Romania - Project hope
Reflections on our 10th Anniversary Visit by Andy Hammond
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I was pleased to be going back to Podari in Romania to renew our friendship with Costica, Gabi and Marian. This was to be a special visit for me as it was to celebrate ten years since we purchased the buildings in Podari and formed our charity Projectul Speranţă . I remember when we first saw the derelict buildings and as we stood amongst the rubble and rubbish at the entrance hall everyone present had confirmation in their spirit that this is where God wanted us to be to bring hope to the people of Podari.
I have always thought it amusing that the buildings are situated on what in Romanian is literally Dump Street. Our presence in Podari I believe is to take the gospel of hope to those who have been cast aside by society. As a church we support Costica and Gabi who work so hard for us to bring that gospel of hope to Podari: it is a gospel that we know brings life and transformation. In Romans 15:13 Paul writes: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The reason we have hope is Jesus and the source of hope is the Holy Spirit.
On the day before we left we all agreed we would prayer walk through the village. We had several God encounters. As we approached the gypsy encampment we stopped and were able to pray for healing for an elderly man and his wife (Healing on the Streets Romanian style!). The man had broken his foot and his wife had abdominal problems. They were very pleased that we were willing to pray for them. Whilst we were there a young woman recognised Angela and reminded her of the songs that they used to sing: this prompted a wonderful spontaneous worship session in the middle of the street!
My prayer is that when people visit Project Hope they will encounter the love of Jesus and strengthen their relationship with God.
Part of the ongoing ministry at Project Hope has always been to do with the local children, who come daily to play on the premises, and some to Sunday worship each week. We must not under-estimate the value of our relationship with these young people. Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt 19:14).
On the Sunday evening we had the privilege of witnessing Vali, a young local boy who has been coming to the Project every week since he was four years old, give his life to the Lord Jesus. Luke 15:10 says: "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." It was wonderful to rejoice with the angels as Vali received his own Bible from Costica. Please remember Vali and his family in your prayers.
Andy Hammond
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