Tell Romania

‘In the Lord put I my trust’ Psalm 11:1.

‘Touch us with the fire of Thine altar, that we may be up and doing, to rebuild our city’  Robert Louis Stevenson.

The high winds had eased and a soft breeze filled the air. Another beautiful autumnal morning.  I turned toward the copper beech to be greeted by a confident song bird perched comfortably and whose pitch was perfection.   It is in the least unexpected moments I receive from His hand, whenever and however I need most. Perhaps a spoken word, or in silent solitude!  This morning one lonely tiny bird was my messenger.  I found myself looking across the mountains, high, lofty and yet for many a difficult climb to make with a burdened heart. Names of precious friends filled my heart, those for whom the struggles of life are overpowering just now, where for them the School of Pain contains hard lessons to bear.

‘Lead me higher, nothing dreading,
In the race to never stop;
In Thy footsteps keep me treading,
Give me grace to reach the top’.

Last evening I was reading the call of Abram; three words impacted my mind.  ‘I will bless’.  We read on to find ‘Abram left, as the Lord had told him’   We see the goal but first we must encounter the storms.  During the past four months, life for ‘The Moore’s’ knew change.  I have lost count of the endless conversations trying to reach conclusions.  I think of Jacob who lingered ….. Elijah who withdrew …… you know the stories well.  We have been there, made the journey, now it is time to commence Building Anew.   As the Psalmist we can say: ‘My mediation of Him shall be sweet’.  In the loud voices of silence we have a constant companion.

Hamilton has come through a different experience for him personally, his last illness in hospital being at the age of seventeen. A recent setback did cause concern; still we knew that our faith rested on the promises of God. F. B. Meyer penned: ‘Oh, for grace to wait and watch with God!’   Do continue to remember the work of Tell Romania.  Our projected plans for 2019 are now in action, the work continues to expand.   It is our heart’s desire to return to our beloved Romania.  God already knows the precise moment.  We are waiting!  What have I learned through this situation?  I never walked alone!  The Lord sent this circumstance into my life and throughout the various trials the Lord was with me.  The days I could not see clearly or think clearly I knew that His purpose was higher than any challenge I faced.  Slowly the wider picture is evolving.  Tell Romania is expanding their borders.  2019 is going to be a busy year!  EMANUEL HOSPICE. CASA GRACE FOUNDATION. CIGHID ORPHANS. CHILD LIFE ROMANIA. IOCHEBED. BUCHAREST STREET CHILDREN. STILL WATERS AND A NEW ADDITION – HOME FARM.  Are we planning early retirement?  NO TIME!

This month we will focus on five of the eight arms of outreach:
KEVIN is able to walk with the aid of a walking frame. He is now entering his fourth week of physiotherapy; please continue to pray Kevin will be able to walk unaided in the very near future.

Two new patients to the Feeding Programme:  GEORGY (51) diagnosed with bronchopulmonary cancer.  He is very weak but through the witness of the Hospice Team came to know the Lord Jesus.  He was baptized in Emanuel Baptist Church, Oradea last Sunday.  DAMI (15) diagnosed with a brain tumor. Dami is unable to attend school owing to his illness.  He too came to know the Lord and was also baptized with his mother in Emanuel Baptist Church.  Note the importance of reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus and through the simple method of a small bag of food for the hungry.  Can you help feed the dying until their final days? Will you offer dignity in love by becoming part of our Feeding Programme but more importantly in  reaching one for His Kingdom?

Little Ishmael (6) who has had twenty surgeries, smiled so much when he received from NI the colostomy bags.  My friend Estera said it was as a child receiving a much wanted toy on Christmas Morning.  I have no words!
Our hearts surround the terminally ill patients and their families, we pray for sustaining grace, courage in the battle related to their illness, a mother longing to hold her little one.  This Christmas my heart breaks when I think of my little treasures who will not be part of our Hospice Christmas Celebrations.  May all the families who have loved and lost know the tender loving care of our compassionate Lord. As I write their little faces come before me – they entered my heart.  I had the joy of loving, if only for a short time.

Casa Grace continue to reach desperately poor families who struggle with the expenses incurred during the freezing conditions, the icy cold winds of Romanian winter months – they have no money for wood, no heat, no running water, no light …  We can offer hope even in this small way.
A village lady whose husband contracted an unknown virus triggering Amiotrophic Sclerosis —- he died on 22 October leaving this precious mother alone to care for thirteen children.  Thirteen hungry children!  Tell Romania refurbished a new Sewing Room complete with eight new sewing machines.  Headed by Sister Dana, an amazing lady with a heart filled with love and compassion and whose patience is an example as she quietly teaches the nine month Golden Needle Award Module.  Four of the girls now attend classes in order to learn seamstress skills.

ANNA whose mother died when she was only aged eleven, wanders the cold streets of Romania trying to find reality. ‘My father is an alcoholic, what have I to go home to’?  Food for thought! 

Sister Dora working tirelessly with the orphan and abandoned children. These children did not choose to be born this way, their piercing eyes longing just to be loved, hugged and made feel special.  Dora’s heart beats with love for all these precious jewels. Ninety Down Syndrome Children receive weekly therapy in the specially designed and furnished room provided by Tell Romania.. Little surprises of video clips suddenly appear on my email and with tears streaming down my face, I smile and long for the day when I can again  be part of this class, where just to see their smile of welcome tells me ‘I am home’. It is a privilege to support the work of Casa Grace.

CHILD LIFE ROMANIA offer support to children and families admitted to hospital suffering from cancer or as diagnosed from the Haematology / Oncology spectrum.  Syliva has been one of ‘My Girls’ for six years – she  calls me her adopted mum! A special young lady I have watched grow in the Lord.  She married one of Dr. Moore’s Theology students in 2017 and they are an amazing young couple with a missionary focus birthed in their hearts.  Sylvia returned on Friday from the USA after taking and passing her final Child Care examinations. I recall those special afternoons with her on the hospital wards, corridors where I met parents and grandparents, embracing the opportunity to tell them I know a man who loved so much He gave ….  A little word in season 

Sister Gaby heads the team of IOCHEBED.  There is an urgent need now for Dried Powder Milk (0-1) year old babies, nappies and hygiene products.  Three BWF are collecting for this project.

HOME FARM is based in the village of Borsa (near Cluj). The land was recently purchased by a Christian organisation called Pas cu Pas translated in English, Step by Step.  They work with orphans, taking them out of the orphanage for a period of time, helped in their task by volunteers, some of whom are orphans themselves. Eventually it is the aim to teach skills which in turn would lead to employment and to use the farm as a base for this teaching.  Home Farm is under the supervision of a couple from Iris Baptist Church , Cluj, (Dina and Gabriel)  David Morton (one of the directors of Tell Romania) is heading a work team  06 – 20 May, 2019; an invitation has been extended to get involved in this project.  Anyone interested in being part of this opportunity should contact David.  I will be happy to forward contact details.

Home Farm need ‘bicycles’.  Do you have a bicycle you no longer use?  Would you like to donate it to Home Farm?  If so, please contact me.  Piece by piece the puzzle of their young lives will finally fit through the love and interest shown by those who care.

Yes, we are building anew.  All the Lord is asking is our time, our service.  As we approach this special time of year when Heaven’s Child became our gift can we give the gift of ourselves for His kingdom.
Five areas of need, as I place on paper I myself am overwhelmed.  I begin to question where, how … feelings of inadequacy crowd around me.  I have failed before I begin if I allow feelings to replace faith.

George Muller’s secret:
Take the golden key, He calleth thee
Enter into the holy place.

Lord, help me find the secret and apply it to my life in simple childlike faith.

Shirley, 14^th November, 2018

  ‘The Lord will be the place of repair of His people’ (Joel 3: 16)
With a quiet heart I wait; there are no unanswered questions clouding my mind. At times I find myself ‘looking in’ or ‘checking’ all is well with Hamilton, confined yet keeping busy adding finishing touches to his new book ‘Glory in the Cross’. Yes, I have my own thoughts, my own concerns; methinks no soldier in the King’s army is ever laid aside; he remains on active service waiting for orders for a new commission. Ours is not to question, ours the responsibility to trust with inner peace.

Our new surroundings are filled with an overwhelming sense of quietness. ‘How do you like your new home?’ I am frequently asked. Let’s just say the solitude, the peace is precious for in the silence of my soul I am reminded of the times our Lord needed rest. We read ‘He withdrew himself into a desert place and prayed’ or ‘He went out into the mountain to pray’ ….. the power of silence, the hush that tells us to ‘stand still’. God is working out His plan.

Tell Romania has experienced months of sadness; speaking personally, I still feel the emptiness, the pain of parting with those I loved. I now face the reality of ‘what more can I do?’; ‘how do I go forward into 2019?’. Estera and Monika share their hearts, their concerns for those who are still broken, lives torn apart and undone by the cruel winds of time. I long to run to them, hold them close and tell them I know a Man whose love and compassion with gather you, restore the wasted years – He is the Lover of Broken Hearts and with loving hands will reshape and remould a broken vessel into one of beauty. Most evenings as I lay my head on the pillow, sleep is far removed. I look up at the darkened sky and I know the stars are hiding there somewhere. This is the moment I trust in the untraceable ways of the Lord and remember that all my days are His and as I go forward with projected plans for 2019 I must commit – I must trust. Perplexed; Disappointed? I am not forgotten; what He has promised He will do. He will work it out.

My friend Pastor David McFarland just telephoned; his son Jonathan has been assisting in the production of our new Power Point presentation; Jonathan has grasped the passion of my heart. David commented, ‘Shirley as I watched the presentation on Leukemia my heart was deeply moved’. I knew what he meant because if honest my own heart is broken as I watch Denisa, Dada, Robi, John, Emanuel, Baby Florin and Deborah. I cannot imagine the heartache of their precious Mums. I think of Lilianna whose life has been dedicated to her beloved Denisa. Little Dada who told her Mummy just before she died ‘Please don’t cry Mummy. Jesus is coming for me’. All these young people and babies were blessed with food through the Feeding Programme; their families will continue to be fed during 2019. A new little lamb to our Feeding Programme – Victor (2) who was abandoned by his mother when only a baby. He is now in foster care where he is loved. Just now he is in hospital receiving treatment for Leukemia. ‘Who will care?’ We care!

Kevin’s planned surgeries have now been completed – tomorrow the cast from his legs will finally be removed. Kevin will wear special shoes for a period of time and will attend Physiotherapy classes – he cannot believe that finally after nine years he will be able to walk – thank you for supporting this family in prayer. They also receive food from the Feeding Programme.

The days of the Casa Grace team are busy as they reach out to desperately poor families, maintain the care of the orphan, disabled children and abandoned babies. I call to mind one gypsy family I visited, in danger of losing their home. Situated at the side of a site being demolished by the local authorities, it appeared the situation was hopeless. As a family and together we continued to pray, the Lord answered prayer – they have received local approval to remain in their home. Jehovah Jireh – Our Provider. Monika spends time with many of the children struggling without a Mum or Dad. I think of two little girls in particular who really miss their Mum; they have no one to help them with homework and in particular mathematics. Fear has caused them to become introverted. I spent many afternoons with their Mum, an amazing lady who loved the Lord and had a very special grace during her final weeks, I understand their loss. Others who do not know the meaning of a loving godly home, who are found wandering the Romanian courtyards at night – nothing at home only an alcoholic father. Children are crying! Telephones are silent! The cold and hungry homeless one! The runaway, the one who has lost their way – can we point them homeward? Love will never fail!

Iochebed continue to counsel hundreds who ‘Knock’. their door. Gypsy families who have no one to care; single girls who have lost their way. Mothers who have made the decision to keep their baby, unable to afford the necessary medicines, dried milk, clothes. Children who feel inferior yet through a simple act of love in second hand clothing, shoes, back pack, can now go to school. Advice is given to women facing difficulties in their family, widows too old, too tired to work in the fields and who know nothing, only endless poverty. Babies needing nourishment. Iochebed reaches out and touches lives.   Tell Romania are involved and pledge their support during 2019 as the Lord sends in His plan and purpose.

The House of Grace in Bucharest is where each week Monday to Friday lunch is prepared/served to 250 homeless or poor people, 20 meals delivered to elderly disabled folk, with a day centre in operation for disadvantaged children where around 100 attend and receive a meal.
The Toma Sisters: I can see that God has given what was needed in His time and in His plan. This family consisting of ten children (two married) have known such pain and suffering, five of their children have all been involved in car accidents (the four sisters recently) one son remaining in a coma after one year. I could say indeed their fields are parched, they need the rain of refreshing showers. But even though their sky shows ‘a little cloud’ just now, their trust, their faith, is steadfast, knowing that as they wait greater clouds of blessing will come. They remain under the care of Emanuel Hospice and have now been accepted as a family who will receive help for two years with Casa Grace Foundation. Please remember them.
At times I am impatient and lack sensitivity in discerning the beginnings of God’s mercy, which are new every morning.

In summation, some gems from the book of Isaiah.
Instead of the dry land, springs of water!
Instead of heaviness, the garment of praise!
Instead of the thorn, the fir tree!
Instead of the brier, the myrtle tree!
Instead of ashes, beauty
 The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want.

Shirley
 

A soft shower is falling as I gaze out the window with my thoughts.  ‘Not as I wish, but must accept’.
The grass and trees welcome the refreshing raindrops especially as the crisp dry leaves waver in the stormy winds. A tear runs down my cheek as I think of the tiny raindrop/rainbow that graced my life, if only for such a short time.  I have been meditating and lingering with my thoughts today. 
My precious jewel little Dada (5) who graced my life for two short years was called home in the early hours of this morning and will be laid to rest tomorrow morning.  Her little footsteps will no longer run to meet me; her smile; her tight hug of welcome will be mine no more.   The final flower in my garden of ‘These My Little Ones’ has lost her battle with Leukaemia.  Again methinks: ‘Not as I wish, but must accept’.   Dada fought so hard, contented to be confined in hospital waiting her second bone marrow transplant but then falling there and breaking her little arm – yet she continued to smile without complaint.
 How do I remember this delicate flower I used to call ‘my snowdrop?  To me she was a perfect gift given to enrich and bless through her childlike faith, facing mountains yet always silent – an angel who travelled a valley of silence without questioning.  Each day she would ‘silently’ play with her pink play doh (we laughed together last time we played as pink is my favourite colour too).  But then it was ‘tidy up time’ and time to help Mummy as Dada had three little brothers who simply adored her – she was the only girl.
Today again I feel the pangs of pain as I face another staggering trial.  And yet, I find these everyday situations of life humbling me before the One who is my refuge in His enduring shelter. 
Tomorrow morning please whisper ‘Petruda’ and think of a young mother parting with her treasured possession.
I cannot change this day of sadness or unlock with a key the reason why.  Until then I submit to His plans, reminding myself that in this trial His way is best.
Petruda I hold you in my heart asking the Lord to give you His grace, His peace from His exhaustive treasury, His unreached depths of love to surround you in these unimaginable days of loss.
Shirley
 

‘If I had a formula for ridding mankind of trouble, I think I would not reveal it, for in doing so I would do him a disservice’ Oliver Wendell Holmes.

August 02 my journal read: ‘Lord, draw my heart close to yours, although I feel shaken just now, I know you have a purpose, help me to recognise your plan and accept without question’. September:  My writing has somewhat changed for the darkened sky of night is filled with promise as the dawn breaks through.  As a wife, these have been days of anxiety, I lost count of the number of deep breaths I took as one prognosis after another was reached. I did feel alone with my thoughts, yet knew I was not alone.  My heart burned within me and was stilled, I felt the presence of His empowering Spirit assuring me that in the midst of all this confusion the One who walked the Emmaus Road was walking with me.  I recall those days as I sat in the hospital and remember reading ‘It is good to have things settled by faith, before they are unsettled by feeling,’  I hugged this to my heart for I was guilty of lacking faith (if only for a moment) but I had gained precious and creative hours with my Lord.  I had time to think. Did my own life require a change?  Attitude; Gentleness; Understanding.  How can I know, how can I give unless I too have been shipwrecked on the seas of life?  His standard requires a nature of compassion. I never want to give to receive praise, I just want to give where and when needed.

As I relate to the past weeks, the numerous times I looked at my watch wondering what next? I am thankful  because I learned that the things that disturbed, upset my plans was all part of His plan. Job 23: 14 ‘He performeth the thing that is appointed for me’ .   He holds our breath in the palm of His hands, therefore no trial will come without His loving purpose. ‘Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do.  Life is beautiful because of the people we meet’.  Each one of us mean a lot to someone, yet nothing is more beautiful than feeling loved by our Heavenly Father. To know as we face a new day that He is the God of all our mornings.

My heart is filled with memory days in Romania.  Special times, special people that time or distance have not diminished our bond.  Come walk with me as I share day to day realities.  The children of Emanuel Hospice live in my heart.  Baby Florin, Deborah, John, Emanuel ….. I will never hold them again but I hold their memory in my heart.  Estera contacted me very early this morning, a huge wave of emotion washed over me as I learned Robi (18) supported by our feeding programme lost his battle with cancer.  Please pray for his mother, he was her only child.  My little Dada (5) has battled leukaemia since infancy. I ask you to whisper ‘Dada’.  Every waking moment, her Mum is heartbroken as she watches her little gem lose her sparkle.  I do ask the reason ‘Why’ but I must wait for the answer, only eternity will reveal. Words fail to thank those of you who through the Feeding Programme show the love of Christ.  One banana was such a wonderful treat to Baby Florin.  Without you I would not hold this memory in my heart.

A very brave young Kevin has gone through three months of medical procedures in preparation for the first of many surgeries scheduled in the forthcoming months.  Kevin is excited he will be able to walk normally for the first time in his short life (9) and cannot wait to play football.  The Lord is answering our prayers, his little feet are turning, a miracle.  ‘He took the children in His arms ……..’ Let us take all these children you have already read and will continue to read about in this update in our arms in prayer.
The four Toma sisters continue to make progress.  Cosmina, Denisa, Ligia have been discharged from the various hospitals.  Larisa suffered a partial leg and foot amputation and remains in hospital.  She is the only child patient in the hospital. I hear the staff and adult patients really love her.  We have such a caring Heavenly Father.   Please pray the Lord will continue to draw close to this family.  The condition of their brother remains unchanged. My prayer is that this family will know a special touch from His hand, so much tragedy within this   household and yet the father and mother remain firm in their faith knowing the true meaning of these words:  ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’.  I plan to meet with the family and offer support as the Lord provides on my forthcoming visit.

Casa Grace Foundation constantly walk through a great wilderness of lives overshadowed by poverty, hunger and rejection. The forgotten orphan, disabled child and the adorable treasures abandoned and bereft of love. Tears filled the eyes of the children who attended the Summer Camp as they boarded the coach to leave. One precious little girl (6) sobbed as her days had been so different, skipping through the beautiful hills of the Romanian mountains, playing childhood games with new friends.  Her daily routine is caring for her disabled father – her mother disappeared shortly after giving birth.

How insignificant, how small the Feeding Programme seems as I focus on the bleeding hearts of pain and suffering; we need to fill the empty space of brokenness and yet there is more.   Parents, Grandparents facing tremendous pressure to address schooling requests. Unable to cope with many unexpected additional items that here are a normal provision. The Feeding Programme is a must as I reflect on those I have loved and lost this year.  Thank you for blessing them with food to eat.  As Tell Romania will continue this vital programme, we urgently require hygiene items.  No one should have to choose between essentials such as toothpaste or bread.  Will you pour rain on the dry and barren patch of ground they call Home? We are here for a season and seasons come and go, the beauty of a summer day soon turns to the chilly autumnal days of winter. So it is with the seasons of life – for indeed to everything there is a season – and many are in the winter of their lives. Will you hold the hands of one struggling family this winter?
Tell Romania are extending their ‘small’ borders.  During his recent mission trip in July, my husband boarded an aeroplane flying from Oradea to Bucharest.  Although very sick at the time his heart was compelled to continue. He spent one day with Dr. Ioan Ceuta, in Bucharest Christian Centre.  Grace Feeding Centre is a project designed for poor people –   a warm meal is offered each day.  Every week, Monday to Friday lunch is served to 250 beneficiaries also food is delivered to 20 elderly disabled folk.  A day care facility offers hope for the future to 100 disadvantaged children.  They receive social and medical assistance; breakfast, snacks and lunch.  We know it is impossible to meet every need but we can offer little knowing it will be much when God is in it.  Before leaving the airport for home, yes my telephone rang …..  ‘Shirley, you need to see this, you need to come, is there any way we can …..’ Hamilton, please just come home, we will sort’   You know his heart too well, his love and compassion for the lost and dying.  ‘PEOPLE DO NEED THE LORD’.  BUT THEY NEED SOMEONE TO CARE.

Still Waters  Psalm 23:’He leadeth me beside Still Waters, He restoreth…..’There are times when stillness is much better than background noise.  Tell Romania will have from January 2019 the facility to offer a place of rest and respite to those in need of time apart. A time to be alone with the Great Shepherd who will lead you into green pastures through your times of mediation with Him.  A place filled with peace for those experiencing the trauma of physical emotion or spiritual brokenness.  Situated on a private site in the beautiful scenic area of Portstewart, with wheelchair access, it is a place of relaxation, recovery and renewal and will primarily be used to minister to Romanian Christian workers and the needy who will come for a short visit.  A walk from the shadow of life into the Sunshine of His grace. Please pray for this venture of faith that lives will be restored and come to know a personal experience of the words:
‘BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD’

Shirley,

How can I express my inner feeling?  My mind, the very core of my heart is filled with emotion.  Today I am experiencing deep pain,  yet one filled with peace knowing that in my sadness God is sovereign and He is in control.  I identify with the psalmist when he writes: ‘As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God’.  
My pain is intertwined with joy; pain upon hearing my beloved Denisa has lost her battle with Leukaemia,  yet joy in knowing and loving her during the past six years.  Many of you have come to know Denisa through my blogs.  Words would be inadequate to express her fight for life; a young medical student with the hope of one day becoming a doctor to specialise in this field.  I was captivated by her sweet nature and personality as she threw out a net of love to all who knew her.  I have many memories of days we spent together, but one memory as she ran to meet me after finishing university for the day is engraved in my heart.  She was never downcast, always positive, flying to USA during the summer to seek further medical advice. She never gave up, rather kept on giving.
Her mother Lilianna was her constant companion. The depth of loss today is unimaginable; Denisa was her only child.  Denisa will be remembered by me personally for the great things she achieved in the memories of a heart that gave with great love if only for a short season. How soon Denisa’s season has passed.   
Lilianna, it is by faith we understand the reason why. I pray the Lord will be gracious to you and that as you wait in the quietness of your aching heart, He will minister unto you with His unfailing love. 
Shirley, 08 September, 2018
 

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’ 
The secret of His presence has been my dwelling place during these hours as I have waited on news from Estera.   Slow drops of peace filled my cup accompanied by unlimited resources assuring me that the One who created such perfection of beauty in the earth, whose riches are unmeasurable, His blessings (even in times of distress) are mine for the taking. I have all I need ‘In Him’.
Encouraging news has been received regarding the Toma sisters.  God has been watching over them and they are slowly recovering; there is no danger regarding their lives.  One girl has been transferred from ICU and the other girl will be transferring to a ward within days.  The third sister who had her foot amputated is in a lot of pain even though on strong medication.
The heart of a father, a mother.  My own heart longs to reach out and touch this precious couple.  Their children are all in different hospitals (100 miles apart).  The mother remains at home to care for her son who has been in a coma for one year.  The father is with the youngest daughter in Timisora and the other sister who lost her foot is being cared for by a cousin.
A Romanian family in crisis, a family who are attending a Pentecostal church.    Things are very difficult for them and they need much prayer. They have expenses regarding travel and accommodation.  A greater need is the necessity of a PROSTHESIS for their daughter whose young life has been changed in a second.
Thank you for joining Tell Romania in prayer for these precious children.   Five little lambs from one family need our love and prayers.
I plan in the will of the Lord to personally visit this family in October – please pray this will be possible
Shirley 31 July, 2018
‘In the silences I make in the midst of the turmoil of life I have appointments with God.  From these silences I come forth with spirit refreshed, and with a renewed sense of power.  I hear a voice in the silences, and become increasingly aware that it is the voice of God’.
David Brainerd.
 
 

My Romanian friend Estera and I share a wonderful bond.  We are One in our love for ‘These My Little Ones.’ Our visits are special; we laugh together and we cry together. Our hearts hurt at times and today is one of those days. I have just received the most dreadful news.

(Image for illustration purposes only)

Estera organised the Emanuel Hospice Summer Camp – the current group were children who are very sick or who have gone through personal grief or who have parents or siblings who are terminally ill.   Four sisters from the Toma family, who are part of my Feeding Programme, enjoyed this past week in the mountains and were returning home last evening.
Everyone arrived safely in Oradea and the sisters were eagerly walking to the bus station longing to see their brother who had been hit by a car last year. Since then he has remained in a coma at home. No hospital care for him!
Suddenly out of nowhere a driver came up on the sidewalk at full speed and hit all four girls.  Full details are still not available but one girl is in intensive care in a hospital in Oradea and another girl is in intensive care in a hospital in Timisoara, a hundred miles away. A third sister, an eleven-year-old, has had her leg amputated and will be hospitalised for approximately one month.
There are no words, the needs are endless.  We cannot comprehend the reason why but we place our tears, our hurting heart with the One who knows the end from the beginning.
I love these children; I love the family God has so gracious given to me.  Please join with me in prayer, holding these precious little darlings in your hearts.  They are already in the hollow of His hand.
Shirley

Turning the key in the door, no familiar ‘Hello’ could be heard, instead quietness.   The only sound I heard was that of the clock in the entrance hall striking 1 pm.   Yes 42 B will be a lonely place for the next ten days.  As my husband turned and waved ‘Goodbye’ entering Belfast International Airport, emotion filled my heart; again I cannot go to the land I love, again I am alone.   Enough Shirley, a hot cup of coffee perhaps?
As I sipped my coffee, I began to count my blessings. God’s provision for us as a couple, the blessings we can find by being involved in human relationships, young or old.  Friendship; Kindness; Serving in love ….. My thoughts turned to Da Da, so young yet longing for someone just to listen.  A quiet and timid little girl who has encountered so much ‘silent suffering’ in her five years, she is very sick. Andrada was diagnosed with leukaemia at an early age and recently underwent a bone marrow transplant – she has relapsed and is back in Timisoara where they hope to repeat the procedure with her mother being the donor – the comparability is only 50%.  We all like to be comforted when alone or just to be understood, so what can I give to this little darling whose smile still lives in my heart as we played last summer with play doh. I can give my heart in prayer, comfort and in faith that He who said ‘Suffer the little ones to come … will come beside Da Da and hold her hand during these next frightening days in the life of a five year old.
Kevin has now commenced his three months of preparation for the first of many surgeries to correct his twisted legs and feet. He too has an amazing smile and sent a picture to the lady in Ireland proudly displaying both legs in plaster cast, complete with air planes, trains, cars drawn on them.  A nine year old boy who has known nothing only one terminal illness after another, yet he continues to smile.  Can we walk together, committing ourselves in prayer for these two little ones?
Emanuel Hospice Summer Camp commences on Monday. Estera is planning to call with Dr. Moore before leaving for the mountains.  Many children will attend, excited as they arrive in a bus!  A first for many.  The children are comprised of sick children, their siblings, children who have a parent or brother/sister with advanced cancer.  The loneliness of many hurting hearts, please pray each child will feel special and feel the love and compassion of this amazing team.  Tell Romania are privileged to walk beside the work of Emanuel Hospice and Casa Grace ministries.  We are one ‘In Him’.
The lives we touch know only sadness, their days are filled with doubt, fear.  Their hearts are longing for love, interludes of assurance. Love has a tremendous drawing power, it attracts people your way.  Let us love with all of our heart entrusting ‘ALL’ into His care and keeping.
I leave you this thought from Elisabeth Elliott : ‘If all struggles and sufferings were eliminated, the spirit would no more reach maturity than would the child’.    
Shirley, 21 July, 2018 
A Personal Request:
Please remember my husband on this extensive mission trip.   He has heard the call and is endeavouring to go in His name knowing that there is a simplicity in God’s  plan.   We both hold fast to God’s promise for the various works in Romania, Budapest, Bucharest, Moldova …..
As a wife, I pray these days will be special days of illumination and challenge, knowing that the One who calls us – remembers us.
 

Shirley received this wonderful newsletter today from Monika in Romania and wants to share it on her blog. Thank you for praying for this ministry.
CASA Grace – july 2018

 Isaiah 28: 28 ‘Grain must be ground to make bread’ 

1. R. Miller writes: ‘Many of us cannot be used as food for the world’s hunger, because we have yet to be broken in Christ’s hands. “Grain must be ground to make bread”, and being a blessing of His often required sorrow on our part.  Yet even sorrow is not too high a price to pay for the privilege of touching other lives with Christ’s blessings.  The things that are most precious to us today have come to us through tears and pain’.

As I sat quietly musing on these words I wondered how much I knew or had experienced grinding or  brokenness or the changing scenes of life, atmospheres that drive so many lives into the depths of despair?  Every walk of life differs one from the other. I was alone with my thoughts and seemed to remain quiet for a long time – I am sensitive to the change in my own life yet driven with a peace I have never experienced before.  There is an awareness I need to be emptied of self and filled with a burning desire to serve, knowing that whatever the Lord may require, I am safe, secure; that in the stillness He is moulding me into a vessel of His choice. ‘He leadeth me beside the waters of quietness’. Psalm 23: 2. I brought to mind the spiritual giants who knew the secret of contentment in all circumstances. I may not have been stoned, beaten, bruised, forsaken … but I knew the pain of loss and the deafening silence of being ‘alone’.
Many sit behind a closed door and it is winter in their lives in and out of season – there is a constant desert place rooted deep within.   A desert of grief, troubled mind, sickness … Many bury the thorns of life in their broken heart. They have no sunshine in their garden of life. Love can be given quietly, discretely and so I want to ‘tip toe’ into the lives of those whose rose petals fall to the ground and are crushed.
‘Lord, I will’;  ‘Lord I would, but…’. The Shepherd must go before me and I need to stop pushing ahead.   Slow steps in quietness for He has promised that He wilt keep in ‘perfect peace whose mind…’  Have I displayed an act of devotion, compassion for others as found in the heart of my faithful Shepherd? Oswald Chambers penned: ‘ I have not done what I could until I have done the same’. 
‘Still Waters’ is a new development within Tell Romania.  A place where primarily souls from Romania can be soothed as they feel and know our love as the dew found on a morning rose. A new Pemberton Rivington Caravan (Portstewart) is being fully equipped to be a quiet place of renewal and recovery.  Our Lord is always thinking of our needs. My prayer is that everyone we touch here at home or travelling from Romania will know that all they need can be found ‘In Him’. Their cares should be mine; their sorrows should be mine.  Support us in prayer in this new outreach. Will you walk this new path with me and know the true meaning of the words found in Matthew 17: 27 ‘For Me and Thee’. Turn the key of prayer with me to this new door of service. 
The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love’.  C.A. Fox  
The Lord Jesus commanded us to serve one another.  As I think of His humility, I think of those I love in the land of my adoption whose faces came before me as I read Daria’s words. ‘Sister Shirley, everyone who knows you asks me about you; Nelu’s family is saying Hello …’    David is continuing his treatment and his tumour seems smaller, the C T Scan is scheduled for October.  Oh how I miss my friends.  Only 13% is covered by the Health Insurance House in Romania for the work of Emanuel Hospice yet this vision has remained a reality for twenty two years.
Many of you have been praying for little Kevin (9) both legs/feet twisted, with doctors offering no hope of Kevin becoming a ‘normal boy’. After nine years a new doctor in another town is hoping to improve his condition.  Kevin will wear a cast on each leg for the next three months. Many surgeries will follow.  Remember my little friend who shouted as I left ‘Lady will you come back and see me?’  I hope I will!
Simona (37) advanced throat cancer with a beautiful little girl (Dora (3).  Pray with us as a  team that the Lord will open Simona’s heart to His wonderful gift of salvation. Pray for little Dora who is very fearful, Thankfully two volunteers spend time with her but there is a greater need in this family.
Summer Camp for Casa Grace and Emanuel Hospice is approaching – pray as the terminally ill, orphans, disabled and abandoned children receive love and care that they will feel safe and special.
Whisper Denisa and Adam in your prayers just now. – There is strength to be found in waiting.
Shirley 5 July 2018