Open hands

These past few days I have been in a dark and lonely place, seeing first hand the darkness of situations I cannot control. It has taken hold of me, especially when I see the smile of welcome even in their personal desert place. Being realistic it is the most loving environment imaginable; their resilience touches my heart as they hold you tightly and whisper ‘Multumesc’ (Thank You). For some, (young and old), time is limited and so every second, every moment is cherished. Two young siblings asked if I would send a picture of their Mum (taken on a recent visit). I knew the reason why and found this small request incredibly humbling. I was privileged to share in the Hospice Christmas chapel with Marinela and her dedicated team. It has been a difficult year as they have lost 145 patients, I could see the pain on their faces and feel the burden in their heart. They attended the funeral of Sister Aurora on Friday (mentioned in an earlier blog) and were attending the funeral service of Sister Helena, a member of Emanuel Baptist Church after chapel. It is an amazing work they do as Unto the Lord, but the road they travel is difficult.

As I listened to my husband preach in the village church of Hidshel de sus, one of his points was not just facing but climbing ‘our personal mountain’ making reference to Sir Edmund Hilary (1953). My thoughts turned immediately to the highly treasured memory of our beloved friend Pastor Filip Faragau who shared these words shortly before his ‘Home Call’ in August.

Sometimes it takes a mountain
Sometimes a troubled sea
Sometimes it takes a desert
To get a hold of me

Your Love is so much stronger
Than whatever troubles me
Sometimes it takes a mountain
To trust you and believe

Violeta, is facing her mountain this Christmas without her beloved Filip; Emanuela, facing the same mountain without her beloved Andrei called home only a few short weeks ago, yet her sadness is mingled with joy awaiting the birth of their firstborn child. Abigail’s little ones (5 & 4) asking ‘Is Daddy coming home this Christmas?’ Please remember these young widows who have never faced such high peaks, such high mountains before; whisper their names in prayer. The Apostle Mark gives us a glimpse of our Lord who was so ‘moved with compassion’ that He and He alone made it possible to feed the five thousand. What a privilege is ours to embrace, to face the joys and challenges of ‘others’ as if they were our own. ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep’ (Rom: 12v15).

I have had my own personal mountain this trip. I confess there were times I wanted to ‘run and hide’. For two days I struggled with my emotions still asking the same question ‘Lord why so much pain?’ I refer to the psalmist David, ‘I waited for the Lord to help me out of my pit of despair’. And so as I waited, I felt the arms of grace gently lift the heaviness from my heart, replacing it with trust and a renewed commitment, assured that God is God enough for every mountain and even in His greatness He has time for the humble. My life is but a moment in time; how will people remember me? What legacy, what evidence will bear my name? May I have the courage and perseverance as in the words of Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), ‘I must do, not what I must know. What matters is to find a purpose, to see what it really is that God wills that I should do’. These brothers, sisters, little ones, have become my life; may my words be life to them as I visit the homes of Emanuel Hospice patients.

It was minus 9, heavy fog, frost, snow as Estera and I drove to the village of Mihai Bravo, for my final visit on this mission trip. Lorena’s Mum came running to meet us (no coat), so glad we had TIME and in her words ‘just for me’. Her husband is unsupportive in unimaginable circumstances. She struggles each day with what I have found to be the saddest situation I have ever encountered on my home visits. Her brother is very attentive, always helping, chopping wood and the Lord has sent support from Christian families who live close by. As I entered the darkened room, where the whole family reside, there in the corner of a bed lay an almost invisible figure, little Lorena who is thirteen, unable to speak or eat and whose little body is wasting away. I lay on the bed beside her, stroking her hair and she opened her eyes and tried to make a sound. Her mum wept with joy, just to hear a sound from her little girl who was a normal child playing in the village until four months ago.

From January to December 2017, Tell Romania pledge another year of service to Emanuel Hospice, Casa Grace Foundation and Child Life Romania, (All ministries associated with Emanuel Baptist Church, Oradea). The urgent needs are Monthly Food Parcels; Medicines; Finance for Medical Treatments/Scans. Winter in Romania is cold; my heart ached as I visited a terminally ill lady, watching her try to find warmth from a tiny flicker of a flame. She was burning a sawdust block as a substitute for wood. ‘I have no money for food so how can I buy wood to burn?’

Pastor David McFarland is a highly esteemed friend, who also manages our online ministry. David added this link to our poster on a recent blog.

Shirley has designed a poster that includes photos of those mentioned in the blog (used with permission from families and Casa Grace). To download and print follow this link or access it on the TellRomania web site. Perhaps you can use it on your church notice-board. Shirley has a larger version (A3) of the poster available ready printed. Please contact her directly if you can use one. Thank you.

If you feel God is directing you to help meet this need, please forward a cheque made payable to HAMILTON AND SHIRLEY MOORE.  Direct Debit details available also.

£15 per month will help one family each month. 

I close with the words of the prophet Elijah: ‘Please bring me a cup of water and bring me a bite of bread too.’ We know there will always be plenty when we ‘Give With Our Heart’ as ‘Unto Him’. Four days to Christmas; I know the gift I will lay at His feet. What gift will you bring? Please, (I ask) help make a difference.

Shirley, 21 December 2017.

(Picture L to R: Dora, Shirley, Monika (Director, Casa Grace)

As I entered the Orphanage building in Oradea this morning, two tiny hands were outstretched running toward me.   ‘Mama’, ‘Mama’. Yes, he recognised me from my previous visits, one little lamb who has entered my heart.   I am unsure when he will celebrate his 2nd birthday but I do know his life expectancy is very short. As I held him, played with him, I thought of the Lamb of Christmas, Heaven’s Lamb, there was NO ROOM for Him. For this little darling, one of the abandoned babies, a little stranger to me, for him also, NO ROOM. My heart cannot turn away.

Sister Dora has been working with Kingdom Kids for twenty years in the Orphanage building, where ninety disabled children attend for therapy. The abandoned babies are very sick and they live permanently behind doors at the end of one of the corridors. I enjoyed talking with Dora as she shared many stories with me. One example: A man (still with the mind of a child) raised all of his life in a State Institution (where before the Revolution conditions were unspeakable); he is unsure of his age but thinks he may be forty. Knocking on Dora’s door, clutching a note for Santa ‘Please can you send this for me?’ His request for Christmas was Chips, Coke in a glass, oh yes ‘I would like a hat to keep me warm’.   No one ever loved him, cradled him, clothed him, cared for him, yet out of one single act of kindness by taking him (on a therapy visit) to MacDonald’s, now all he wants for Christmas are chips and coke in a glass. How can I understand? I cannot. But I can rest this case and the many others in the loving hands that will always be outstretched ‘for one of the least of these my …’

We all love to receive a gift wrapped with a red Christmas bow. The secret of joy in giving is giving with our hearts. The spirit in my heart was certainly joy, I lived the moment. A gift of a CD Player for the Abandoned Baby Wing in the Orphanage and special medical items for another little lamb confined to a cot at all times came from a loving family back in Northern Ireland. Isn’t it great to know these little lambs will have music as they lie so still, so very sick. Praise the Lord, the Gift Goes On. The most precious gift we have been given is the gift of the Babe of Bethlehem.

Shirley, 19 December 2016.

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

‘if I were …’ ‘I would …’ One thing ‘I can’ I CAN GIVE HIM MY HEART.

Estera and I travelled to Beius ‘In the bleak midwinter’ the snow had come and the frosty winds added colour to our cheeks. As we drove (yes another eventful journey) I silently prayed ‘Lord always let there be room in my heart for Thee, but also for others’.

I thought of the hundreds, thousands of lonely people in this world, and for them Christmas is another day alone. I began to count my blessings given daily from His hand; my friends who take time to write a handful on purpose just when needed.   My friend Barbara wrote to me this morning and I quote:

I was reading some reflections by Timothy Keller this morning and thought of you and the dear brothers and sisters in Romania. They were on Psalm 138. It is people without resources who know best the lavishness of God’s love. Self sufficient people don’t go to God with the same desperation and so never discover his love and his power on their behalf. Our culture calls for self assertion but we know the need of his upholding strength.

As I closed the door of 205 behind me I made my way (slipping and sliding) to the car knowing in my heart others were standing beside me; I was not alone. One of the principles of love is compassion and my heart is filled with so much compassion for my Little Ella. Estera and I shared the privilege of caring, giving, loving and how it impacts our lives in our times of private devotion and worship, in our alone time with God.

We had chatted so much we were soon at our destination, yes those challenging, endless stone steps. Half way up a little voice was heard from behind, ‘Sister Shirley, I need to rest’. I felt good even at my age I could keep climbing. Angelina heard the laughing on the stairs and came to meet us; then like a whirlwind Ella flew down the steps clutching two hand made christmas decorations for her ‘friends’. I know many of you have asked me to ‘Hug’ Ella for you; well I lost count of the hugs received and this was before entering the apartment. We were ushered straight into the kitchen (Angelina couldn’t wait). Wow! Overjoyed and thrilled to display her new cooker and the limited space for the made to measure sink unit. Through her tears she said ‘Now, we are and look like a normal family’. What a statement! God delights in kindness; we see it and recognise it in His nature. ‘Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness…’ Jer 9: 24. We delight His heart when we give of ourselves to others.

Ella’s joy could not be contained as she opened her beautiful watch sent from a loving family in Northern Ireland. ‘It is very beautiful, thank you’. ‘A beautiful watch for a beautiful princess’ was my reply. Her condition remains unchanged. One of her teachers was calling for 1 hour schooling after our visit as she is facing important examinations in January. Her brother Aurlian is poorly just now and was looking quite sickly today, suffering a lot of pain and discomfort. My heart warmed as Ella told me, ‘I have no friends but Aurlian is my best friend, then my brother and I am his best friend and then his sister’. The words of a child touched my heart. I asked if I may enter the adjoining room to speak with her father Lazar. He smiled as I took him by the hand and said ‘let me raise you up and we can talk together’, even though he was unable to communicate, his smile said all I needed to know.

The Heart of Jesus displays simple acts of kindness. Lord, may I have the strength, wisdom, grace required to show your love and compassion in my limitations of kindness.

As we left, Angelina said, ‘Please give my love and thanks to this couple from Irlande De Nord for giving to us their heart this Christmas’. Aurlian walked us to the car and there was joy on his face to receive a shoebox even at twenty six years of age. Also for him it was Christmas in his heart.

Love has many languages, let us never stop talking.

Shirley, 15 December 2017

Flakes of snow covered my hair, snow in Oradea at this time of year? Yes, suddenly the fog, frost and chilly winds had changed to a beautiful winter scene.   As I write this short ‘blog’ the coldness and darkness of the night is but a distant memory for the memory in my heart is ‘Dora’. My afternoon with her was indeed ‘Christmas in my heart’.

I smiled as I entered the small kitchen where Dora sits at her table for Christmas had already happened in her little heart. She waited eagerly for her special ‘gifts’ from her friends in Northern Ireland. As I kneeled beside her, stroking her hair, I was hugged and told over and over again ‘I love you, you are my friend’. Dora is like a rose tree blooming in innocence. Monika and I placed the large Santa Bag on her ‘very tidy’ table area and as she began to look inside; the joy, delight and happiness given to this precious jewel was priceless. She kissed her Biblia then her watch, thought for a moment then asked her father ‘Dada can I wear this watch in the shower and in bed? Dada advised wisely. Then came the puzzle, crayons and books ‘now I have my very own puzzle and books, I am a happy girl and I want to thank the Lord for giving Dora these gifts’. As we prayed together I thought no sunbeam, bird or flower could give me greater pleasure just now; I am richer in knowing Dora.

Dora has many health problems combined with her disability; John struggles to pay for medication for her heart, kidney, liver and diabetes conditions; he has dedicated his life to his daughter. One can’t help but notice the sense of peace in this humble home; it is indeed a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.

I could see Dora was becoming tired, and went to fetch my coat.   Dora said ‘Shirley do you really have to leave now?’ I knew it was, even though it broke my heart. Dora has become very special to me; if I can fill her life just a little with love then I am the one who is blessed.   ‘Please come for my birthday, I will have a cake for you if you come’. How can I refuse? Flights are already booked to ensure we will all sing ‘Happy Birthday’ together. Dora will be 30.

Tomorrow another special little girl will be blessed, my ‘Little Ella’. Estera and I leave early to travel to Beius, we will buy a cooker and sink unit. This family will know Christmas in their hearts through the love and support shown by a couple back in Northern Ireland.

Please pray for our ongoing ministry. ‘In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these you have ………..’

Shirley 14 December 2016.

‘Men shall be blessed in Him: all nations shall call Him blessed’ Psalm 72: 17.

Why does the chilling winter’s morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn,
Thus, on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:
‘Tis He is born, whose quickening birth
Gives life and lustre, public mirth,
To heaven, and the under-earth.

We see Him come, and know Him ours,
Who, with His sunshine and His showers,
Turns all the patient ground to flowers.
The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome Him. The nobler part
Of all the house here, is the heart.

Music by John Rutter
 Lyrics by Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

The cloud formation was amazing on our flight across.  The sky was completely covered with the most delicate and beautiful ‘floating formation’ and as we soared to the heights, my thoughts turned to the Creator and Ruler of all things:  ‘Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed’.    Our prayer this mission trip: ‘To bless and be blessed’.  Since our arrival in Emanuel (very late Monday night), every minute, every hour has been so clearly marked within our different roles, we can truly say: ‘I being in the way the Lord led’.

The students of Emanuel University are filled with the joy of Christmas, seeking to bless and be a blessing in the many and varied events throughout December.  The  Chocolate Season; Emanuel University Christmas Concert;  Churches uniting for a time of Christmas Worship; Students travelling around  homes and villages of Hospice Patients, Children’s Hospitals, to remove the darkness in many lives praying that they might see the light of life, Heaven’s Lamb;  Casa Grace busy delivering Christmas Shoe Boxes around hundreds of poverty stricken homes.  Through our time, a thoughtful gesture, an act of kindness, a loving glance, we too can be a blessing.  Blessings abound where’er HE reigns and if we seek to bless and be a blessing the weary will find rest,  respite from their sadness and sorrow.

Christmas is a blessed time of year, I keep  reading ‘We see Him come, and know Him ours.  Who, with His sunshine and His showers, Turns all the patient ground to flowers’.  Yes, sunshine for some this Christmas, yet for many, showers.   Daria (Hospice Psychologist)  called on Wednesday to share lunch and request if I would extend my Hospice Home Visits to ‘special case’ adult patients.  The following day we visited Sisters Arora, Elizabeth and Doreena.  In a few days, I will share my heart with you, just now I find it difficult to put into words, simply because I cannot say to these precious Sisters or their little ones  ‘Merry Christmas’ or as in Romania ‘Craciun Fericit’.

Estera (Hospice Social Worker) called and we have planned our timetable of visits for the next three weeks. Estera and I smile each time we travel to Beius;  it is a long journey and eventful.  On this occasion our hearts will be filled with joy, before visiting Ella we will purchase a new cooker and sink unit.  Imagine the joy and excitement when the working kitchen is finally finished, as this will be Angelina’s first cooker (the picnic stove will not be required this Christmas). The Lord touched the hearts of a couple in Northern Ireland and they certainly have blessed and been a blessing to this family. Denisa plans to call with me this week (in between classes);  what a difference for this young lady when we reflect on last Christmas.  Your names will  never be forgotten by those you have blessed and so on their behalf I convey their love and thanks to those of you who faithfully prayed.  Your blessing was given unsparingly.   

Dr. Moore has been extremely busy lecturing in the Masters programme this week, continuing his writing on the Book of Galatians ‘Glory In The Cross’, preaching in a village church on Sunday.  Next week commences with Radio Voice of the Gospel and School of Practical Theology.  Retirement?  Methinks not! Rather Retyrement!

Monika has made arrangements for me to visit  the children from the Orphanage, Disabled and Abandoned Departments  and yes I am meeting Dora on Tuesday afternoon (I can’t wait) but first I must buy the largest set of crayons I can find with a matching colouring book and of course a much longed for puzzle.

Special gifts have also been sent from Northern Ireland for Ella, Denisa and Dora,  Blessing in abundance.    My personal blessing has been seeing ‘My Girls’ again – all calling at 205 and ‘curling up’ on the settee, our time to share together and pray together.   They know they are loved and close to my heart.

What sweeter music can I bring?  If I can offer only one prayer, Lord may it be one of ‘Thanksgiving’.

Shirley, 10 December, 2016

Another year will soon be passed and I am reminded ‘The things which cannot be shaken may remain’.  (Hebrews 12: 27).   Nations crumble, economies shatter, whatever my loss has or may be, He will remain.   My heritage is rich and my portion blest.

Is it really December?  Christmas Cards arriving already?  I smiled thinking (to myself) ‘Christmas will be somewhat different for “The Moore’s” this year,  but as we prepare, within our hearts, we are going home’.  Home to perhaps a land of barrenness, desolation, poverty, illness, but in faith, in confidence,  we go in His name knowing that He will bring forth fruit in His season. I long to see those precious to me in Romania; I miss my times with them and thank those of you whose hearts the Lord touched in sending love gifts to the Orphaned, Disabled, Abandoned and Terminally Ill Children.

Dr. Moore is busy writing his third book based on Galatians, entitled ‘Glory In The Cross’.  In my own private reading this morning Chapter 2: 10 contained three words that gave me the assurance needed personally just now ‘REMEMBER THE POOR’.

Questions filled my heart: ‘Why are some of His children poor?’  All hearts are in His control and so in the ‘Give With Your Heart’ Appeal we will have the privilege to show our love – ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me’.

My friend Lorna (Omagh Baptist Church) sent a beautiful card today: I quote: ‘Stretching smiles where there had hung only frowns.  Placing twinkles where there were only tears.  Hanging a bright star in a dark sky.  Arching rainbows in the midst of thunderclouds’.

Remember us as we minister within our different roles that we (as one of old) MAY BE A BLESSING.

Shirley

Romania, once known as ‘the bread basket of Europe’ is a land filled with great suffering and pain. The once fertile ground lies barren and dry; the fields are ‘Empty Fields’.

A legacy of control resulted in thousands of orphans, children desperate to survive, many dying from disease and exposure. Winter in Romania is severe with cruel consequences.   Sister Monika Mahr, Director of Casa Grace, (another ministry of Emanuel Baptist Church) leads by example. Her tenderness, love and devotion captivated my heart, challenging me to go where I never would have dared. Broken lives forsaken and alone, bound to a life of hopeless despair. Abandoned babies unwanted and unloved. Orphaned teenagers searching for a place of shelter longing for a place to call ‘home’. Disabled children needing to feel secure in the arms of love, the giving of our heart, a few moments of our time to whisper ‘I Love You’ is all they ask.

Casa Grace offer three arms of outreach:

Ninety families (within a 60km radius) receive support for two years. The circumstances of each family is evaluated and after a personal assessment by Cornelia (Social Worker) a monthly food provision is available for thirty families, material and financial assistance is implemented where required and carefully monitored monthly. Personal counselling, social, educational and parenting courses and support groups are included in this service.

Vocational Training offer skills in tailoring or computing, specially designed for those with no formal qualifications, the unemployed, assuring them their hope of a better future is achievable.

Kingdom Kids works with Orphans and Disabled Children aiming to improve their quality of life, fulfil their affection and emotional needs. Sister Dora works with each child (thirty minute therapy class), helping them discover and recover their own specific psychological deficiencies. The staff of Casa Grace reaches out in love to those who are desperate in this land of outcasts and strangers, unloved, unwanted, lives stricken by poverty and illness.

Through my brokenness I have gained peace knowing that the best bread I can give is ‘The Bread of Life’. Passion and Compassion can weave my heart as to that of the widow of Zarephath. She gave to a stranger and from very little. But what provision, what blessing resulted in her obedience to God.

In you I rest, in You I found my hope, In you I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within your hands alone, Be still, my soul

Being ‘REAL’ in our relationship with others makes a difference!

James emphasises this by asking: ‘Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do’ (James 2: 18).

My prayer as I reach out and touch lives is that my faithfulness to the gospel may be visible. Some memories already lodged in my heart: The lorry finally arrived in the darkness of a torrential rain storm, a difficult task in ‘sorting’. A treasured friend keeps reminding me ‘Shirley, measure twice, cut once’.   And so the following morning Monika and I went to Casa Grace to ensure all designated items had reached their destination. As I entered the building an elderly gentleman sat patiently waiting for the I T class to begin. I extended my hand in greeting, ‘Buna Dimineata’, (good morning) a smile filled his face and I was aware of a very special grace as he replied (in broken English) ‘my name is John’.

I was to learn John’s wife died from cancer twenty-three years ago leaving him to care for his daughter Dora who is now thirty.  Dora has no coordination skills or control and requires twenty-four hour care – bathing, dressing, feeding. Their low income makes it impossible for John to purchase extras (vital items) diapers, creams to prevent nappy rash; these take priority over food, rent, utility bills. FOOD is a luxury.

John touched my heart. I wondered why an elderly gentleman was attending an I T course? I knew he had previously enrolled in the Sewing Class of Casa Grace and completed his six month training course. This was to enable him to sew for neighbours to obtain small amounts of money to buy food and the necessary requirements. He enrolled in I T to learn how to go ‘on line’ at Emanuel Baptist Church in Oradea (where he is a member) so that Dora could listen to the services as it is impossible for her to be taken on long journeys.

I longed to meet Dora and so arrangements were made for me to visit their home which is quite close to the University Campus.   The memory of my afternoon with Dora will live in my heart. Dora knew I was coming and when she heard my footsteps shouted from the small room, ‘Dora is in here, Dora is in here’. ‘I know, I am coming’, I replied. Dora loves to talk about her books, crayons and just loves ‘hugs’, she is adorable.

God made a way where there was no way. Dada (as she affectionately calls him) had no means of taking Dora outside. Lorry 13 contained one wheelchair (donated by a gentleman in Limavady Baptist Church), this is ‘Amazing Grace’. John knows the secret of ‘a very special grace in times of trouble, a very special grace to see him through, a very special grace to heal his heartache’. I was the one who came away blessed that afternoon or as my husband asked last Sunday evening while preaching in Mierleu ‘Did I go out the way I came in?’ Methinks not!

Monika just called ‘Sister Shirley, I must tell you this before you leave, John was attending his I T class and told us every morning Dora ends her prayers by saying ‘Lord, thank you for my sweeties to-day’. A few minutes later she asks ‘Dada what time to-day for my sweetie?’. How can I ever be the same? Dora has reached and touched my heart.

Another day, another challenge!

A single Mum, (possibly early thirties) and two beautiful children with the darkest eyes I have ever seen. They reside in a rented bedsit, basically, one room only, the space so confined there is no room to play, but this is the only accommodation they can afford, it is warm, cosy and better than walking the cold, lonely streets of Romania.   Yet as I talked to the children I detected a sadness in their quiet, childlike answers. Yes, a tiny room lacking the many comforts of this life yet filled to capacity and overflowing with love.

It is difficult to find work, suitable hours – these two little lambs are her life, no sacrifice, no price to high for she loves to the utmost.   Her monthly income for the entire family is £173.00 = £39.93 per week for three people. How could she manage to send her children to school? Friends paid for the children to attend school but the utility bills – heat, light, water kept increasing resulting in large debts. Food again a luxury. A decision had to be made and so in January 2015 they came to Casa Grace – yes ‘The House of Grace’. After a personal assessment they received help in accordance with her social conditions. Receiving food, hygiene, used clothing and help with other needs as required. Their two years will soon end. 

It is getting late and darkness falls suddenly in Romania, but I have one more visit: N0, not another story BUT reality. Another single Mum (thirty-one). Is it one, two or three children I see? Yes, three. The oldest a girl of ten and two brothers aged eight and six.

The family of four rent a tiny room within a large house with many rooms. The kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared by every family residing in this towering block. Sister X came from an extremely poor family being one of sixteen children. Her life was difficult and she decided to leave in the hope of finding security and became involved with different partners.   Alcohol, lack of work, abuse, made it impossible for her to build a stable future. All three children have different fathers.

Longing for a better life than she had known, she did not want her children to grow up feeling unloved, unwanted and tried to keep her family together; but all her dreams, hopes, ambitions were in ashes, the future looked bleak and impossible. There was not enough food for one, two, certainly not five! No other choice could be made and although broken-hearted she had to send (as happened during the Communist years) her two oldest children (aged four and two) away from home to a Hungarian Orphanage many miles away where they lived permanently for SIX years only returning home at School holidays.

In June 2016, dysfunctional behavioural patterns became apparent in her two older children causing fears ‘what of the future?’ Distraught and in her distress Sister X decided to take her two children back home. All three children now attend the same school in Oradea. It is clear the six year separation deeply affected the children as they have fallen behind in their schooling. The youngest child devotes a lot of his ‘play time’ to help his older siblings with ‘homework’ (he was only a baby when his brother and sister were sent away from their home).

Their monthly income is very low, working from 6 am each morning cleaning stone stairs in different blocks of flats, carrying buckets of water up the steep staircases, her monthly salary is £175. Based on her salary and the State Allowance for the children, the total amount of income is £240 per month – for five people!

The price of love meant loss for a season, yet her gain is a greater love than she has ever known.

My final update from our six week Mission Trip. We leave Emanuel University at 4 am (your time) Friday morning. My writing has been from my heart, I have felt the pain, seen the need.   wrestled with my emotions as I have mingled tears with smiles.

The wise may bring their learning, the rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their greatness, and some bring strength and health
We too would bring our treasures to offer to the King.
We have no wealth or learning, what shall we children bring?

What shall we children bring? Some may have wealth, fame, or perhaps for some our fortune can be carried between two fingers. Two fingers? Yes, all she had was ‘two mites’ yet she loved so much, she gave. We have One who loved so much He gave.

Why A Feeding Programme Appeal for 2017?

A remote village, there in the corner of a humble home, a little girl of twelve lay very sick. Her tiny frame, almost invisible, lovingly watched by her brother. This ewe lamb is unable to speak, eat, her weight loss excessive, I thought my heart would break in two. My own silence was deafening as I questioned, why was I hesitating, was duty not calling? How great was my love, my zeal for God? Would I give? Give my heart?   What will be waiting on my return with next month’s food?

Cries of help from the starving, hungry and needy are knocking at our heart’s door; will you open? Will you give your heart to the homeless, the hurting? The dying?

 Please help TELL ROMANIA to give a portion of bread to the Children of Romania.

Shirley,

David here: Shirley has an A4 poster that includes photos of those mentioned in the blog (used with permission from families and Casa Grace. It is not suitable to insert into this blog but is added as an attachment to view, download and perhaps use on your church noticeboard. Thank you.

1 Corinthians 16v9 ‘For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries’.

Saturday 22^nd October I preached at the wedding of Nicu and Alexandra.   Nicu was formerly a student in Emanuel where I taught him on many occasions, a very able and humble young man, extremely gifted in music. Now assistant Pastor in a church in Bai Mare, preaching and working directly with the young people.

Men think weddings are long drawn out affairs in NI. Here in Romania it began at 2pm; eight Pastors preached (including myself) followed by a full musical programme. The meal was at 5-5.30pm which lasted late into the evening with many speeches. Pray for Nicu and Alexandra as they have begun married life. They will need help as they seek to find and make a home for themselves.

My writing of the commentary on Galatians for Romania continues.   It is very much needed, especially the teaching on salvation by grace and not through the law. Seventh Day Adventism is strong here. The work will be entitled ‘Glory in the Cross’ – with 6v14 the climax ‘God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…’ This is a vital emphasis needed in this land and in the UK as well. We can so easily be moved away from preaching that men are lost, preaching about the sinfulness of sin and that the only answer is in God’s initiative to remove his own wrath in the death of his son.

The first book, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus is now being prepared for publication by the Emanuel Printing House. It will take a little time to do this and then we look to the Lord to help us get it printed and offer it free to the Pastors.

Last Sunday we travelled to Mierlau, to the Baptist Church and yesterday were at Radio Voice of the Gospel to begin recordings for December and Christmas. We had a Research Forum on 1^st November but on Thursday (10^th) I will deliver a presentation at the International Conference along with Dr David Howard (Bethel University, USA) and Dr. Michael Haykin (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA – via a skype call), plus local Theology teachers. The theme of the Conference is on the Emanuel website ‘Missiological and Theological Themes: Challenges for the Twenty-First Century’. This weekend we travel to Cluj (the young pastor, Filip Faragau went home to heaven in August and we will meet with his widow Violeta and his father and mother, Beni and Nora); I am preaching on Sunday for Dr Marius Sabou in Betel Baptist.

We appreciated so much the help from Coleraine and elsewhere in loading the Romanian truck which came to the Ballymoney store. The lorry came to Oradea after we arrived with so many things that God knew were needed here (check Shirley’s blog). She continues to be used in so many personal situations, with Casa Grace (orphans) and in the homes of the Hospice care patients. Last night (Monday) she again met with ‘her girls’ for a meeting. (The Lord Jesus touched and changed so many lives as he met them personally – we his servants are open to follow his example).

Pray for us :

My presentation at the Conference on Thursday

Distribution of 1,000 books donated by ICM Lurgan at Pastor’s Conference next week in Emanuel.

Preaching in Cluj

Our contact with Male and Female Students

My writing of the commentary on Galatians

Shirley in her ongoing visits to the homes of Hospice patients, those under the care of Casa Grace, Disabled and Abandoned children, Child Life Romania.

Hamilton Moore. Tuesday 8^th November, 2016.

A gentle knock on the door of 205. ‘Is it too early Sister Shirley?’ Estera whispered. ‘I do not want to disturb Dr. Moore’ (who had been busy writing since 5 am your time back home).   As she stepped inside, we excitedly gathered all our packages together for my long awaited reunion with my precious treasure, Ella.

The road to Beius had improved slightly. Again it was a beautiful autumnal morning, the sunlight streaming through the car windows. A few roses still persisting to bloom in the hard grip of the soil. Shepherds guiding their sheep back into the safety of the fold. Immediately I thought of ‘Heaven’s Lamb’ and silently offered thanks with a grateful heart as I anticipated my day.

Soon the towering block of flats was in sight, Angelina was so overjoyed we had finally arrived, she waved furiously from the top window. Life is an adventure and so began another adventure (perhaps the word attempt would be more appropriate) climbing the eighteen flights of stone stairs to the ninth floor. Ella couldn’t wait, she ran outside displaying that amazing smile, hugging and kissing me until I could hardly breathe; her little face shone with such a radiance and her little heart was filled with so much joy. ‘I have waited for you, oh (and with a look I shall never forget) this is for you, I painted it especially for you,’ placing in my hand a beautiful signed work of art. Tears filled my eyes. Ella was discharged from hospital only yesterday and throughout the weeks of treatment, was still thinking of others! I cannot control the circumstances surrounding this very rare condition or the situations placed in this home but I can show the love of Christ, I can show Angelina that others care. Oh that I might know Him better, that my heart be like a watered garden filled with the fragrance of Him.

Angelia displays a very special grace as her husband Lazar is now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and her son, Aurlian (26) and Ella (16) have been diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency – a disease which leads to complications and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpra. Ella is in hospital twice each month and Aurlian once per month and their father is now confined to bed permanently. Ella is unable to attend school as she could Haemorrhage at any time, due to her extreme deficiencies, required blood transfusions. Normal schooling is not an option and so Ella receives one hour home schooling each week. (She also has been diagnosed with Osteoporosis.)

After a refreshing drink of spring water I asked if I may see the recent repairs. Through her sobs, Angelina told me she cannot believe a person, unknown to her, back in Northern Ireland, paid for these repairs, which has been life changing. Yet still in the corner was a two ring picnic stove measuring 18’ x 12; this is the cooker, the oven for this household of four! Hospital bills take priority over utility bills, yet one cannot help but notice, feel the apparent love, care one for the other in this humble home. What is the secret of His freshness? I quote:

‘The Way’, to reach the Inaccessible
‘The Truth’, the great Inscrutable to know
‘The Life’; And thus He opens up the eye
To see, the mind to grasp, the way to go.

Shirley, 03 November, 2016.

David writes: Shirley is facing such overwhelming needs in Romania at the present time. Hence so many posts close together – but these are only a fraction of the great challenges before them. Please pray for wisdom to know God’s leading and for resources to help meet these challenges. And if you have friends who are not on Facebook, please consider sharing the link to the web site news page http://tellromania.org/news.html. Thank you and God bless you.

‘A beautiful morning for the fall of the year’ I remarked to Estera as we walked to the Hospice Car. ‘It is cold Sister Shirley, there is a wind’ was her reply. But for me it was a beautiful morning; the trees displaying their golden regalia with dignity even in the midst of the many falling leaves, the crisp air filled my heart with sunshine as I thought silently of the differing seasons, so thankful in my heart that every season has a purpose ordered by the Hand of God.

Soon we arrived at the State University of Oradea; classes were over and many students hurriedly passed by. My eyes scanned the pavement, yet as I waited I thought of how the winter of our lives with rough winds and storms soon become spring, summer…

Suddenly there she was running towards us, wrapped warmly with coat and scarf, ‘It has been many months, I am so glad to see you’. My heart leapt as I remembered the winter in Denisa’s life now spring, summer.

Denisa was excited, she had so much to tell. Yes, we reflected on her fifteen months in Italy, her strength of character shining though her beautiful dark eyes.

She shared her fifteen months in Italy, endless tests, treatments, procedures, separated from a loving Mum and Dad, treasured hopes, dreams, ambitions. God has poured and endless ocean of love into the heart of this twenty three year old young lady, now filled with determination to complete her Medical studies. Denisa has now been accepted into the State University of Oradea where she has commenced her second year, her friends are now in fourth year yet she smiles and with a softness in her voice saying ‘I know I have another six years of study but I am determined to finish. I want to make a difference in the world of Haematology through my personal experience’.

God has pruned and prepared this heart to be a blessing.

An added joy was to learn that Denisa now resides close to Emanuel University. In order to attend the State University Denisa has had to leave her village and rent a small one room apartment in the centre of Oradea.  Lilianna (Denisa’s Mum) and Denisa visit alternate week-ends. It is lovely to feel the warmth of love as she talks of her Mum and the many sacrifices made and readily given on her behalf.

Isaiah 46:4. ‘I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you’.

Please continue to remember Denisa, whisper her name in prayer. She will continue to have regular appointments in Italy in the immediate future

‘How is Dr.Moore?’ she enquired leaving Esteria and I to the lift. ‘Call some evening and he will make you a cup of ‘Twinings’. We waved Good-Bye for now!

Shirley, 02 November 2016