Salt and Light in the city 2011

- VBS in Teliuc.

Teliuc is a village about 6 km away from Hunedoara. The local council donated their town hall, where we were
able to house about 70 kids each morning. For three days we traveled in time to meet various Bible Characters, and learn more about Jesus. We sang, watched sketches, played games, did crafts, and ate
lots of apricots! We have invited the kids and their families to come to the local church that coming Sunday for a special 'holiday club' service. Pray that the kids would continue to grow in their relationship with God.

- Clean City:

Each morning a team went out picking up garbage in various areas of town. The first morning they went to the school where we were doing sports in the afternoon with kids - this was a big job, as the "play" area was full of glass and other rubbish. The team has worked tirelessly to clean streets and playgrounds and through this being a LIGHT in our city. Along with picking up garbage, the team had many occasions to chat and pray with people in the local community. They were sometimes invited into homes and asked to pray specifically for sick individuals or difficult situations.

- Special Orphanage:

A group has gone out each morning to a special orphanage for about 25 kids and teens with disabilities. They have been running a 'safari' themed program with the kids including lots of songs and games and crafts and stories. This is the first time we have run a project here during Salt and Light, but it has been an inspiring project for all those involved!

- Construction:

An amazingly dedicated and hard-working team of volunteers have spent countless hours stripping and painting the fence that surrounds the Centre. This may not sound like a very big job, but it definitely IS! Because of their hardwork, we have actually been able to finish the entire fence, which is more than we ever imagined! Many kids from the neighbourhood saw what was going on and came to join in as well :)

- Free dental services:

9 dentists from different parts of Romania came and volunteered their time to offer free dental care (extractions, fillings etc) to about 80 people from the city. On Friday, most of the time was dedicated to giving care to kids from one of the village orphanages.

The afternoon projects were:

- Outreach through sports:

An energetic team went every afternoon to a school in one of the poorer neighborhoods of the city to run various games and activities for the local kids, and also to run a program of songs, sketches and lessons based on the time traveler theme. About 120 kids came out each afternoon, and were always there waiting and cheering every time the bus drove in. For 3 days the team also ran a project at the school next to the Centre.

- Visits to disadvantaged families:

Each afternoon 2 or 3 small teams went out to visit the families of kids who come to the Centre, and families who are supported through the family fellowship project. The English volunteers were able to see and understand the real situations faced by many families in our area. We were able to bring food packets and some joy into the some rather difficult situations. We also had the chance to pray with these families, and share something of God's love with them. This was the first year we ran this project, but it is one we hope to continue.

- Sewing classes:

For 3 afternoons a number of woman and young girls came to the Centre to take part in a program of song, testimony and sewing. The ladies who came were able to learn to sew aprons and housecoats, which they were able to take home with them.

- Outdoor praise and worship gatherings in town:

Each evening nearly the whole of the English and Romanian team headed into the main park in the middle of the city for a time of worship and praying for the city, and also giving out invitations to the evangelistic events which were on Friday - Sunday evenings. The first event was a special meeting and program with the ladies. Gail Harris (Texas,US) who runs a ladies ministry in Sibiu area was sharing the Bible principles with more than 50 ladies, who
were invited at the Centre. Please be praying for all those who came to continue to search understand God's love and grace. The second event took place outside of the city theatre, and involved music, drama and testimonies. The third event was Sunday, at the Centre and we really pray that the hearts of people in the area were moved by God's word.

- Mozaik

For 2 afternoons, our project for young adults with developmental disabilities had special gatherings. On Thursday afternoon they went to a PRIVATE bowling club and were treated like royalty, having the whole alley to themselves and receiving special awards. They then went to the park for ice cream and songs. Friday afternoon they met at the Centre to cook and sing and do crafts together.

Thank you for your prayers and may God bless you!

Corneliu & Diana Medrea