange our worthless roubles for deutsh marks and fill in our forms for the customs. Unfortunately for them, their load of vodka was confiscated!

When we managed to find a camping place we caught up on our sleep - Sonnie was so tired that he fell into his sleeping-bag without even drinking his cup of tea! By the time we got to Antwerp we had recovered and were looking forward to getting home. As we entered the Kennedy Tunnel a huge lorry with a trailer tried to overtake us. It hit the side of our vehicle and the trailer hooked itself under our front mudguard, dragging us along until it broke loose. The Belgian police soon arrived and things were sorted out. We know that disaster was only averted because the Lord was with us and had sent his angels to guard us. Miraculously we got to Ostend in time to catch the ferry home, so all we can say is 'Praise the Lord!'

Two days later we went off to Priddy to join Martin and Michele at the fair. We met up with some Christian Gypsies who made space for us and helped to put up the GFC marquee. The next day was very wet but this was a blessing in disguise because many people came in to shelter from the rain. We were supported by the local Gideons and other friends and wellwishers. Many New Testaments, Bibles, Droms and other pieces of literature were given away and Martin and Michele made some useful contacts. An 80 year old Gypsy man made a commitment after a talk with one of the workers. Miraculously the Gideons had one large print Bible to give to this partially sighted man. We are looking forward to working alongside the Gideons again in the future. It was a tremendous experience!

Since then we have been busy with all our engagements at home. These have included FGBMFI dinners and breakfasts, church meetings and prison visits. Sometimes we meet Gypsies in prison and at the moment we would value prayer for Robbie who has many problems. The office is always busy and there has been a lot of interest in Gypsies in the media. Please send us anything you think may be useful for our Press Cuttings file. We are very grateful to a couple from The Way-In Christian Fellowship, South Woodford for the loan of a PC/Word Processor. It certainly makes life in the office a lot easier.

Basharat Ureem has now returned to Hyderabad, Pakistan and will be married to Sheba on December 28th 1995. Please pray for them and their work with Gypsies. Rev "T" Thomas and Dr. P Anderson have been to visit Bash to assess the situation. We are awaiting their report.

Valdemar Kalinin will be returning to England this month to work with European Gypsies in London. He will be bringing Christina with him and they will be staying with us for a few days. We continue to offer hospitality to Gypsies from abroad in our home and encourage them to learn English. Peter, from Romania comes twice a week for lessons and enjoys them. He has asked if his friend can come too.

The GFC team, Sonnie and Rosemary and Martin and Michele send you their love and greetings for Christmas and the New Year.

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