"....let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

It's Easter again and all at GFC send you greetings for this joyful season. This is a good time to consider the greatness of God's love for us and the steadfast, willing endurance of Jesus as He suffered for our sins. This encourages us to be single-minded and to persevere as we face the opposition and challenges life brings.

MEETINGS - The AGM in November was well attended by a good mix of Gypsies and Gorgios. We said, "goodbye" to Tom Dawson and welcomes Derek Cartwright from the Woodford Christian Life Church as our new treasurer.

It was decided that the provision of water for Chirileu village, Romania (mentioned in Christmas 1998 Newsletter) would be our special project for 1999. Please pray that our applications for funding will be successful and that the people will soon have a clean water supply.

The prayer meeting in February went well and we are grateful for everyone who makes an effort to come and pray with us. The next one on Saturday 5th June will be held in the home of our Vice-Chairman, Terry Hurst. On Saturday, October 2nd the meeting will be in London as usual. Sonnie has been busy enlarging the room to accommodate more people. The next AGM will be on Saturday, November 13th and anyone who is interested in the work is welcome to attend as we would value fresh input. All meetings start at 3pm and refreshments will be provided afterwards during a time of informal fellowship.

JOURNEYS - During the last few months Sonnie and Rosemary have been travelling at home and abroad speaking at meetings and dinners. They have recently returned from a trip to Belgium, where Sonnie spoke at the dinner of the FGBM Fellowship, Torhout Chapter, and in the church at Izegem. The GFC Water Project has benefited financially from all these engagements.

Sonnie and Rosemary will be in South Wales before Easter and in Hungary, Slovakia and Romania from 15th May - 15th July. They would value your prayers for these journeys.

PAKISTAN - We have no up-to-date news from Basharat Ureem in Lahore, but we do know that the situation for Christians in the Indian subcontinent is very tense. Please pray for the safety of Bash, his family, the team, and for the continuing of the work among the very poor and downtrodden Gypsy people. Sonnie and Rosemary are planning to visit Pakistan next year to assess the progress of GFC there. We would value your prayers for this trip.

NEWS FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - Terry Hurst now as a job with a firm of undertakers which gives him openings to share the Gospel. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to uphold Terry so that all his needs may be met. He continues to preach in local Methodist and Baptist churches and will be taking a seminar at Cliff College, Sheffield on June 18. He would appreciate your prayers for this event.

Terry's daughter, Bonnie Devlescoe (Grace of God) accompanies him on his engagements to sing and dance during the services. Contact Terry if you would like him to visit your church.

Terry has also been invited to Shropshire to a Gypsy church planted by Rev Pinky White. Pinky and his brother Shorty were mentioned in our Easter 1998 Newsletter and they continue to work with Gypsy refugees from Eastern Europe. We are exploring ways of helping them in this outreach.

Recently, Terry was joined by supporters from Reigate and the Bucks Gypsy/Traveller Project for a service to be broadcast by the BBC World Service in their "Focus On Faith" series. They also visited a site at Gerrards Cross where it is hoped to start a fellowship. Praise the Lord!

FGBM FELLOWSHIP ENGAGEMENTS - The FGBMF has generously supported the work of GFC in the past and we are glad to be invited to take part in their outreach dinners. In October, Sonnie will be one of the speakers at a dinner in London for servicemen and women. Please pray for this strategic Gospel event and for the 300 service personnel who will attend it. In December Terry will be the speaker at the Christmas dinner of the Stoke Mandeville Chapter. Please pray for this event too.

A NEW DEVELOPMENT - Derek Cartwright, our Treasurer, has suggested that GFC extend the work in Eastern Europe by getting another van. He is willing to drive it, as the Lord enables him, and accompany Sonnie and Rosemary on their annual trips. So, GFC is on the lookout for a serviceable vehicle and if any of our readers can help us with this we would be glad to hear from you.

BOUQUETS - Thank you to everyone at the Woodford Christian Life Church who supports us with their love and prayers and makes the distribution of this Newsletter possible. Thank you also to all our loyal, generous and creative supporters. Without your prayers and help we would be unable to carry out the work of Gypsies For Christ. WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL!

With love and God's blessing this Easter from all on the GFC Team.

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