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Mission Trip Report: Team
Visit : 11th April through 18th April 2010
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Living in the UK, it is
so easy to take things for granted. With a General Election looming,
everyone seems to be asking the same question – “What’s in it for
me?” We are so fortunate to live in a society where so many things
are provided “by right” – such things as clean water, electricity,
quality accommodation, education and a care service which, for all its
pressures, still supports the vulnerable, young and poor.
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A
Smiles Mission trip to Romania helps brings these things into sharp
focus. Suddenly, everything which is taken as ‘given’ ceases to
exist if you are poor and elderly, without a habitable dwelling for
shelter, out of work, sick, or the victim of domestic fear, or
alcohol-induced violence. It’s a bit like stepping back 150 years.
Suddenly the world of Dickens stares you in the face! |
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Romania was a great beauty, particularly in its rural areas.
However, under the surface, the problems of rural poverty are almost
overwhelming. During our visit, we came to understand what it is
really like to be old, single and left to live by your own devices.
We saw how cheap alcohol destroys lives, through domestic violence.
We met, shared and helped make a difference to those who would
otherwise have nothing, and no hope.
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What makes Smiles such an amazing organisation is the way in which
it is making a step-change in people’s lives. People like
the Roma community in Tileagd, the victims of horrendous domestic
violence in Mierlou and the elderly from Gepiu, where a hearty meal
and time of fellowship means far more than just food’. Smile’s
operates at a totally different level from many aid agencies,
seeking to solve some of the problems and not merely responding to
the crisis. |
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All this would be impossible without two things –
the presence of a caring, committed team of young, dedicated
Romanian’s, who daily go the ‘extra mile’ to make life bearable and
share God’s love for the sick, needy, and oppressed. They in turn
cannot do anything without the ongoing, sustained fund raising and
aid support provided by Smiles supporters in the UK and U.S.A. |
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I once heard it said that God loves working with
able people. T he trouble is, they need to be ‘avail’ able.
Chris, Rachel, Philip and Anna joined me in last month’s trip. They
shared – cried – hugged – laughed – became angry - and served.
Each person has their own stories and has returned to the UK
(volcanoes permitting) keen to share them. They have also found
inner resources they never knew they had. That is the true
privilege of joining a Mission trip. If you have never done it,
then now is the time to pencil a date in your diary, and do it.
Together with Smiles and God, we can make a difference. |
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Vic Brown:
Area Ambassador - Lancashire and Cumbria.
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