Dear Friends
The Smiles Foundation has become a big family and as with any large, and indeed growing family, we seem to have more than our fair share of challenges and, at times, disappointments. However, we have learnt over several years in Smiles, that when the problems occur, we don’t always understand why or how? – Why us? Why now? How are we going to cope?
Through these anxieties, God has taught us that His Way is always better. His Plan will always succeed. His Changes will bring about improvement, progress and most importantly – ‘Fruit’ from all the labouring.
Comings and goings.......
We recall the concerns last year when Dr Ema left. The time was very disturbing for many – and yet our Medical Advisor, Dr Cathy Humphries, has just been to Romania and left so much more confident with Dr Claudia and Nurse Dana being able to take the Medical Project forward with renewed vision and effectiveness.
The concerns in November of staff leaving Gepiu left many very troubled over the future of the project and we were concerned with the confidence of the Gepiu people, the children and the old folk, who heard so much about loyalty and commitment, and yet people left – leaving the Gepiu community wondering what all the ‘words’ really meant. Finally, with the cause of the problems gone, Catalin & Lavinia resigned and Linda Rudderforth not returning to Gepiu or Smiles – we have seen God begin a new work – with new people. We hope and pray to be able to announce in the next few weeks a further major appointment that will truly ‘serve’ Gepiu and take the people forward, young and old, in their Walk with God.
Then in December, a further blow – Pastor Ovidiu needed to resign from Tileagd Community Church. Struggling with the demands of the ministry, we found his lack of experience and maturity made coping with the challenges simply beyond Ovidiu. Feeling drained, inadequate, lost for vision, there was no alternative for him than to resign. However, since mid-December, the Smiles team have pulled together well and amazing things are happening with the new ‘Ministry Team’ of Pastor Ilie, Marian, Maria and Kevin – all taking active roles in services, prayer meetings, bible classes and discipleship training. 
Already a new class is established with 6 members for those wanting to consider Baptism this year. Another 6 are in the Discipleship class, 7 have joined the ‘Literacy’ class so they can learn to read their Bible and a 4 strong new worship team are leading the congregation each Sunday.
Again – God has done the miracle and the Fruit is more evident through all the changes.
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One of the changes in the United Kingdom this past month was our DA for England & Wales – Anna Quelch – needing to resign due to family commitments. We are sorry to lose Anna as our DA but so thankful for all she has done and delighted with her commitment to continue supporting Smiles in her area as family commitments permit. |
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Also in March, Smiles will be holding the annual |
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It’s great to see bookings coming in for 2009 Mission Trips to Romania. In January, we had the High Sheriff of Essex team for a challenging, yet inspiring week. But March, April and May already have teams of 30+ booked each month at the Mission Centre and then the Summer begins! If you haven’t yet considered a Mission Trip this year – think ROMANIA now – think SMILES and get the information to get it BOOKED!! Further details...... We are also planning another Educational Challenge in Romania for May 24th – 28th. If you are in the Education Profession, come and explore the educational system Smiles shares with the under-privileged children of Tileagd and surrounding villages. A special opportunity that many have appreciated over the past two years. Check it out and make plans to Come!!! More details.... |
| As we have already mentioned, February is the UK Tour for the Tileagd Children’s Choir. An amazing schedule of 17 Concerts and 15 School presentations. That’s 32 engagements in 26 days. Pray for the Choir – Come to see them. You’ll love the presentation and you’ll learn lots about the work of The Smiles Foundation. Further details... Thank you for you interest and support. The Smiles Foundation |
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