Romania For Christ

Romania For Christ 2012

2011-11-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody!

Thank you for those who serve alongside and support those in ministry in Romania. May the Lord give you strength, joy, wisdom...

I am getting married in May (praise the Lord!), my future husband and I will be taking about a month-long trip to the Sighisoara area to scope out possible long-term ministry opportunities in the next year or two.

Instead of asking for wedding gifts, we are asking for sponsors, supporters, and donors to make this vision trip happen.

Pray that the Lord would make it clear to us what He might have us do whether it's be a part of the House of Prayer through prayer and worship, or to serve the Gypsy (Roma) community with spiritual and practical needs (which is the primary goal of Romania For Christ to date).

Be blessed!

Prayer

2011-01-23T01:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just a wee update from me about the happenings in Romania. I am currently studying at the International House of Prayer University in Kansas City, Missouri and will not be able to return to Romania until this summer.

My request for prayer is for two wonderful ministries that are year-round in the Sighisoara area. I have worked with both of these ministries a lot throughout the years. They are serving in many many ways; supplying practical needs for the poorest and neediest, from Gypsies, to school teachers, to everyone in between.

Gol International is working in Romania at the time, please pray for strength and wisdom and provision for them. Project Romania will be beginning it's work again in March. Continue to pray for them as they spend this time with their families back in Northern Ireland.

If you would like more information or to donate to these two ministries please go to:

http://www.projectromania.com/

http://www.golinternational.org/

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Continue to lift up the faithful workers of the Lord in this sad place. The Lord is truly moving!

Un An Nou Fericite!

2011-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

This coming year, the goal is to get a lot more people acquainted with Romania for Christ and the need in Sighisoara. The more people that know mean the more people that can pray and can help.

This year there are 8 more houses (all that the authorities will allow) that need to be built in Laslea.

There are children in the villages that need education, clothes, food, and hope.

Many Roma believers are really moving forward by the power and grace of the Lord. It is a blessing to pray with them and encourage them as they do the same.

Hospitals need aid and supplies.

There are many different projects and ministry opportunities for this coming year.

Please continue to pray for the Roma believers, children, Romanian believers, and the missionaries in Sighisoara.

The next trip is prospectively scheduled for this coming July.

Thank you for your prayer and support!

Truly Blessed

2010-12-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

This year's trip was a long, tiring one, but a blessed one, nonetheless.

We assembled and distributed, by hand, 4,500 Christmas shoeboxes and boxes of aid to children and families in the villages, hospitals, and schools, in and around Sighisoara.
In addition, we assembled almost 500 food parcels that were distributed to the hospitals, villages, and to different families in the area that were in extreme need.

The Lord gave us the grace to accomplish what we did, by His strength alone. His love and joy was surrounding that area.

Finished, were 2 (the 3rd and 4th) of 12 houses being built for 12 Gypsy families in Laslea that have never lived in their own homes. Praise the Lord that these 2 houses were completed and the families were moved in before the harsh winter.
A small house is built like a duplex with a wall in between, these are small houses, but exactly what these people need, shelter, heat, beds. So 1 building equals 2 houses. 1 of these buildings costs $6,500 USD to complete.

8 more houses are waiting to be built. We need the funds, and the laborers.

One great thing we can do, is bring extra money for the funding of these homes. We can employ some of the Gypsy believers that need money to help care for their families: their wives and children. This worked incredibly well for the building of these last 2 homes. Not only do the homes get built for the Gypsy families, but Christian Gypsy men who need work, get employed and work alongside missionaries to build houses for their fellow man. It's such an amazing sight to see these men wake early and find transportation to the job site and work extremely hard so they can earn money to buy their family food and clothes. These men work diligently and joyously, constantly singing praise songs (in Romanian) to the Lord, as they work

Pray for the Gypsy believers that are working hard to live obediently and faithfully with the Lord. I have seen incredibly improvement in certain villages and I am asking the Lord to continue to lavish His grace on those beautiful people!

Pray for the staff at the schools and hospitals that work so hard (with their own time, money, and resources) to run their facilities and care for their people. The government does not fund these establishments and the staff get paid a very sma;; amount - not enough. Pray for an encouragement to go to these people this season, that they may have everything they need, and that the Lord would fill them with grace, peace, and joy in this new year.

I am glad to spend Christmas with my parents and my younger siblings here in Seattle. I was excited to come home to them, but disappointed i have to leave Romania so soon - i am already planning on going back this summer, hopefully in July.

May the Lord fill us all with grace and peace as we put our hope and trust in Him.
Hallelujah, Amen.

End of 2010 RFC Trip

2010-12-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it was the 5th Romania For Christ trip in the past 5 years and a very successful and beneficial one at that. I just want to praise the Lord for His immense goodness, faithfulness, and grace He lavished on all here during this time.
Thank you to all who have prayed throughout the years, or during the trips, or supported financially or by donating medical aid, or even your time in coming with, to Romania. May the Lord bless all of you this Christmas season!

Craciun Fericit si La Multi Ani! Sarbatori Fericite! :) Doamne Ajuta!

Romania For Christ - 2010 - November 2nd - December 16th

Last Supper

2010-12-14T00:28:00.000-08:00

We moved to the house in Sighisoara yesterday afternoon.

Gary and Marius came and picked Sarah and I up to go do the children's program in Soard. The snow and cold have come so abruptly and it has really hit us all hard, even those of us with homes with water and electricity. Imagine those thousands that live in mud huts without utilities or heat. Pray for them in this time.

Today is our first complete day-off...wow, i almost don't know what to do!
It's Sarah and my last day in Sighioara, then tomorrow we head out very early in the morning to catch a 6AM train to Bucharest.

We will spend the night in Bucharest tomorrow, Wednesday night 15th, then on Thursday the 16th, we head out on a plane from Bucharest to Amsterdam, have a 6 hour (or so) layover, then catch our plane to Seattle. Pray that the flights run smoothly and everything goes as planned. Many flights have been cancelled due to the snow in the past 3 weeks.

Tonight we eat over at Gary and Annie's house, which will be our last supper here for awhile...Norman and Linda are ready to go home to Northern Ireland and spend time with their daughters, sons-in-law, and 6 (soon-to-be 7) grandchildren. Gary and Annie are ready to head to England to spend Christmas and Boxing Day with Gary's sisters. Sarah is looking forward to going back home to her parents, sister, and her nephew and niece. I am looking so forward to spending this Christmas season with my parents and my three precious little gems, Brent, Brittany, and Alexis.

I just want to thank the Lord for an AMAZING fall-winter trip this year. He has blessed us tremendously, and those we have distributed aid to, spent time with, and given food parcels to.

I am already planning on coming out in the summer when there are many other types of ministries to be done. Please continue to pray for the people here. Once I get back i would love to speak to you personally about the stories and experiences from this trip, and the past trips. I want others to understand what people are going through here and the immense need there is here. I want to share pictures and my heart for the ministry the Lord is working in this area of Romania. Please continue to pray, thank you for your prayers during this trip, and may the Lord bless you this Christmas season!

the last week

2010-12-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

today we said goobye to 4 members of the most recent team here.
a couple from Northern Ireland and a couple from Washington State.

Norman, Linda, Sarah, and I remain to finish up the last but of ministry and aid distribution before we all head home for the holidays. We are all looking forward to spending time with our families during Christmas.

I leave for Seattle (via connecting flight from Bucharest through Amsterdam), on Thursday December 16th, very early in the morning.

PRAY that our flight goes through and is not cancelled because of weather conditions.

Pray that the rest of our aid distribution goes smoothly even in the below freezing weather and almost foot of snow.

Pray for the Gypsies who are living in mud huts with no heat or electricity or water. Pray that they would be kept warm this winter.

Thank you for your prayers, your support, your encouragement.
This trip has been a great one, a difficult one, a busy one, but a very good one, thanks to the Father who has blessed us with grace and strength.

Tonight (at 6PM) there is a candle-walk up at the churches in the citadel in Sighisoara, Sarah and i are hoping to tag along, even though it's so cold.

Later, we will head back out to our home in the village of Laslea (where we have been staying the entire time here).

Just a quick, little update for those of you who read this. Thanks again!

St. Nicholas' Day

2010-12-06T08:37:00.001-08:00

Today we got up bright and early and packed the trailer with boxes and boxes.
We drove far to three villages, very poor villages - to their schools - to deliver shoeboxes to the children and parcels for the teachers and staff.
We went to the villages of Viisoara, Zagar, and Seleus Mic.
Some of these villages were so poor that the children didn't have shoes...it's extremely cold weather and had snowed yesterday. These boxes, we filled them with a hat, some gloves, underwear, socks, and many other things.

In the afternoon we went to Stefun Cel Mare which is an extremely poor village across the train tracks in Sighisoara. These people live in mud huts with no roofs, or heat, some of the houses did not have doors. Some of the children did not have pants and none had coats.

Today is a big day in Romania - St. Nicholas'Day.
Many people celebrate with gifts and eat a special meal today.
I witnessed 3 pigs all together getting slaughtered and smoked today -
you wouldn't believe the sound pigs make when they are being slaughtered - such a horrible noise! i was walking up to take a family some food and a man carrying an ENORMOUS pig walked in front of me, blood was pouring out of the pig...later i saw that same man holding a flame-thrower and was burning the hair off the skin of the pig.
They eat the skin of the pig here, and also the fat. the fat of the pig is called "slahini" (Sluh-hee-nee) and is considered a delicacy.

Well, tonight, after dinner, we will begin packing and making up more food parcels...we need 400 total and have made nearly 100 when we started last night.

Pray for us - safe travels, strength, good nights' rest, and health, and joy!

Today there was some confusion and issues, but all was well - the Lord was glorified! Many children and people were blessed today, and i was blessed in return.
Also, pray against the enemy. Our tire went flat today and that is not a good thing! praise the Lord we could get it fixed and it only took us a little out of the way, and thank you Lord that the tire shoppe was still open!

Thank you for staying updated and praying for us over here! i have so so so many stories and cannot wait to share them! :)

I have 10 more days here...i cannot believe this is the last couple weeks before i head back to the states.

...Happy Saint Nicholas's Day!
Craciun Fericit!

Shoeboxes and Food Parcels

2010-12-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

WOW. it's been crazy busy lately!
the Lord is so good and has provided for us as we have been serving the poor and needy in the villages here.

We began delivering Christmas shoeboxes to the very poor schools around the area, yesterday. We have delivered to 5 schools, and are nearly a quarter of the way done. We are beginning to make up 400 food parcels.

The entire assembly room has been filled to the brim with food...an entire TON of food donated by those faithful servants in Northern Ireland.

Only 2 weeks left, please pray because they will be the busiest and we are getting so tired! the Lord is good!

AMEN!

Praise the Lord

2010-11-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

It's been a crazy couple weeks, but OH SO GOOD!
the Lord has really opened my eyes to a lot and i have been thinking and praying.
I have a lot on my heart and mind.

We have finished nearly 3,000 shoeboxes and 200 family boxes to be distributed in the gypsy villages here. we have about 100 more family boxes to assemble.
After we have finished those, we will begin assembling food parcels to distribute.

Pray for strength, joy, and health for us.
the weather has gotten much colder and very wet, promises of snow soon.

Pray for these people that have no shelter, some have no heat or food. pray that they would be protected and the Lord would provide for their needs during this harsh season.

thank you for your prayers and support, i cannot wait to share more of the stories along with pictures.

We ARE celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow even tho Sarah, Annie, & I are the only Americans arouns ;) We found 1 turkey at a market one hour north of where we are now...the only turkey for miles! we got a pumpkin pie from the international cafe, and Annie is making some cornbread - we are well on our way to having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in a third-world country 8,000 miles away from home!
Ha, simple blessings. Thank You Lord for caring about the small things.

The Lord is good to all, AMEN!

Friday

2010-11-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

it was a good, fun day today. Norman & Linda drove to Targu Mures for the afternoon-evening to collect two wonderful elderly men from N. Ireland.

Sarah, Helen, Lisa, & I did some work on shoeboxes and aid and things while they were away. Helen & Lisa head home tomorrow morning, i am going to miss them very much so!

Well, i am tired and still sick and i am sorry the post is so vague and short.

thanks so much for your prayers!

More Packing . . .

2010-11-11T09:30:00.001-08:00

Today we woke and did our morning routine before starting to pack some aid bags for about 70 men. Sarah & I completed those while Norman took Lisa and Helen to the school in Sinai (Shin-eye).

Continue to pray for our health. Thank you so much, i appreciate your prayers very much.

After those three got back we began packing aid boxes for families. we need at least 300 and we have 146 finished by now.

We had a fun time today and shared many laughs from our tiredness and sickness.

Thank the Lord for His joy even in times of weakness. He is good and He blesses us with good things.

Sorry this is a short post, but i am just too tired to think too deep right now.

Tomorrow Norman & Linda are going to Targu Mures to pick up some things and also to collect 2 older men from Northern Ireland that are coming to do some small construction projects in the area and at Laslea house.

David M. fell off a ladder and a bucket of cement landed on his arm back in May. His shoulder area is broken as well as his elbow. Pray that he gets full use of his arm back, he hasn't been allowed to do many things that he lives to do - like helping people through building them houses and things like that.

On Saturday is when Lisa & Helen head back to Northern Ireland, so we have a bit of a people-swop going on this weekend.

So all in all, it has been a good day. continue to pray for us, especially our health! i really do not feel well. thank you so much for keeping updated!

Grace and Peace

Packing, Preaching...

2010-11-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

This morning we were surprised to find a large truck in the yard wanting to be filled with supplies and aid from the shoppe (warehouse). after quickly chomping down some breakfast we put on some leather gloves and got to work packing and stacking and filling the truck. it was a good time to me. i really enjoy that kind of labor :)

Anyways, the aid was going to near 200 families near Bucharest by the CEF of Romania.

After that Lisa, Sarah, & I began building a dog house and let me tell you - it was a hoot. it took us long enough to assemble 5 pieces of old doors that had been cut in half. a dog house out of two and a half old doors shouldn't be that difficult to make, eh? apparently so. I began nailing it in while the other two held the pieces in place. eventually the doggy house was complete - it was a fun time!

Gary took Sarah & I with him after a quick lunch with the rest of the group. We went to Sighisoara to pick up a man who works in ministry named Marius. He went through YWAM in Budapest, Hungary with his mission in Calcutta, India. He now works alongside Gary and his different ministries in the Gypsy villages around here.

We went to Sapte Noiembrie and worked with Metro Ministries with the children in the village - games, Bible stories, songs...it was a lot of fun to do ministry on the hillside there.

Afterward we (four) went to Soard and did songs, games, Bible stories, and just hungout with the lot of kids. it was indeed a good time as well. I have seen such an improvement in the kids. when they are disobedient or disruptive, they are given a warning and then sent home. it is for the benefit of the whole that the children that aren't there to listen leave so the children that are there to listen, can.

Almost 6 o'clock by the time we left and dropped Marius off in Sighisoara and came back to Laslea house. It was a good day all together, but i am feeling even worse than before. please continue to pray for the health of all of us here.

Thanks again for staying updated, i wish i could write more but i am simply exhausted. thank you so much for your prayers and support - you are appreciated.

Doamna Ajuta si noapte buna! ;)

Tuesday Day # 8

2010-11-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today we woke early, ate breakfast, drank tea & coffee - which we drink about every couple hours...haha ;P the joy of living with Irish folk! - and had a morning devotion led by Norman.

All of us are sick, please continue to pray for this bug to disappear!
we are achy, sore throats, coughs.
We really need our health & strength right now.
we are blessed through your prayers. thank you.

We began packing and boxes this morning and then took a wee break to go visit Laslea hospital. If you have talked to me before about this place you know what a wonderful time i have always had there. it was the first time going there without seeing Alina though. She is greatly missed (she passed away in May).

We did some little butterflies out of coffee filters, clothes pins, and pipe cleaners. It was a great time and we got invited to go a few other places and make crafts and spend time with some other patients.

Across the street from Laslea hospital is a two-room, one-bedroom assisted living home where two women staff take care of a handful of very elderly women and a few younger disabled ones.

It was so great to make these ladies feel loved and cared for. only 1 or 2 of them were in their right mind, but it was a blessing to myself to be able to bless them.
One of the most chipper Romanians i have ever met was there this morning - it's her 90th birthday tomorrow, so i wished her a happy birthday for tomorrow and gave her a hug - she was so frail, gentle yet sweet.

We have been productive today, but please pray productivity would increase. we have a lot that needs to be done this week before Lisa & Helen head back to Belfast.

Biggest prayer request i have right now is for all of our's healths.
Norman - infection
Linda - infection, she's on a bunch of antibiotics
Helen - arthritis
Lisa - cough
Sarah - injured hip, cough
Kelsey (me) - sinus cold

Your prayers are a blessing, please continue to lift them up to our Good Good Father on our behalf. thank you so much!
stay posted. i'll try to update as frequently as possible :)

Monday Day # 7

2010-11-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up early to begin a long day of labor.

Norman drove to Tigmandru to gather some help for us to unload the 45-foot cameo that was packed to the brim. it really is a sight to see the truck when the doors swing open.
it is packed to the top with boxes, bikes, tables, odds & ends.

The Gypsies are hard workers and came out to help us, about 10 or 12 or so of them.

We worked in an assembly line to unload the truck which took around 3 hours or so.
The load was organized in the already packed warehouse out here in Laslea house.

For me, it was such a great time to spend with these people. i want them to know and understand that i genuinely love and care about them and want to be their friend, not just some American that appears "better" than them. I do not see myself greater than any one of those wonderful people that came out this morning. i am glad they accepted me. we had laughs, it was a blessed time. praise the Lord.

After this, the truck driver, Graham, headed back to Northern Ireland while the rest of us stayed and continued to organize the supplies and aid from the truck.

We had a lunch all together after the bulk of the work for the entire group before the women were taken back to the village by Magda Cini.

The men stayed behind and chopped wood that was to be stored at Laslea house and then handed out to the poorest of the poor of the Gypsies families for this winter season.

Sarah, Lisa, & I began working on getting some shoeboxes packed for boys ages 2-16.
We are lacking in underpants and socks for boys, especially ages 9-16.
We were hoping for some of those and other supplies we were in need of in the truck today, and although we haven't unpacked all the hundreds of boxes to check yet, we doubt there will be as many as are needed.

Pray that the Lord multiplies these supplies like He multiplied the loaves and fish!

Please pray for the government and the staff at the government-ran buildings. The government has cut salaries twice already and is preparing to do it a third time. The staff at schools as well as at hospitals. If they don't have enough money for the schools (the staff's salaries) then they will shut down the schools entirely. If they don't have enough money for supplies or to staff the workers at the hospital, most will lose their jobs. Without the proper supplies, the staff will be forced to take drastic measures to care for their patience. They will reuse the needles which is extremely dangerous, naturally.

Continue to pray for the health of us here. Norman and Linda still have coughs and infections. Sarah has a hurt hip. Helen has rheumatoid arthritis. Lisa is well. I am suffering from a sore throat. Pray the Lord strengthens our muscles and bones and spirits. We are getting along well as a team, praise the Lord, pray we do all this work for the glory of the Lord.

Thank you again for your support, i will you updated as much as i can.
Grace and Peace

Doamne Ajuta!

2010-11-07T04:49:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to get on here and give a wee update from this morning.

We went out to the church in Tigmandru (if any of you have kept up with me in my past travels to Romania you will know much about this gypsy village).

In the past I would help with a children's program during the church service, this time Norman said that the ladies had it all covered - they were teaching the children!
I wanted to still be a part of it so I joined them upstairs and watched and listened as one of the gypsy mums read the Bible to these children who behaved so well and were very interested. they would jump at any opportunity to answer a question that the lady would ask them about the passage she read.
this went on for the whole of the service not including the last 10 - 15 minutes or so when they colored a picture of Jesus as a shepherd as well as sang some worship songs.

I was so proud of the mums taking control of the children's ministry at the church. there was a major improvement in the way the kids acted, they were respecting the women who were teaching them and they were listening and engaging.

My favorite part of the whole morning spent there was when they all recited verses.
These young gypsy kids have memorized many Bible verses and could say them out of memory, they learn a new one every week at the children's program that the women hold. it made me smile to hear every kid recite their verses. these are young kids and not all of them can even read. i was amazed at the improvement from just last August when i was here(2009).

Thank you for those who are praying. I am so glad to see the improvements that have been made. Please continue to pray. these people at Tigmandru are wanting to learn more of the Lord and glorify them with their lives.

4 women have decided to quit smoking and have been successful over the course of the past four days. PRAY for grace for these ladies to not only continue to abstain from smoking, but that they would not grow weary in doing good and also that they might be an example to others in the village.

All in all, praise the Lord!

Tomorrow very early we start busy, long, hard work. Pray for us.
Many of us are struggling physically.
Norman, Linda, & Sarah all have chest infections and bad coughs.
Helen suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.
I have been suffering from pains in my back, knees, and shoulders.

Pray that the Lord gives us grace and strength and may grant us healing.

Thanks again for those who are keeping up, continue to pray for us!
You are an encouragement to me and i am blessed.

Amen!

shoeboxes of aid

2010-11-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well the first update from Laslea.
Norman, Linda, Lisa, & Helen (from Northern Ireland), Sarah (from Seattle, WA) and I are staying at a place out in the village of Laslea.

We have our work cut out for us. A 45-foot truck got delivered from Belfast filled with aid that we will use for the near 2,000 boxes of aid we will be distributing over the course of one month.

MANY things to thank the Lord for.
Yes, there have been some small improvements since Romania joined the EU (European Union) back in December 2007.
The condition of the city Bucharest was a wee bit better, the parks were kept up quite well, the train was exceptional - of course it wasn't on time, but it had been refurbished well.
Also, the internet is available in this wee gypsy village - imagine that?! that is a thing to praise the Lord for.

This week we will be continuing on packing hundreds upon hundreds of shoeboxes full of socks, underpants, winter caps, scarves, gloves, soap, toothbrushes, & toothpaste.
These boxes will be distributed into the many gypsy villages in and around Sighisoara (central Romania). We have already packed and distributed 500 of these boxes to many gypsy children in severe poverty.

Romania is a third-world country. You would not believe yourself the things you see here. it rips your heart out and makes you speechless how people live, are treated, and everything in between. There are many many problems here, the list goes on. i would not want to go on about them here, but heart is just out of itself because of all the things around me.

Thank you for praying for me, the Irish folk here, and also the gypsies.

The Bible talks about the Lord blessing Abraham and the whole of the Jewish race so they, in turn, could be a blessing to others. I feel like I have been blessed to be a blessing to others and this is one way i have felt my time here in Romania is explained.

Thanks again for the blessing YOU all have been to me personally. Continue to pray for me. Thank you so much.

I'll try to keep posting here as much as i can.

Grace and Peace
Domnul Ajuta!

Waiting to Connect...

2010-11-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! I have safely arrived in Amsterdam and am currently waiting to connect my flight to Romania. I am absolutely exhausted and wish i could sleep, but i know that isn't the wisest choice to do right now. hopefully i can get some rest on my flight to Bucharest.

I will be staying 1 night in Bucharest with a wonderful missionary family from Minnesota. I met their youngest daughter at the college that i received my Certificate in Cross-Cultural Missions at last year; Bethany College of Missions.
I am blessed to have gotten in touch with this family and i hope that everything goes smoothly during our visit.

Tomorrow (November 4th - Thursday) I will board a train in the afternoon, heading for Sighisoara (central Romania) which will be my location until December 15th when i head back to Bucharest for a night before my flight on the 16th.

Thank you for all you who supported me, helped me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and continue to do all those things. i could not do this without you, thank you so much.

stay in touch, i will try to update as much as possible, as well as photos :)

Pe Curand! (see you soon!) ;P
grace and peace
KP - Romania For Christ *2010

ETD: November 2nd

2010-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a long while, but here i am.
The next adventure awaits me on Tuesday November 2nd.
I am currently preparing myself to go: cleaning and packing up my apartment, finalizing some logistics, and trying to slow down and pray and make ready my heart and mind for this endeavour.

PRAY FOR:

Peace for me before and whilst travelling to Romania

Smooth & Safe travel all the way there (it's quite a long journey)

Connie - the missionary who is letting me stay with her in Bucharest for a night and go to her school in the morning

Norman & Linda - that they would have strength, peace, and joy as they work hard this winter season

Sarah - the young woman from Washington state who is making her way to Romania right now

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE BLESSED ME WITH SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS AND IN THIS NEXT TRIP. I HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS IN STORE.
NEVER STOP PRAYING FOR ME AND THE GYPSIES OF ROMANIA. THIS TRIP WILL BE A SUCCESS IF BATHED IN MUCH PRAYER. I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU AGAIN.
KEEP YOURSELVES POSTED, I'LL BE UPDATING THIS AS FREQUENTLY AS I CAN.

BLESSINGS,
GRACE AND PEACE
KP

Romania 2010 - postponed!

2010-06-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

the LORD recently provided me with a job and so I need to remain faithful to this job that i started in the beginning of June. Hopefully I can make my way to Romania in the fall time. . . just sooner than later i hope.

thanks to all who continually pray for me. i am blessed by you!

the LORD has me right where He wants me right now and I am following His lead.
When He opens the door for me to return to Romania, I will, right away.

ALSO - be in prayer for the team from Washington state that is going for the first two weeks of July. When they create a website I will post that link on here to keep you updated. thank you!

many blessings from here in bloomington, minnesota!
grace and peace

Brazna House of Prayer

2010-04-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

bhop.ro

Casa de Rugaciune, Brazna Romania

Romania 2010 & Update

2010-03-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

I just wanted to touch base with any of you who are in prayer for me or those serving in Romania; Norman & Linda Patterson, David & Rodica MacGuire, and the many other faithful servants of the Lord there.

Rod, Penny, Mollie, Doc Steve, Leanne, and that crew are heading back to Sighisoara, Romania for the first two weeks of July for the annual medical mission trip to Gypsy villages in and around the city.

I will not be able to be a formal member of their team being as I am residing in Minneapolis now and they are departing from Seattle, although I am hoping to join up with the team in the country.

My desire is to make my way back to Romania for a mission and vision trip. I believe the Lord placed a passion in my heart for those people (specifically Romanian Gypsies) for a reason.
Perhaps the Lord wants me in further, more long-term service there. I will be going on this trip to intentionally seek out the Lord's will in this.

The second part of my prospective trip is going further East. As some of you know, my oldest brother and his wife are living in Central Asia. My desire is to visit them there. Also, there is an academic opportunity from my college (Bethany College of Missions) there this summer.

August 1-15, 2010 is an overseas class in Central Asia. I'm still praying about being involved in this specific trip, but I know that if all goes as desired, I will work alongside my brother, his wife, and the team in the work they are doing there.

I am still seeking the Lord for His next step for me. I know that it was His will for me to be here this year as a freshman at Bethany College. I have enjoyed it more than I will ever be able to explain. I say this meaning that this was the craziest, most intense past 6 months in my life - concerning my relationship with God. The Lord is so jealous for me and wants me to continue submitting and humbling myself before Him. I want to grow in the knowledge of Him and I pray He gives me a greater love for His Word. Thank you to all who have prayed for me...this has been a long, challenging journey that isn't quite over yet.

There is an opportunity arising here on my college's campus to work with a newly-established ministry involved in prayer, the persecuted church, and preparing for the end times. Please pray with me as I seek how the Lord may want me to be involved.

One month left of college...wow! I am currently taking Communications, Prep for Ministry, Prayer and Christian Ministry, the Power of the Cross, and I will have a Study in Jewish Culture class at the end of April.

After April, I will stay on campus, working for room and board, most likely making my way to Seattle for the month of June. I am completely open to where the Lord wants me this next couple of months :)

Thank you so much for any and all of you who have read this, prayed for me, or encouraged and supported me in any way.
It means a lot to be supported by the Body of believers in Christ.

I am learning to trust the Lord more, He is the provider!

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Thessalonians 5:23

Grace and Peace

Kelsey Peters
kelsey.peters@bcom.org

Romania 2010

2010-01-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

The scheduled dates for the Romania 2010 Medical Mission are set for July 1-15th.

Please be in prayer as the team is being assembled by the prompting of the Lord in peoples' hearts. I am unsure if I will be able to be a part of this team this year, although I pray that I will get the opportunity.

Multumesc!

Doua Luni!

2009-10-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! I cannot believe it's been two months since I moved to Minneapolis!

The reason I have not updated in so long is because college is...well...time-consuming - to say the least! But the Lord is GOOD.

For the first time in my life I feel completely content. I am thoroughly enjoying the classes, going on outreaches, working at the missions organization STEM everyday...one of the greatest things about college is the people. The friends I have made are incredible, and the staff and mentors are awesome as well! It is truly a blessing that I am here. Praise the LORD.

Thank you to any and all of you who continually pray for me, I need it more than you know, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Nu stiu cand voi reveni in Romania, dar as vrea sa reveni din vara.

Ruga, Te rog! pentru mine si visiune de Dumnezeu pe mine.

Multumesc foarte mult!

El Domnie! mereu, vesnica, Isus Domnie!

Bethany College of Missions

2009-08-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I just want to first thank the Lord Jesus Christ for getting me here.

It is by His grace and power that I am here.

I flew out of Seattle on Sunday, the night of the 23rd.

Flew into Minneapolis at 5:30 AM (monday) and didn't get picked up until 11:30...

rough start!

Monday was a very hard day. When I was unpacking and arranging stuff in my dorm room i was thinking "why in the world did I come here", and "i want to go home!".

My heart has changed since then and I am so incredibly excited for this next year.

God is going to do AMAZING things here, in me...I have faith of it.

Please pray for me.

Your prayers help me SO incredibly much. You are all such a blessing in my life.

I am learning and growing slowly, and I am so stoked for what I will be become, (in Jesus).

Thank you so much!

Want to send me a letter or support?

Kelsey Peters

6820 Auto Club Rd. Suite A

Bloomington, MN 55438

WOW!

2009-08-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know, Romania 2009 was incredible!

We saw over 1,100 patients in our 5 days of clinic!

Over 30 came to know Jesus Christ during those clinics as well.

God is good, all the time.

THANKS to all who were praying.
Please continue to pray for the Gypsy people of Sighisoara (and the whole of Romania for that matter).

I would love to share more about the trip, and also share pictures.

If you are interested email me at: bucurieluiisus@hotmail.com

THANKS!

Zagar

2009-08-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

The team has been having an awesome time together it seems; talking, hanging-out, serving alongside each other, and fellowshipping. There have been minimal (if any) conflicts between members of this team. Praise the Lord for that!

The construction team set out again for Laslea, continuing their project in the building there...and not to mention taking some crucial inghetata (in-geh-saw-teh) breaks...(that of course meaning ice cream!)

David directed our two lovely buses (vans), Daisy & Ruby, whom were both filled to the brim with team members and supplies, to the village of Zagar (z-eye-gar). Magda Cini's husband, Nelu, is originally from this enchanting village set atop a mountain.

We were allowed the school building there for our clinic, which is always a blessing-to be able to work indoors that is. We set up our oh-so-wonderful system of two triage's and three doctor stations and opened shoppe.

The hallway was crowded full of people, all in need of seeing the doctor. 204 to be exact. By the end of the day our doctors had seen over 190 patients!

As part of the clinic, we have a prayer station which is manned by David Maguire. After the patients have seen the doctor, they go and pray with David before leaving the clinic. Debbie assisted David during the second-half of the day with the prayer station. Throughout the day there, 19 people accepted Jesus into their hearts! WOW!

Please be in prayer for those people and their new Faith.

We saw many beautiful faces today, as usual. A young girl of eight-timid and shy-had a rare form of abnormality which consisted of deformed digits (fingers and toes). We let her know how beautiful she was. There are a lot of people that we see that have issues that our doctors cannot change. Sometimes we can perform procedures and prescribe medicines, but there are some things we cannot help. Please just pray for the hearts of all of the people and let them know how cherished and loved they are by their Heavenly Father. Not only that, but that they would come to know the Truth.

Tomorrow we are going to the village of Stefan Cel Mare, a very poor village on a hill passed the train tracks. It will be underneath tent covers for there is no building there. Pray that would go well and even more would accept Jesus Christ and be transformed by His power and His spirit. It will be our last clinic of this trip, also pray for strength for the team members.

Like the story about the loaves and fish...pray the same for our meds...

We are rapidly running out of vitamins and today could only give them to pregnant women, and children. We're hoping and trusting that we have just enough.

Thank you for your support!

Sapte Noiembrie...

2009-08-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

The medical team set up the clinic in the poverty-stricken village of Sapte Noiembrie. We got to use the school building there, which, to our surprise and delight, was in much better condition than the last time the team visited the school. We got all set up with our two triage stations, and three doctor stations in two separate rooms of the school. The long hallway worked well for lining up the patients who were waiting for the doctor. It was an incredible day...our system worked smoothly and everyone was happy and helping out so much. Debbie has been promoted to Head Pharmacist being as she has mastered the skilled art of the pharmacy! There were quite a few procedures undergone today. A woman's abscess was drained, another man's large wart was removed from his face, and another man's wart-like mass protruding from his thumb was removed as well. Today we all realized how remarkably talented our doctors, nurses, and med-students are. It isn't that we had not known prior to today, but more that we got a really good look at how amazing they are with so many different situations. Praise the Lord for that.

We also want to be thankful for the well-behaved people in the village today. They were so grateful for our help, even if minimal. There were so many beautiful faces that got much-needed medical attention today...170 to be exact!

Also today, the construction team was joined by a man named David from Canada. He is here for two weeks to be of any sort of service needed. In addition to David, Aunt Molly, and Mollie joined the construction team today as well...they are all making such great progress!

Tomorrow we are going to a brand new village...called something like Zygar (we're still trying to figure out the right way to spell it!)

This morning at devotions, Doc Steve brought up a wonderful point. He said that usually at this point of the trip the team hits a wall, and then it just kinda goes downhill-in energy, effort, and results. Doc Steve mentioned that we should finish strong...work hard, stay upbeat, and shine His light for these last three days of clinics.

Thank you to all of you who are praying for us!

we are having an incredible time and are truly being blessed.

Secuin

2009-08-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

www.2009romania.shutterfly.com

Check This Out!

2009-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! please go to this site to hear about what's been going on with us!

Thanks!

www.2009Romania.shutterfly.com

Thanks!

Wonderful Day

2009-08-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Sorry it's been awhile!
Everything has been going amazingly! We had a wonderful day today in the village of Soard.
This morning we were joined by a couple that consists of Ron-a doctor, and Jean-a nurse practitioner. They helped out SO incredibly much in the clinic system and the flow for today. We had seen 82 patients by lunchtime-praise the Lord! We saw a total of over 160 patients by the end of the day. There was a wee baby of a year and a half that had a double cleft pallet and looked so painful, it wasn't for her, but you winced when you would look at it. The mother who was Hungarian had taken the baby to see the doctor at the hospital with no success. Linda got this woman hooked up with a lady in Targu Mures at the hospital there that can get this baby in for the much needed three hour surgery. If this baby doesn't get this surgery soon, by the time she is old enough to speak, she will not be able to.
Please be in prayer for her.

Tomorrow we are observing the day of rest and going to church, (there is an option to visit David's church, or go to the Nazerene church in Sighisoara). At 3:00 there is a baptism in a lake near Tigmandru for four people from the village there-i'm excited for that!

Thank you for all who continue to pray for us and encourage us! you are a great blessing!
Sorry it has taken awhile to update you guys!

Thanks for the prayers!

P.S. I am also writing updates for the Project Romania site, please go there to find out more! and see a few photos! thanks!

http://2009romania.shutterfly.com/

Day Two: Sleeping In...and Sorting Pills...

2009-08-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody!

This morning most of us (me not included :P) slept in and got accustomed to the local time zone. We had a casual breakfast and morningtime-which was much needed.

Mollie and I did some singing and playing guitar, while others sipped tea and read their Bibles in the living room. Some men went out to Laslea to get some supplies for Gigi before he made his way back to Bucharest.

After everyone was awake and had eaten, Norman gathered us for a morning devotion. We did some worship before we got into the Word. We had a prayer and sharing time that opened up a vision for what God wants from us during this trip.

The vision was this...

to go into the unknown because that is where God performs miracles...Being as bold as lions...

There is a saying that goes like this: "in all occasions share the Gospel, and if neccessary use words." that is a wonderful saying, but we were given a vision to use not only our hands and feet this next two weeks to show the love of Jesus, but to use our mouths; to talk, share, pray, and witness to the people we come into contact with.

Please be in prayer that we would be bold...God did not give us a spirit of timidity.

Also, please pray that we have STRENGTH. Even today, just sorting the medicines, a lot of us got exhausted. We need strength in the physical, as well as the spiritual.

In Ephesians it says that we need to make the most of every moment of every day...please pray that we would take this trip to the next level...always being willing to help, to serve, to do the dirty jobs, to enocurage each other, to love these gypsies that we'll meet.

Thank you for all of you who are in continual prayer over this ministry.

* * *
After devotions and prayer, we started working on medical prep.

We sorted 100,000 vitamins that we gathered in groups of 100 and put in ziploc bags and applied a label to...We are doing the same with thousands upon thousands of Benadryl, Calcium Antacids, and worm medicines. We have $150,000 worth of medical supplies with us this year-the most we've ever brought.

The work is mindless, meticulous, and monotonous, but it's also exhausting and time-consuming! We are going to finish all of the pharmacy prep today because we will be heading out tomorrow morning for our first clinic.

Tomorrow morning we will be setting up a clinic in the Gypsy village of Secuin. Secuin is a beautiful Hungarian Gypsy village.
Please be in prayer that we have a good nights rest...so we can be upbeat and have strength for the entire day-especially in Secuin. Also, that we would have positive attitudes...a positive attitude can change your entire day from being horrible to amazing...regardless of the situation. Please pray for the Gypsies that we come into contact with-that they would come to know the God who is able to set the captives free, the God who is able to heal every wound; whether disease or heartbreak.

I just received a call here at the House from Claudia, she is on her way by train to Sighisoara now, and will be here at 5:30. I'm very excited for her to be joining us, as is the rest of the team being that she will be our main translator for inside the clinic.

Thank you to all who have read this. Just keep us in your thoughts...there are many many many---far too many stories of normal things and situations that have happened and are happening here that are so sad and heartbreaking. These people need God's powerful love to come heal and bind and set free and restore all of these beautifully broken people.

Thanks again!

Talk to you soon :)

P.S. we'll have some pictures up within the next day or two!

We Have Arrived!

2009-08-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

WOW! after over 25 hours of travelling we have finally arrived in Sighisoara...at the Project House!
Many stories from the travels, but most of all...praise the Father for safe and smooth travels!

We are incredibly exhausted, but will post more tomorrow.

Our team now consists of:
Norman & Linda
Doc Steve & Leanne
Rod & Penny
Laurie
John
Debbie
Aaron
Molly
Deepa
Iulia
Mollie
Kelsey

Please be in prayer for each of us!

Tomorrow I think we're gonna sleep in a wee bit and then unpack all of the medical supplies and bottle up the pills and things, and get caught up on sleep and things.

We're thoroughly enjoying each other and our new friends, Deepa & Iulia.
There is another doctor and his wife (from Washington state), that will be joining us at some point in the next few days, as well as my good friend Claudia who is arriving tomorrow evening by train from Oradea.

Well, it's almost time to retire....
Thanks for everyone's prayers and support and encouragement!

Noapte buna :)

And So the Journey Begins...

2009-08-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 3rd at 10:00 AM the Project Romania team members (from Seattle, WA) will be arriving at SEATAC airport. They will be flying out of Seattle around 1:00ish PM.

They will be flying for ten hours and arriving in Amsterdam. There, the team will board a connecting flight bound for Bucharest, Romania. Once in the country, the team will be met by friends with a bus, in which they will be piling their many suitcases...FULL of medical supplies and medicines (Praise the Lord...$150,000 worth of medicine and supplies were packed). The bus ride from Bucharest to Sighisoara will take roughly 6-8 hours.

PLEASE be in prayer during this 30-hour-long travel excursion.

ALSO PLEASE stay updated!

I will be updating the site for those who are praying for us, encouraging us, and have supported us....and for all of that...I say THANK YOU!!!

A SPECIAL thank you to the Braunschweig's for their incredible generosity this morning in helping with the crucial, last-minute funds.

(I know they will not want me to post their name, but i am INCREDIBLY grateful for their support!)

If you want to leave encouraging comments on our posts, please do! OR if you cannot figure that out (it's pretty simple, but it may take awhile the first time to figure it out), then please send encouraging messages to: bucurieluiIsus@hotmail.com

THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE NOT ONLY HELPING US GET TO ROMANIA, YOU ARE BLESSING ALL THE LIVES WE WILL COME IN CONTACT WITH...WHETHER WE ARE BRINGING THEM FOOD, CLOTHES, WATER, MEDICINES, OR PLAYING WITH THE CHILDREN, OR CLEANING UP THE HOUSE WE'RE STAYING AT...NO MATTER WHAT, YOU ARE BLESSING OUR LIVES AND THOSE WE ARE THERE IN ROMANIA TO SERVE.

THANK YOU

*Feel free to forward these posts :)

http://2009romania.shutterfly.com/
Check here for Project Romania 2009 Updates :)

Last-Minute Trip Finances!

2009-07-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

I personally need to have $400 in two weeks (by August 2nd-for staying at Project House in Sighisoara).
Please be in prayer because I'm trying to save up for when I leave for college (on August 24th) as well. I know God will provide, so please be in prayer that those funds would come in any way and by any means.
THANK YOU SO MUCH

God's Blessings,
KP

Two Weeks! - Doua Saptamanii!

2009-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Buna Ziua!
It's Exactly two weeks until we depart for Romania!
AUGUST 3rd-14th

PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR:
*Last Financial Needs for the trip
*Team Prep to go well
*God would be preparing our hearts, and the hearts of the nationals

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

God's Blessings,
KP

Team Meeting, Itinerary, & Prep...

2009-05-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

We had our first Project Romania team meeting last night and got to meet the couple new team members. It was a great time going over some logistics and getting excited for this year's trip!

There are less than a dozen of us going...but we are needing to bring lots and lots of medical supplies. KLM (as well as quite a few airlines now) is very strict about luggage and so that is something that is kind of sketchy so far--i just hope and pray that all that is needed will be able to be packed (and within the limitations..ie weight and dimensions).

God has blessed the team with some incoming donations and support that pays for our train tickets and things...but we are still in need of some more finances.
Please be in prayer that Jehovah Jirah would supply all we NEED......and...you could also help by supporting us financially! If it is laid on your heart, we would appreciate any and all help in that area :)

We received our itinerary last night...We'll be leaving the morning of the 3rd (of August), then making our way to our connecting flight in Amsterdam. Once there, we will catch a flight to Bucharest and then take a train to Sighisoara...we will be arriving at Project House at night on the 4th (of August).

We will be meeting on Saturday August 1st for our "packing party" where we will be packing suitcases full of medical supplies, vitamins, and medicines.

Please be in prayer for this trip...we are very excited and I know God has an incredible plan for our time there.

Thank you SO MUCH to all of those who are praying and supporting and encouraging us!

God's Blessings!
KP

A Few More Details...

2009-05-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well it's official!
There are 11 of us flying out of Seattle on August 3rd, making our way to Sighisoara, Romania (via flight from Amsterdam and train from Bucharest). Our team will again be staying in Project House with the wonderful Patterson's. Once there, we will be joined by a couple from Washington, hopefully Rosie and Andreea, an Irish medical student, and my wonderful friend Claudia (from Oradea, Romania; we met the first year I went to Romania).

This trip's focus is primarily medical, along with all sorts of service projects and things.

Please be in prayer that God would be preparing the way for us to come and be His hands and feet. Pray that our hearts will be in preparation as well, to learn to be humble, and willing servants better than before.

Thank you to all who have prayed for us in the past, and who continue to pray for us!
We are blessed tremendously by your encouragement and support!

God's Blessings!

We Need Your Help!

2009-03-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Mollie and Kelsey are joining forces in returning to Romania this year.
Mollie will be returning to Romania for the second time and also her second year with the Project Romania medical team (Auburn, WA). Kelsey will be returning to Romania for the fourth time, and her second time with the PR medical team.
Please be in prayer for this time of preparation prior to their departure.
They need financial help and support, along with prayer and encouragement.
Prayer is not the least you can do, but the MOST.

Thank you for your time, and your continual support and encouragement!

Dumnezeu sa te binecuvinteze!

Project Romania / Romania for Christ 2009
August 3rd-August 17th

______________________________________________
Kelsey will be attending Bible college at Bethany College of Missions on August 24th, 2009. Please be in prayer that God would reveal His plan for her there and bless it as well.
BCOM is located in Bloomington (Minneapolis), Minnesota.

Mission: August 3rd-17th

2009-03-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

This August (3rd-17th) I will be joining the Project Romania medical team in returning to Sighisoara, Romania. We will be serving in the Gypsy villages in and near Sighisoara.

Please pray
that the Lord would be preparing the hearts of those we come into contact with;
that the Lord would be preparing our (the team member's) hearts;
that the Patterson's would have peace and their family would be in full health;
that all the funds needed would be provided.

Thank you for all your prayers and support,

KP

Romania 2009!

2009-02-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

The door to go on an Easter-time trip to Romania has seemed to have shut, but God has opened another door. Although I was very excited to return to Project House this spring, and celebrate the resurrection of Christ in the village of Tigmandru, it seems as though God has nother plan.

The Project Romania medical team is returning this
August (3rd-17th). I am leaving for college
(Bethany College of Missions, Minneapolis, MN)
on the 24th of August. Even though I'd only have about a week once we returned,
until I would need to leave for orientation, I'm feeling lead to go.

Please pray that I would receive confirmation about this decision.
Pray for the Patterson's in their ministry to the Gypsies.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Be a Voice for the Voiceless (WA)

2009-01-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

Please take two minutes and copy and paste the link below into your web browser.
This regards current happenings in the state of Washington, pertaining to abortion.
Be a voice for the voiceless.
Proverbs 31:8
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed."

Thank you for your time, your support, and your prayers!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/right-to-life-washington-state.html

*Also, feel free to visit:
HumanLifeWashington.blogspot.com

What's Up?

2008-12-08T13:51:00.001-08:00

A small team from Goldendale, Washington have made their way to Project House earlier this week and will be working with The Patterson's during the Christmas season.

I am looking forward to touching base with the Patterson's and hopefully being able
to visit during Easter and help with outreach in the Gypsy villages.

There is a slight issue with scheduling and how I am going to be able to be here for
my brother's reception and how I will make it to Romania for their Easter (April 19th).

I know that God has a plan and I pray His will will be done.
If there is a possibility for me to celebrate with my family and
be to Romania in time for Easter, please pray that would be done!

Thank you! Multumesc!
Kelsey

Underground Children

2008-09-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this video,
and am going to try to find the entire film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5mZcNmE11s

Please watch this, and pray for the children of Romania.

Project Romania, Welcome Home!

2008-08-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

We welcomed home the Project Romania 2008 team this afternoon.

Of the many team members, there was my mom, Debi, and one of my best friends, Mollie.

There are many great and wonderful stories from this latest trip.

There has been a door opened for my parents to live in Romania for a month or so and serve there. We are currently praying about this, please pray as well that we would know if this is what we should do or not, and if it is the case, let finances not be an issue.

Also, I (Kelsey) have been requested to return to Romania in late October thru mid-December, and/or mid-February thru Eastertime (the Orthodox Easter is at a different time then ours).

I am currently asking for prayer that I would know when i should go, and for how long, and if God has someone or a few people that He wants to come with me, that they would have

the desire stirred up in their hearts to go, and I know God will provide finances.

I am going to go to Bethany College of Missions in August of 2009, if all goes as currently planned. I am definitely needing to save money for this, and am really excited about it.

Please just pray that I would have peace, and all doubt would fade away.

Praise God for all that is being done in Romania,

and thank Him for another successful trip!

Dumnezeul de laudã!

URGENT PRAYER [UPDATED!!!]

2008-06-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

We got an urgent email for prayer a day ago stating that Rodica (David's wife who just had their baby girl Sabrina) had something along the lines of a bloodclot in her brain and they need to keep her in the hospital and try to disolve it.
Just pray for Rodica's recovery and that David would have peace and the baby would have health as well.
THANK YOU

UPDATE!!!
David, Rodica, and Sabrina are doing well.
The Project Romania 2008 team attended the dedication of baby Sabrina at the Maguire's church in Sighisoara last Sunday.
Thanks for the prayers!

Update!

2008-06-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I spoke at the last Women of the Word conference of the year
(until it starts back up in the fall.)
There were many ladies who showed up and shared in worship, food, and stories from the latest Romania for Christ mission.

Haven't heard much from Norman and Linda, but know they are at home right now, and will be returning to Romania sometime in July (i'm almost positive).

The Project Romania Medical Team based out of Auburn has been preparing since late fall for this summers trip. My mom (Debi) and good friend Mollie are joining the team. I dragged my mom on this team last year and she is hooked! Mollie is going to college to be a nurse and this will be a wonderful experience for her. I'm excited for both of them.

I'm really excited for what God has in store for Romania For Christ.
Please be in prayer for the Gypsies (and the lost people) of Romania.
Keep Norman & Linda, and Project Romania in your prayers as well.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Romania For Christ

2008-05-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

This is a quick video i made for the trip.

______________________________

Sarah and I are going to be speaking at Women of the Word (WOW)
Monday June 2nd (unless we are speaking in July-we're still trying to get it figured out)

Some Photos..

2008-05-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well I obviously didn't need to adjust to the time zone in Washington, because I woke up at seven this morning...eh maybe i'm just crazy :)

Anyways,
here are a few pictures that you guys deserve to see.

This is me, Nico, Nicoleta, and Sarah at the opening of the playpark in Tigmandru.

This is the wonderful Irish team that Sarah and I got to join :)

This is in Laslea hospital, when we did crafts and visited the elderly folk
Many of them have been there for many years, and are going to be there until they die. This lady on the right of me became my really good friend.

She kept speaking German to me and calling me froleign. (i dont know how to spell that)

We made crepe paper flowers with them and this lady loved them so much,

she took the freshly cut, beautiful bouquet that was in the vase on the table,

threw the flowers on the ground, and put in the flowers we had just made.
It was very special, and when we (Sarah and I) came to visit Alina later in the week, we got a suprise right outside the door of the hospital...

This is Alina (on the right). Sarah and I visited her several times
bringing her fun things and the Connect Four game (which she loves to play!).
This picture was taken on her birthday. We all went up to celebrate!

______That's all for now______

God's Blessings,

Kelsey

Home Sweet Home

2008-05-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Kelsey here. Sarah and I woke up (technically) this morning, Wednesday, May 14th, at 4:40 AM in Bucharest, Romania (after only sleeping three hours...tops).
We barely made our flight to Amsterdam because of the scheduled shuttle at the hotel. It didn't have an early enough time for us to be at our gate early, so we had to rush and we were the last ones to check-in (thank God we weren't the last to board).
We flew to Amsterdam with a 2 hour layover until our long flight bound for San Francisco.
The flight was delayed about an hour, and then for security reasons, delayed a little longer.
By the grace of God, we reached San Francisco, pretty much on time, and made our way to our final gate-bound for Seattle.
Upon arriving in Seattle, Sarah and I nearly sprinted to our baggage claim Sarah's parents, along with my mom, two sisters, and best friend were awaiting our arrival with flowers in hand.
It was pleasant after such a long and grueling travel.
But we thank God for each flight being made and no cancellations or missed flights and all the luggage arrived home safely, and things like that.

We almost bursted when asked about some of the stories.
There are so many, little and big. But they are all special to us.

Most of all, I want to say thank you to all who have followed us thru this, and helped us and been a part of the 'team' the entire way. (i understand many have attempted to post comments, but haven't been able to, it's alright!! and thank you so much for the thought!)

We will most likely have pictures and things on here from the trip, and possibly some stories, in the coming days.

I feel like I'm on a plane still...so I think I'm gonna go... :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
God Bless

KP

Homeward Bound

2008-05-12T22:52:00.001-07:00

This is Nicoleta & Nicoleta. The one on the right is my really good friend.

___________________________________________________

So yesterday the plans were changed. Instead of supplying aid to the school in Sapte Noiembre, we went out a did two teen programs in the village of Soard.

They were really fun, especially the first one with 12-15 year olds.

Sarah and I have learned a few really fun games from the Gypsy kids.

After the younger group, we had about 25 boys and three girls.

They were from 16-18 years old.

This group was rough. They were very loud and disrespectful to Mihaila (the group leader).

It was alright though, all in all, it was a good day.

This morning Sarah and I cleaned our room and packed up all our stuff.

It is nearly nine o'clock in the morning and we'll be on the
train bound for Bucharest at about one o'clock.

This will be our last post, considering we will not have access to internet from here on in.

Thank you to all who have kept up on what we're up to.

Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement.

We are very grateful to have spent the last two weeks working
with the Gypsies and living at Project House.

God's Blessings

See You Soon!

KP&SS

Goodbye's...

2008-05-11T06:40:00.001-07:00

Well, it was our last visit to Tigmandru this morning.

Sarah and I led the children's program which was really special.

We did a very neat craft and had snack and stuff.

It was very hard to say goodbye to the friends we have made there.

One of the main reasons I came back here is to go to Tigmandru to see the beautiful and familiar faces from last summer.

For example.
Last year there was a girl that just stuck out to me. She was funny and outgoing and helpful. She was eleven years old. We met and then she became my shadow. Any time I was in Tigmandru, she was right there with me.
I loved her very much and was so very excited to come see her again this year.
In coming to Tigmandru for the first time on this trip, she came up to me and remembered me,
even my name. Wow. I was so delighted, it was awesome.
She was again my shadow.
Every time we would visit Tigmandru I would hangout with her a lot.
This morning as we were leaving Tigmandru it was so difficult.
Nicoleta (that is her name) and I hugged for a really long time.
I said "Te iubesc Nicoleta" which means "I love you Nicoleta".
She didn't want to start cryng, and neither did I.
For the craft this morning we took pictures of the kids and printed them out and had them decorate a frame (very special for them to have photos).
For the sample, I used a picture of my little sister Alexis.
Before we left Nicoleta asked if she could have the picture of Alexis.
Also, she asked if before we pack up the stuff, if we could get a picture together and have it printed off. We did.
She ran to her house and put the pictures there.
She came back with a lovely necklace that she gave to me.
She then ran back to her house and brought me one of her t-shirts.
It was very hard to say goodbye for both, Sarah and I, with all the children in Tigmandru, but especially Nicoleta, for me.
I cannot wait to see her again.

___________What's the Plan Stan?__________

The washington team left a few hours ago, so it is just us and the Patterson's here.

Tomorrow we are going to be helping around the house and
also possibly visiting the Laslea hospital for the last time.

We may take some aid and supplies to a school in Sapte Noeimbre,
but it depends on their schedule.

Tuesday Morning Sarah and I
will be packing up our stuff and taking the train to Bucharest.

We will spend the night in Bucharest since our flight leaves so early

in the morning on Wednesday the fourteenth.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers and thank you to all who have.

Travel should go smooth, but please just pray that it does, and for outreach opportunities.

God is doing great things here.

Thank you so much for being a part of the work
He is doing.

God's blessings,

KP & SS

Thoughts and Things

2008-05-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been a crazy past week and a half.
Sarah and I have experienced a lot of really cool and (some unexpected) things.
We are so grateful for our time here and that we got to be a part of the Irish team.

What has been accomplished since we have been here...
1) The building and completion of the Tigmandru play park (will have pictures up after we come home)
2) The start and almost finish of a good sized wash house in Tigmandru
3) Dispersing of aid to several other ministries and Gypsy villages
4) Children's ministry in Tigmandru
5) Hospital ministry in Laslea

We have been a part of many many great things the past week.

Thank you all who are in prayer for Sarah and I and the Patterson's.
Definitely keep them in your prayers. They work so hard and are always in ministry.
Their lives are poured out for their cause. The cause of Christ.
Norman is going in and out of the hospital for treatments.
He has four slipped dics and he tour three muscles in his back.

Today is Saturday May 10th, and it's a little after 2 i think.
Sarah and I got to sleep in a wee bit since it is day to relax.
We went up to the Citadel this morning and walked around.
We discovered some really cool new things that I had never seen before.

We had lunch about an hour ago and are just kind of taking it easy today.
For the remainder of our time here, we will be working with the children in Tigmandru,
and in the hospital in Laslea. There is a possibility we will be distributing aid to a school in the village of Sapte Noiembre.

Well, that's all that's really been going on.
Sarah and I are so glad we came at this time.
Thank you for all who have supported us financially and prayerfully.
We are excited for the rest of our time here.

TTFN
KP&SS

"I can't believe it's day 9!"

2008-05-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

This morning the 45-foot semi arrived FULL to the brim with aid, clothes, furniture, toys, and other things for the center store house in Laslea.

We worked hard for a few hours and emptied the entire (jam packed) truck.
It was a sight to see.

After we finished the truck we (sarah and i) came home to say farewell to our irish friends.
It was sad, but they did an amazing job here, and we were so grateful to be a part of their team.

Sarah and I then went out to Tigmandru to do the children's program and later the youth group (for teenagers).

The special thing about this year is seeing the children come in and a few of them take their relationship with God seriously. (Keep in mind these villages and our outreach is in the Gypsy community.) A young girl that I met last year got up and recited a few verses from one of the Gospels and I was in awe. God is moving in the village, please pray that it would continue to flourish.

Afterwards we joined the teens upstairs. We met a few of the teens and learned their version of the card game Uno. They have a wayy cool version of the game, by the way. Sarah and I are definitetly bringing it back with us :)

Two of the younger teens spoke English and they were the ones playing Uno.
They were very fun and it was a blast to play the game with them.

Then, Nulitzu (i have no idea how to spell his name, i just call him Jujitzu :P)
spoke about prayer and we talked about the right and wrong ways to pray and that you don't need to go to a priest to pray, or pay someone to pray for you.
But the Truth is that you can have a direct connection to God.

We read from the Word and finished up with some discussion.

It was an awesome time and Sarah and I had a blast. Working with the children in Tigmandru was a major part of our reason for coming, but i also felt that I should work with teens.
Tonight we got the opportunity to do that, and it went so well. Thank the Lord.

We came back to Project House and had a late supper type thing, and met the Washington team.
They are from Goldendale...wherever that is...

Anyways, things are going well. we have three full days left here.
We are working in Tigmandru, Laslea (house and hospital), and we may be doing a ministry in the school in Sapte Noiembre.

We are tired from all the lifting and physical things the past week.

Please continue to pray for Norman.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement.

Gods Blessings!
KP&SS

Grand Opening!

2008-05-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today was another hectic day.
we are expecting the hugemungous semi full of aid to arrive this morning (from Ireland) but it didnt arrive. plans changed.
there was mass confusion and people were in different places at the same time, when we needed to be in Tigmandru.
It was alright though.
The irish team is leaving tomorrow and sarah and I are very sad for that.

PRAY FOR NORMAN.
he went to the hospital again today.
his back is very bad condition. please pray for him.
he is bed ridden.
he is in pain.
pray.

The play park in Tigmandru was completed by the Irish lads today.
It looks amazing. the grand opening brought the people of the village together in the church
and had food and things.
After that we headed outside and stood outside the gate while it was opened for the first time.
the children and mums rushed in.
It was a grand time had by all.
Praise the Lord it was completed.

We are doig many many many many things tomorrow.
who knows how it will all work out, but God has it all planned and hes in control.

Things are going so well.
God is awesome.
Pray because the enemy is trying to destroy what we came here to do.

The Irish team we are working with is leaving tomorrow morning and the next team will be coming in.
the next team is from Washington, they are a medical team that works with eyes.

Thank you all for your prayers.
We need them so very much.
Gods Blessings
KP

Laslea "Store" & Hospital

2008-05-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Today was spent entirly in Laslea (so far. [we may be doing more mission work later]).

Please continue to pray for Norman. He is in the hospital right now.

We went to the "store" in Laslea and packed the truck that showed up this morning from Timisoara. The people work with 500 AIDS infected families from the poorest area of western Romania. They needed some of the supplies from the center, and we had compiled loads upon loads of all the things they needed.
After that we (the ladies minus Linda) went down the street to the hospital and spent quite some time making crepe paper flowers with the elderly and mentally ill folk.

It was an amazing experience. We made friends and had a lot of fun in the process.

We visited Alina before we left the hospital. (I will tell of her story later, its important to know the story)
We went back to the center and then Sarah and I searched and collected different items to take to Alina. She is bed ridden and all alone. It is her birthday on Friday. She will be 36, but she seems like she is around my age. She is a beautiful, frail lady.

We brought balloons and blew them up for her. We brought many different kinds and colors. We brought her a coloring book and we colored. We also brought the Connect Four game and we played many many times with her. It was also an amazing experience and I am very glad that we went.

We are planning on going back and bringing some more things for her.

Since it is her birthday on Friday, Linda is wanting to get her a TV.

We may do some more mission work later, but since Norman is in the hospital, the ladies are all home working on other things.

The men are continuing their AMAZING work in Tigmandru building the play park and wash house. It looks great and they are working so hard.

Sarah and I will be doing the children's program on Friday in Tigmandru.

We will be there for a majority of the day, but want to visit Alina for her birthday as well.

God has given us strength, joy, love all for ourselves and all to share.

He is doing amazing things.

Thank all of you who are helping in this work.

THINGS ARE HAPPENING-GREAT THINGS.

Keep up your intercession.

Thank you all.

We Greatly Appreciate You,

God's Blessings,

KP&SS

TUESDAYYYYYYYYYY

2008-05-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

hey everybody

we are ridiculously exhausted.

i will put things in bullet points.

*worked in the store in Laslea
*children's ministry in Tigmandru
*tomorrow we are packing a humungous truck full of allthe supplies and whatnot that we packed the other day

*we are going to a hospital for elderly and mentall ill folk and doing crafts and things with them

*we are going to Tigmandru thru out the week and continuing children's ministry and building project

Please Pray:
*Pray for Norman's back. He can't move it at all.
*pray for strength for us, the weather is hotter than expected and that adds on to the fact that we get exhausted by lunchtime
*please pray for our health as well...we are both exhausted and falling asleep here and there..(not kidding-we almost missed dinner last night) and our backs and things are killing us.
*Pray for David M., he is sick with a bad cough.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS & THINGS
TTFN

Monday Madness

2008-05-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

Today Sarah and I prepared the crafts that we will be doing in various places during the week.

We also went out to Laslea to sort thru things and prepare some household boxes to go to some of the Gypsy families in Tigmandru, Stefan su Mare, and to a girl that lives in a barn.

There is a team of 5 coming to spend the night tomorrow night and collect the many many items, supplies, clothes, and things all for this group of 500 families that all have AIDS.

We compiled the boxes all day today.

We will be going to a hospital tomorrow to work with the mentally ill, as well as elderly folk.

There are a few stories I have heard about some of the patients, as well as staff at these hospitals. I am exhausted, so I will save all the details for another day.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragements.

Gods Blessings

Sunday Service & Stuff

2008-05-04T08:10:00.001-07:00

Hey All!

We went to the (gypsy) village of Tigmandru this morning and did praise and worship.

The men led a Bible studu while the women oversaw the children's program.

It was really awesome for me (Kelsey) to return to the village and have the children recognize and remember me from last year.

That was truly a huge encouragement.

Sarah and I will be helping with two children's programs this week.

One on Tuesday and one on Friday. Both are in Tigmandru.

The men are working on a building program also in the village.

We will keep everyone posted on what we're up to.

We have gotten a lot more adjusted to local time and customs today.

Sarah and I joined an (amazing) Irish team (of 11) that is working with building, aid, children's programs and the like in the gypsy villages.

We have very quickly became a part of the team and are very grateful to be part of such an awesome team. They are a lot of fun.

They will be leaving Romania and heading home to Ireland on Friday.

The next team is a little smaller and is working with medical needs.

And of all places they come from Washington state!

Prayer:

*Pray that we would be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus while in the country,

not only in the villages, but also in the Home and the city.

PS-the comments were very very encouraging to us and Sarah and I were so suprised to update the site and see what you have written.

thank you very much, and feel free to continue!

TTFN

Kelsey & Sarah

We Have Arrived!

2008-05-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

You all must be a righteous group of God's children, because in the Word it states "the prayers of the righteous availath much" The traveling went so ridiculously well that it was ALL God's doing. Without a doubt. For example, We never got delayed in any way, we passed thru security in all countries perfectly fine, we made all schedules (flights, trains), we met up with Gigi without problems, we arrived at the train station safely, we got on the right train, we arrived in Sighisoara safely and without trouble, we met up with Norman and Linda without any trouble...and finally arrived at our destination-Project House (late last night).

For an update:
Sarah and I got to walk around the Citadel this morning and returned home in fact that we are both exhausted and hungry!!!

After lunch today we will head out to Laslea to collect and sort aid supplies which include clothes, soaps, blankets, strollers, and the like. (all of the supplies will be brought to the village of Tigmandru)
Tomorrow morning we will be going to service at the church in Tigmandru.

Sarah and I will be helping put on a children's program like children's church.

Prayer Requests:

*Pray that our hearts would be changed to be willing and obedient to what is asked of us

*Pray that we would continue to make a grand adjustment to local time and also customs (culture)

*Pray that even though we are tired and weak, we would be used by the power and in the strength of the Lord to do all that He wants of us

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE KEEPING US IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

Ta Ta For Now!

Praise the Lord!

2008-05-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I made the finishing touches on the books yesterday in the late afternoon.

This is a photo of the pocket New Testaments that I will have in my carry-on,

and the copies of the translated Go with Christian! book that will be given away in Romania.

And We're Off!

(you'll hear back from us once we're in the country)

Keep us in your prayers!

Here We Go!

2008-04-30T08:18:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow morning the adventure begins!

Please be in prayer for the following things during travel:
*safety
*outreach opportunities
*smooth transitions for connecting flights and luggage
*Sarah and I will grow closer and more united
*we would have willing hearts and not be easily irritable
Also, please remember to be in prayer against the enemy, who has already tried to mess things up.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Keep checking in to be updated on what's going on!

KP

Contact & Video

2008-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

*Contact Us:
bucurieluiIsus@hotmail.com

Romania 2008

2008-03-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

There are two Romania Missions for 2008.
The first is in May 1st-14th. The second is in August.

_____________________________________________________

On May first, we (Kelsey Peters and Sarah Steinbach) will be taking off from Seatac airport, beginning our journey to Romania. The flight will take us to Amsterdam (Netherlands) where we will catch the connecting flight to Bucharest (Romania). Once in Bucharest we will (HOPEFULLY) be meeting a pastor at the airport who will take us to the train station. Once at the train station we will be waiting patiently
to board the train for a 5-6 hour ride to our final destination: Sighisoara.
Once in Sighisoara, we will be making our way to Project House (the missionary home). During our stay in Romania, we will possibly be working with another mission team in the community. Our little team will be visiting one of the Gypsy villages I spent most of my time in last summer.
In this village, we will be doing children's ministry: mostly playing
with the children and doing beading and fun games.
Hopefully, we will be able to do some street ministry. The two years prior, most of my time has been spent with the children, which is very important to me, but I desire this year, to spend some time with the youth.
__________________________________________________
There are a few prayer requests:
1) Safe and smooth travel (its very exhausting, and sometimes scary!!)
2) The finances we need, will come (we trust God in this, but we really need help in this area!)
3) The ministry there will bear fruit, and strengthen great relationship
4) That God would help us to serve like Him, (not half-heartedly, but having the hearts of servants).
5) the translation of the Pilgrim's Progress for children (Go with Christian!)
will be completed and compiled in time.
(Special Thank You to Isabelle for the help in that!)
_____________________________________________
Some Pictures from Romania 2007!

Gypsy children in the village in Tigmandru

One of the Gypsy villages visited last summer.

Gypsy boys in Tigmandru

building sink units for a Gypsy village that does not have permission for running water yet.

Other Romanian Ministries

2008-03-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings Romania:
http://nbromania.org/

Global Expeditions: Romania:
http://www.globalexpeditions.com/projects.php?ProjectName=Romania

Veritas:
http://www.veritas.ro/

Forget Me Not Ministries:
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/forget-me-not-ministriesromania/2673809153

Salem Christian Center Camp (youth):
http://salemcamp.wordpress.com/

Salem Christian Center Conference (youth):
http://conferintasalem.wordpress.com/

Project Romania:
http://goodfamilies.com/romania2007/