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Simon’s Reflection

The reality of being a part of 2 billion Christians who worship each Sunday is wonderful. And today we got to experience worship at 2 wonderful places: Teliu and Holbav.

In Teliu my message was translated by a young man who I later found out was engaged to his next door neighbour – they have known each other since kindergarten and now are both training to be judges. Surely this is the plot of a film – perhaps their children will get into crime or maybe their parents are suspicious of them, Anyhow – a great couple and I pray blessing on their marriage and life together.

In Holbav I quickly re-enancted my panto villain role of Achan and looked for a shiny thing to steal! Settled on a valuable thing… the headteacher’s handbag! What was really good was that the Headteacher had spoken about how the project improved attendance, behaviour and learning. A real commendation to the weekly ministry of Holbav Project. The celebration highlighted thanks to the Pentecostal Church where it is based, the school where we play, the volunteers from Brasov and from Torchbearers and guests like us. Great to see how it is fully embedded in the community. Yes there is sadness that this part of the mission is over, but true joy being part of something much bigger that will no doubt be even bigger when we return!

This evening we went for a great walk in Brasov with Sami and Cornelia. We met a fellow pastor who has a holiday place near the Holbav hills. He was out walking and got invited into a home. On explaining that he was a Pastor, the mum asked if he knew Cornelia – “for she is like a mother to me.” They are a great couple and we keep praying God’s blessing upon them both!

Bart’s Reflection

Day 6

Worshipping in a service mostly conducted in Romanian is still worship. At the Teliu church this morning, we were greeted very warmly, and not just because of the weather, but as brothers in Jesus. We sang along with our best Romanian pronunciation, which was probably pretty bad, but it lifted my mood; the Romanians’ singing was infectious! And everyone takes part in Teliu church. It’s a small church, so it has a family feel, and everyone can pray and speak if they wish.

I will miss the children, but I’ll keep praying for them. Somehow the place and people have snuck into my heart without me noticing it happened!

Cameron’s Reflection

It is over. Regret wallows inside of me that it has to end, that I could not do this every week. Yet I cannot be sad, only filled with the joy the kids have passed onto me, and with the new things I have learned from my experience. I have been called a friend. I have touched their hearts and I have become part of what Christ lived and died for. I spread the gospel not just with words but with my time spent with them.

Yesterday Pastor Simon and I climbed atop Mount Tâmpa, but it means nothing. That is of no importance compared to the camp. Neither is the time spent today in the city of Brașov with the Pastor Sami and his wife Cornelia as we explored the 2 towers.

My words seem to fail me in my expression, but my spirit can feel it all. God is with us and He worked through us. We have planted seeds and watered others. It has been a success.

Yesterday was our last day of camp, and today we have faced saying farewell to the village of Holbav after we were part of an afternoon service led by Pastor Sami in the Holbav Church, to share the experience of the camp with the parents. I know I will carry it with me in my heart everyday, the lessons, and the wisdom. It has had a great impact on me and I fear it will take a moment before I can adjust back to the unusual life we know and live, if I ever will. I do not want to return home, but I must- I will have to find ways to spread the gospel there.

It is midnight now and there are many things to do on this day approaching. More servitude to the gracious hosts Pastor Sami and his wife, and a climb atop another mountain. So I bring an end to this entry; May God bless you and keep you in His hands.

Peter’s notes

Today we’ve been at the morning worship at Teliu, where the relationship between Cosham & Teliu began in 2010. It was good to meet the Church there, and to see that it was growing.
They were glad to hear about the camp.

The Romanian hospitality was shown again, as we ate a traditional lunch with Sami and Cornelia at a ‘home restaurant’ of the mother who had sent/let her daughter (in her late teens) go to the camp at Teliu, but it was aimed at younger children, so she went away again. However this year the Teliu camp, led by another church in 10 days time, will have its own seperate section for teenagers led by friends from Brasov who hope to start a regular Saturday morning activity in September.

The meal started with spinach soup, vegetables soup, served with clotted cream.
The main course had stuffed aubergines, skewered chicken and vegetables, tomato salad, stuffed chillies and sauces.

The afternoon, after resting we went to Holbav for the parents service with the church we were using, and summarised the 3 days into a short period before having some refreshments including local cakes.

This evening Sami and Cornelia took us around old Brasov, starting off outside the walls. Finishing with ice cream, due to the continuing heat.