Summer 1997
"I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is grey. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you." This lovely promise from Isaiah 46:4 strengthens, sustains and assures us that God watches over us wherever we are.
SLOVAKIA - It was cold when we visited Partizanske in April and there was some snow, but the fellowship we shared with the Blowes family and the church was very warm. It was a busy time as we took meetings, visited homes and gave out the food and clothing we had brought with us. Sonnie spoke at an FGBMFI breakfast in the town and a dinner in Banksa Bystrica. People came to know the Lord at both meetings and a couple who were on the verge of splitting up were brought together again. Praise the Lord!
We were able to accompany members of the fellowship to a big meeting in Bratislava with an evangelist from Malaysia. This was a 'first' for the Youth Group who travelled with us in the Gospel Waggon. They were not accustomed to such a journey so some of them were quite sick and we soon ran out of paper towels and plastic bags! But even so the outing was a blessing and those who came said they would do it again if an opportunity arose.
We visited the Gypsy village at Plavecky Strvtok and encouraged the Christians there - it was good to recognise the folk we'd met on our previous visit. We also went to Valecky Kris where Malcolm hopes to start an outreach and prayed in the streets and around the Gypsy ghettos. Please keep the Blowes family, the church and the needs of the Gypsies they work with in your prayers.
ROMANIA
Eastern Europe was wet this summer. As it was hot between the showers we fell prey to the mosquitoes! Our first stop was at the home of Marian Zanfir and his family (left) in Caran Sebes. He took us to various places where he works and we were amazed by his dedication. We had opportunities to give out SGM booklets in Romanese and Romanian in the village churches at Borlova and Gingova and on the streets and to pray with many people. We spoke at all the meetings and the Gypsies were surprised that special talks were given for the women and children.
The second week was spent in Petrosani with Tiberiu Pop and his family (left) . Visits had been arranged to Gypsy and Gorgio homes where food and clothing were needed.
It was a great joy to visit Alina and her family and see the new baby. We visited the Gypsy churches in nearby Vulcan, and further away at Pesteana where we enjoyed fellowship and Gypsy hospitality. During the rest time we were out in the streets distributing literature and visiting Gypsy families with one of the church elders. We got a good reception and in the evening the church was full.
The next stop was Tirgu Mures where we visited homes, churches, schools and orphanages and had meetings with Romanian and Gypsy colleagues. We held open air meetings in Gypsy villages and distributed booklets, food and clothing until all our supplies were exhausted. In the Valea Rece Gypsy settlement we found that the conditions had improved. Due to the efforts of the Fundatia Cakra the piles of refuse had gone and there was a source of clean water! Traditional dancing and music classes were being held and a school with 300 children had been set up by an American Peace Corps volunteer. The little church was very much in use.
On our way home we paid a short visit to Floresti to deliver food, clothing, literature and a guitar to a Gypsy family there. At each place Peter was busy with his camera and got some good footage of the various activities we took part in. Thank you for your prayers for our protection and the safety of the equipment - they were all answered. Praise the Lord!
BELARUS - There will be a report on the trip made this summer by Valdemar Kalinin and Bernard Mends in our next Newsletter.
PAKISTAN - Since Basharat Ureem took his family to Lahore we have had no further news. This is cause for concern as the situation for Christians there can be dangerous. Please pray for the safety of Bash, Sheba and little Durwah.
SIBERIA - Please remember our trip to Chita next year in your prayers as we plan and raise funds. 'Why Siberia?' by David Hathaway published by Eurovision (ISBN 0 9525132 0 X) costs £4.99p and will give you information for prayer and praise. Why not order a copy for your local library and spread the news?
HOME NEWS - The GFC mission in Chalkwell Park in June was held in association with the Elim Pentecostal Church, Westcliff. Run by three Gypsy men - Goldie, Les and Sonnie - and supported by members of the church it was a great success. It is hoped to hold a similar event on Canvey Island with the help of local churches. Please keep this mission in your prayers.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - Thank you for your prayers for Terry Hurst who now has a job and a car - God is faithful! He will now be able to fulfill many more engagements and take the family with him. Please continue to pray for them. They paid us an unexpected visit on the 50th Anniverasry of the death of Gypsy Smith in August and we took them to see his memorial stone in Epping Forest and Sonnie recalled the events that took place there.
CONGRATULATIONS - to Tom and Iwona Dawson on the birth of their son on 8th August 1996. Thomas Patrick weighed in at 8lbs and he is a bonny lad! Praise the Lord that mother and baby are doing well! Remember Tom and Iwona in your prayers, please, as they adjust to their new situation.
FINANCES - Deed of Covenant forms are now available from the office if you pay income tax at the basic rate and make regular gifts to GFC. For one off payments Gift Aid Forms can be used. It will not cost you anything and the work will benefit. Please ask for them.
JERSEY - In conclusion we must mention the wonderful holiday we were given on the island and the way the people from the New Life Christian Fellowship took us to their hearts. We came home rested and refreshed, praising God who is truly good - ALL THE TIME!
Thank you to The Way-In Christian Fellowship, South Woodford, who enable us to send out our Newsletters.
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