Special Report



Leeds, England registered UK Charity No.1087961
Kingsport, USA charitable non-profit # 86-0957704
Oradea, Romania registered Charity No.14839712

 
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Adi Matis – Smiles Romania Assistant Director   November 2016

Continued Progress - wonderful perspective

Some months ago I was writing about the wonderful testimony of faith that people of Rapa gave by deciding to make a public commitment to become followers of Christ. At that time, back in June, eleven were baptised of which 9 were from within our supported community. That was such a great celebration for everybody. But it was only the first part of this story, because there has been much more happening since June 12th.

Although it is possible that you know already about the latest progress in Rapa, it is worth mentioning once again, as it represents a great continued progress in our mission of leading people to Christ.

Rapa is ‘one of a kind’ project in many ways. Even though what The Smiles Foundation started and has now completed in this community is not a mere single endeavour, as from the beginning we felt something was different here. Noticeably, people seemed to genuinely appreciate the support we were providing, maybe more than any other community, which we did initially through our regular Family Care project. Not to say there weren’t any problems of course, but the families had a more positive approach and a willing heart to do whatever they could in partnership with Smiles to improve their own situation. This was apparent from the first visits there, as we noticed the men’s commitment and efforts to provide for their families.

When the decision to build new houses for them in Rapa was taken, it was great news for all of us, but of course for the community residents in particular. The effort was to be significant and those involved closely with this project could anticipate many headaches. And sure enough, as you will have found out from our newsletters and articles, the whole process was not easy. But we were blessed with wonderful support and work continued to completion this month, which is such great achievement.

After the June 12th baptisms, the idea of building a community church was equally brave and exciting, more so when October was announced as the opening date! The people in Rapa, both those baptised already and the rest of the community, were encouraged to pray and to participate whenever they had the chance to through the meetings that Pastor Vasile held in the community. And they did indeed! We were so happy and motivated to see their enthusiasm when thinking they might have a church right there in the heart of their community! As many times they were rejected by other churches in the village, for being Gypsy and dirty, uneducated and unfamiliar with customs, the Rapa community considered this to be an amazing blessing and opportunity.

The church building was finalised and opened on 9th October. Much to our delight, the deadline was respected and the last finishes were done in time.

But the building in itself has value only if there are people to be joining together as a church. And the amazing thing is that more candidates were baptised the same day! Five of them prepared in advance, of which one was after having a very special experience through a dream that convinced him not to wait anymore. But during the baptismal service, at a last call, two more decided to testify their hearts desire to follow Christ, much to the congregations surprise. But sure enough, seven more people were joining the local community church in Rapa!

This is all wonderful progress and amazingly encouraging motivation. This little place of Rapa looks so different now then a year or two ago. There is simply no comparison. It would take a personal experience to really understand how much better everything is now. A truly powerful transformation happening not only outside, but inside too. People are changed and they want to continue their progress. So far, what Smiles achieved in there is absolutely remarkable, but the perspective is even more exciting! A whole new understanding of God’s love, clearly visible through facts and actions, which is exactly what people need to see and to take forward to others, neighbours, family and friends and to the uttermost edge of the world!

Thank you for supporting the Smiles Foundation, for your prayers and financial contributions, as well as for telling people about the work we are doing here in Romania.

May God bless you! Keep well!

Adi Matis

Adrian Matis
Assistant Director of Smiles Foundation Romania

adrian.matis@thesmilesfoundation.org

 


Previous reports from Adi:

October 2016 - United Kingdom Tour 2016 - Impressions
September 2016 - Kindness Days - another Summer Experience
August 2016 - Holiday Bible Class - Summer Experience

July 2016 - Celebration for an Eternal Future
June 2016 - What is Smiles to a family in Gepiu

May 2016 - When Home is not Your Home anymore...
April 2016 - Livia's story
March 2016 - The Boxer Guy
February 2016 - Kati and how Salard can surprise!
January 2016 - Christmas Joy

December 2015 - Hope
November 2015 - Salard Life snapshots
October 2015 - After Summer
September 2015 - The Small Things that go a Long Way
August 2015 - Mission Trips with significance
July 2015 - A great way into knowing God

June 2015 - History with a man that is no more
May 2015 - A Story Worth Sharing

March 2015 - Here in Romania, but not only...
February 2015 - New year, new hope and new plans

January 2015 - Management Team Reports

December 2014 - Preparing for the Celebration
November 2014 - A man's true story... an inspiration to us all

October 2014 - Golden September
September 2014 - A Summer of Experiences
August 2014 - Salard Community Reloaded
July 2014 - Sessions for the Mind

June 2014 - Unknown
May 2014 - Celebrate with us
April 2014 - Beliefs
March 2014 - From being taken care of to taking care...

February 2014 - My dream... to become a pig caretaker

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    Page last updated on 01/11/2016 09:40:34 AM
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