Thursday July 14 - camp grows and meeting Mayor - Day 13

Simon: Another great day here in Romania. 60 kids came to the camp, although it started all a bit strange as Sami had had complaints from some Gypsy families about their children coming to an activity they had not known about. But after permission had been gained from all parents (in homes near and far) we began our session on the ‘Great Samaritan’. Totally appropriate as we had Romanians not wanting to play on the parachute with the other kids, and then on the two tables we had two distinct people groups. But Bible story, acting, discussions and craft etc all went really well and we taught about how everyone is your neighbour and how we can and should show love... the day was cut a bit short by the traditional afternoon thunderstorm, but all in all a great day...

Then this evening... well what can we say? The Mayor invites us to an event at the Town Hall. The local college Romanian Dancers entertain us for an hour, then we have a chance to perform some of our sketches and songs. We could comment on some interesting moments during the evening but we would rather focus on a great evening of proclaiming the Gospel. The Mayor was genuinely delighted and spoke of the challenge of being a Christian. (Then he told everyone I looked like John Terry!) We were then invited to the Mayor’s office to sign the special book and receive a commemorative plaque! We wrote a special message then all 16 of us signed it (the 15 on the team and JT)

And tonight we said a sad farewell to Simon who is leaving us in the morning. Please continue to pray for the team and the programme tomorrow (Two builders and Sower) followed by an evangelistic family ‘fire-camp’ in the evening and the final service on Sunday where I will once more be preaching and the team will be doing many other parts of the programme.

p.s. we had hoped to be with Murder by now, and be able to use her internet connection to update the blog with more photos, but we are yet to see her or her brother.