The visit to Greystone Road by Beni Seican and Ioan Adam in October 2004 gave us encouragement to make plans for visits in 2005.  In addition, there was the marvellous ongoing financial and prayerful support by members of our congregation and the continuing needs of people in Romania.

The purpose of the first visit in May by Leonard, Morris and Norman was to deliver funds personally and to meet many of the people that our members support.  We were able to understand their situations and receive their thanks first hand – these we pass on to the donors.

With Beni and Ioan we reviewed each family’s needs.  We decided to cease supporting Valerica Iacob who is now self-sufficient and no longer responsible for her children (now employed).  We increased the monthly amount to some families and agreed to start supporting three new families in Sibiu as well as children’s work in Sacel. 

Stephen Caldwell, who is studying at Belfast Bible College, travelled with us in May.  He worked in a Day Care Centre for disabled children and helped with the children in Sacel.  This with a view to a longer placement with Beni in 2006 as part of his College course. 

Dirk Houwelling, a Dutch missionary in Sibiu, who is the Director of the Day Care Centre, visited Greystone Road at the end of June.  During a memorable weekend he spoke about his work to our boys at B.B. camp in Ballintoy during Morning Service and informally on Monday evening.  He made a great impact as was evidenced by offerings of £600 for his work. 

In July, a group of young people from the congregation went on a visit to Romania.  Miriam, Kathy and Jonathan joined five members of the Sibiu church to lead the Annual Camp for over 30 children aged 9 to 14 years.  We believe that it was God’s will that these three should go – there were various uncertainties during planning for the trip.  At the start of the week Miriam, Kathy and Jonathan had little in common and did not know what to expect in Romania.  However, God blessed them, the work that they did and also enabled them to quickly form great relationships with each other and with the children and leaders.  They were a credit to their families and excellent ambassadors for our Church. 

It is the visits that cement our relationship with the people in Sibiu and Sacel but it is your ongoing support that gives us the reason to go.  The need among the poor is increasing even though Romania is making some improvement economically.  We again record our SINCERE THANKS to those who make monthly donations by standing order, to those who make individual donations and to those who supported the Karting fundraiser.  Over £9,000 was forwarded to families during 2005.