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Peter’s summary of the day

Day 1 of camp

Sami and Cornelia were upset that some of last years children were at home helping on the farm, however there were 34 children present. This means that a good number were new to the camp, praise the Lord!

The day started with songs of praise, prayer, and the Bible message of Joshua’s calling,and his need for courageous faith! Then the water stopping in the flooded Jordan river stopping was acted out with a little more difficulty, as the children couldn’t keep running around until the ark of the covenant was starting into the river, so a stream of children had to back up into the spaces between the tables.

Next was games at the school playground (with the added entertainment of a digger and lorry changing many concrete steps into a slope dug into the bank, presumably for a vehicle access to the house above.)

Games started with the parachute at the centre and people diving under and running across, then a game trying to dislodge a football from the top side. There were five points scored by getting the ball off the parachute 3:2 the score between the sides. Sami and Simon were the net in this game, Cameron and Bart on one side and I was on the losing side.

The next games were passing the ball along teams of 6 and each person had to be at the front once. This showed some lack of integety as even these simple rules were broken (by members of our team!)

Then it was a sort of simon says knockout, where the person who did not get the shoe was out.

Back to the hall for lunch. Hot dogs and sauces.

The afternoon started with the aftermath of the transfiguration, and the disciples hadn’t managed to driven the demon from a boy and Jesus talking about lack of faith, and the faith needed to order a mountain into the sea. Craft activity to make different parts of the mountain, using screwed up tissue paper. (thinking of life obstacles needed to be moved with God’s help).

Final activity of the day was the 12 rocks set up when the Israelites crossed the Jordan and set the pile of rocks from the bed of the Jordan. 12 rocks drawn each and 12 different things for which to thank God.

Then the children left and the tidy up began with the team building the mountain from the youngsters craft.

Then takeaway in the mall and church Bible Study led by Simon and an interpretor for the language barrier

Cameron’s Reflection

Today was a new day, the start of the 3 day children’s camp. And what blessings entailed at every moment. I was nervous, unsure as I entered amongst strangers feeling like the outsider I was, afraid of judgement. But that soon was proven by God to be no more than discouraging lies of the enemy, to infiltrate the mission as it starts, even more so as I stand at the front to give a short testimony. However, once I had settled I became present to the pure joy that existed. As the afternoon welcomed us,

We began on the crafts and Pastor Simon sent me out to find and participate with a table. There, 2 kids prompted me to join them. And though there was little to no understanding between us, we communicated both with, and without, a translator as we taught each other our language. To experience the pure joy and laughter of the children despite the conditions of their lives is a wonderful thing. And to be called a friend, as I am asked if I will be there again tomorrow- nothing today compares to that moment. We are here to teach but it is us who learn the most.
After our time in the evening was spent at the mall, we were welcomed to the church, in which we stay next to on our visit, for a bible study led by Pastor Simon and Pastor Sami. It was there I also spoke my testimony, this time larger and explicit with the truth to the adults who attended. Only to my surprise, met with appreciation and gratitude. The second moment that could not compare today. I was told by somebody similar of age I inspired them. And another on the miracle that which occurred in my life. Oh how great is the Lord. Praise Him name.

It is also with great regret that I have failed at utmost to speak of the hospitality supplied to us by Sami and Cornelia. From the moment we arrived into this land their warm smiles and kind hearts expressed what it means to be a family within Christ. I am beyond grateful for the ways in which they support us, to make this mission possible, that the mission even exists. My words cannot express fully the appreciation within me, so I pray through my service on our visit, that it can be made known. Grace of our Lord God be upon you all, may His wisdom abound plentiful in you as He instills within us this week.

Bart’s reflection

jToday, day 1 of the three-day camp, we were greeted by enthusiastic kids who recognised Simon and me from last year and gave us all high-fives. For me, that set the tone for the day. I recognised many kids from last year. Though we four came here to deliver specific messages on each day about courageous faith and overcoming fear and difficulties, I was impressed by the love many of these kids clearly show Sami and Cornelia and others from Brasov Church. That must be fruit of the work the Oprisanu’s and others do to support children and their families. You see it in their eyes, hear it in their robust singing of songs praising God and persistence in coming to the camp but more in coming to the thrice-weekly “classes”, where they are coached in homework, maths, Romanian games and Bible stories and songs. Today made me happy and tired. Seeing these children and a couple of their families and hearing Romania’s history from two adults who lived through very hard times last century gives me a deep sense of God’s blessings through this camp and the project Sami and Cornelia lead. It’s a privilege and joy to see!

Simon’s reflection

As we reflected at the end of the day, Cornelia was frustrated that many of the children did not come from the weekly project. In communicating with the parents Cornelia discovered that this was because, after the recent rain and today’s sun, it was ideal time to make hay in the fields. And so these children, from the very young, were unable to enjoy one of the three days of the year that is exciting and different! There is no judgement, this is just the reality of the community we are ministering to.

Did you notice what was in the video above? Can you spot anything that was not safe? Perhaps you need to watch it again? But although it made the games a bit noisier, the team ensured we kept children safe by keeping them on the far side of the playground from the digger (on a 45 degree slope!) I highlight this at it demonstrates how in difficult circumstances the Holbav project is brilliant at showing love and care to every child. They provide a hot meal every Tuesday and Thursday during the school year, but ‘only’ have sandwiches on Wednesday – as that is what the kids chose! I also heard of the 18 marvellous members of the Holbav Project Team. Most of them live in Brasov, 25+ minutes away, And the team is wonderful, not once have they fallen out or had any disagreement. And I saw an example of this demonstrated in a wonderful lady called Tabita. She simply got alongside children, encouraging them, laughing with them, basically just loving them!

This evening I led a “Bible Study” in the church, here at Brasov. I thought it would be 20 or so people in a circle discussing a passage together. No, it was basically a service and I had to turn the study into a talk! Pleased that the time it takes to translate gives one time to think! And thank you Lord, you are faithful and wonderful – all glory goes to you!