"We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those he has called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

This year we took Goldie & Julie Spearman with us on what proved to be the longest, hottest and most differcult journey we have made in the last seven years. We travelled in two vehicles - our Gospel Waggon and the GFC Sherpa van - so had plenty of room for all our supplies.

SLOVAKIA - We arrived in Partizanske on April 30th and spent two weeks with the church and Pastor Stano and his family. We visited all the people with gifts of  food and clothing and attended meetings in homes, churches and the prison in Martin. One day after visiting a gypsy family we found our van had been broken into and the bag containing our passports and papers had gone. As we prayed the police drove up! Then Pastor Stano received a word of knowledge, "Look in the rubbish bin". Sure enough the bag and its contents (minus Rosemary's glasses) were safe inside. How we praised the Lord! This incident demonstrated to all that God answers prayers and speaks directly to his people. Later it provided Katya, the Youth Leader, with a splendid opportunity to preach the gospel to everyone assembled on the green outside the block of flats.   We were disappointed that the apartment we had purchased as a base for GFC was not ready so we plan to return to Partizanske in September (2000) to move in. For the time being it is providing a safe storage place for our things and all the toys brought over for the 'Mums and Toddlers Club'.

HUNGARY - On May 15th we moved on to spend two weeks in the North East and attended the Gypsy Covention (17/5 - 21/5) in Nagykallo. This event had been sponsored by an Australian church and Leadership Training was very ably given by Rev Brad Jones. We joined Pastor Andras and the group from the churches in Kerescend and Verpelet. Everyone had a wonderful time and made many new friends. The young Gypsy men in our group were truly blesssed. Many of them are already in leadership positions in their churches. The convention was attended by over a thousand gypsies many of whom had travelled long distances to be there. As a result of this event and outreach in the town a new Gypsy church has been started in Nagykallo. Maryar TV was present for the major events of the Convention at the weekend preparing an hour long documentary to be shown nation-wide later in the year. On our return to the North East we were soon busy visiting families with parcels of food and clothing and encouraging the people in their faith. Everything we had brought with us was shared with the churches in Kerescend, Recsk, Szajla and Verpelet. (We had decided to leave the Sherpa behind and to save on expenses by taking only one vehicle into Romania). We also shared in churches and house fellowships where Goldie's country and western style singing was much in demand and greatly appreciated. Julie was very popular with the women - and in spite of the heat looked immaculate all the time.   In the end we did not take any chairs to the church at Verpelet. Pastor Andras had asked if GFC could give a donation towards the purchase of the building instead and we were glad to contribute the final payment of  £1000.

ROMANIA - Early on June 1st we set off on the twelve hour journey to Tigru Mures. We arrived late at night having been delayed by the appalling state of the roads. We were keen to inspect the Water Project and install the plaque we had brought with us. We were pleased to see the Gypsies of Chirileu Village looking healthier and happier than before and we all gave thanks together. Everyone received a gift of soap and we encouraged them to make use of the water to grow vegetables. Their small gardens will form the nucleus of our Sharon Farming Project and we plan to take seeds and tools to the village on our next visit. Chirileu now has a Gypsy Pastor who has opened his home for meetings and we have left a small supply of Christian literature with him. The people would now like to build their own church which could also be used as a school and clinic during the week. We are in touch with a doctor who works in the villages and we are looking at ways of helping him. These are exciting developments and we would appreciate your partnership with us in prayer and giving.

ON T.V.  - The Water Project was reported on the local TV News programme Antennal 1 and we were able to obtain a copy of the video to bring home. We also received a public 'Thank You' in the form of a subscription dinner. This was a most unexpected but highly enjoyable occasion.   During our stay in Tirgu Mures we had our share of accidents and set-backs. Sonnie had a nasty fall down some unprotected stairs and dislocated both his middle fingers. In spite of a splint on his left hand he managed to carry on driving. (But we did do a lot more walking than usual!). The Gospel Waggon had some trouble with its gears but friends recommended an excellent mechanic. Miraculously he had the original part that was needed to fix a Mercedes 207 and soon put it right. We wish we could tell you all of our adventures while we were away - but we have chosen just a few. Praise the Lord! He worked everything out for good. During the first two weeks of August we will be in Jersey and in September we will be returning to Eastern Europe. As always we would value your prayers.

ROMANI PRAYER LINK - Please continue to send your prayer request to Mrs. Sheila Irvine our Prayer Co-ordinator at 76 Sandhurst Road,Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3JT.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - We would love to see you at the London Prayer Meeting at our London HQ on Saturday October 7th at 3pm and the AGM on Saturday November 11th also at 3pm. The meetings are always followed by refreshments.

THANK YOU - Our sincere thanks to all our friends for their prayers and gifts which have made the summer outreach possible. Special thanks to the Woodford Christian Life Church and Pastor Simon Smith without whose support and encouragement this work would not continue.  

With Christian love from all on the GFC Team

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