July 10, 2011

Galations 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

What a wonderful week we have had with the Maryland team from Safe Harbor, doing VBS in two villages a day, Nochrich and Ghijasa de Jos. The first day, as usual, was difficult trying to get the program all worked out, but by the second day, things started rolling after we decided to divide and conquer, separating the younger and older children.

In Nochrich, the VBS was held at the church. Even though there were other camps going on at the time, there were still well over 40 children that attended everyday. Most of the children were under 6 years of age. This was challenging, but what a privilege to be a part in teaching the basics and showing God's love to these little ones.

The Maryland team, led by Will LaRose, was amazing. Each one took their responsibility very seriously, and were all involved in teaching, Bible verses, songs, games, and crafts. Some of the men and women stayed at the camp to work on painting, and food preparation. The team was composed of Craig and Josh Albright, Irv and Ann Martin, Will Larose and his granddaughter, Rebecca; and Anne Cerutti and her two neices, Melinda and Jamie. Our two Romanian translators, who did an amazing job all week long, were Ricky and Patty from Cisnadie. We were also so proud to have our son, William, involved in the VBS as a translator and Jack of all trades, along with his girlfriend, Miriam, participating on the team.

We would come back to Windsor's Fair Haven, (the camp) for lunch and have a half an hour or so until we took off for the dusty road to Ghijasa de Jos. We could not believe the turn out. Between 15-18 children attended daily, and many that had not been attending our weekly meetings with them, returned. We were so happy to welcome them back to hear about God's Word. They loved singing the songs about Jesus and did so well memorizing the daily Bible verses.

Even with the VBS's and the work going on at Windsor's, the team still took the time to visit and encourage our neighbors, Lenuta and Ilie, our friend that has been attending church with us since last Christmas. Oh, yes, and let's not forget that after eating supper and visiting neighbors, most evenings included some friendly games of volleyball until at least 11 pm, when lights were out.

Thank you all for your prayers. It is such an encouragement to us to have so much wonderful help that is organized and willing to be flexible. We are sure that each of the team members took some of Romania back home with them in their hearts. It is our prayer that they not forget what they saw, or how God worked in their lives, but use it to reach others where they are now.

We also ask that you pray as we continue to meet with the children of Ghijasa de Jos throughout the summer. We are in the process of planning a boy's and girl's summer camp with the kids from Ghijasa de Jos. We will continue to try to encourage the children workers at Nochrich as they continue working with the Nochrich children.

May God bless your month of July and be with you as you celebrate the summer. Our prayers are also with you.