WHAT’S GOING ON IN...
...ROMANIA
W
e have two main areas of operation in Romania – Oradea in the northwest, and Constanta in the southeast. In Oradea, we work with the Emanuel University of Oradea. The university specialises in sending students out into highcalibre secular jobs, having had the theological input to enable them to serve as witnesses for Christ in their workplace. It was university students who created CASA Grace (an organisation providing social care, advocacy and training for those living in desperate poverty) and, later, the Emanuel Hospice (caring for terminally ill patients and their families in the local community and currently building an inpatient unit). TEN’s Lindsay Davey recently took a small team to the Hospice, to introduce pampering ministry to the Hospice team and patients currently under care—this was very much appreciated! 16
The Constanta region has a very different feel to Oradea, with strong Turkish Islamic influences evident in every town and village. Traian and Elena Pascalau, church leaders and planters, Alpha coordinators and social care advocates in this region, have steadily introduced us to many new partners over the years! We continue to support Traian and Elena, as well as their Heart to Heart Old People’s Project; and we also partner with Project Romanian Rescue (outreach and care for street children, as well as getting them off the streets where possible). We have recently been able to provide funding for a new church building in the region, where Pastor Beni serves, and it is hoped this project will be completed by September. We also love the work of Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, who devote their time to reaching prisoners across Romania (with much success). All this work is so
TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / AUTUMN 2013
“Thank you very much for your love for Emanuel Hospice. Thank you for sharing God’s love with the Romanian people experiencing their last days. On behalf of our patients and the entire staff of Emanuel Hospice we thank you!” Marinela important, and each project so relevant to its local community – it’s a joy to be partnered with each of them!
Photos: Top: The local community at the new church building with Pastor Beni. Bottom: Lindsay introducing pamper ministry.