Romania

WHAT IS BROAD HAVEN BAPTIST CHURCH DOING IN SALSIG, ROMANIA, & WHY?

The main focus of the project is the building of a new school, medical facility, community centre and church to serve the gypsy community of Salsig, and to develop an ongoing partnership with all the people of Salsig.

The gypsies in Romania have for generations been poor and have been denied education under the former communist regime. They are subsequently excluded and are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding work.

The school will be a place where young gypsy children can receive an education alongside other Romanian children, so that they develop the skills early on to be able to integrate fully into society. They will also get a meal at lunchtime, and have access to medical facilities in the purpose built centre.

Those who have visited Salsig experienced very powerfully the kindness of the people and the abject poverty they deal with. The facilities are so basic; their possessions are limited to elementary needs only. Yet they smile, they love you to be there, they give of all they can and are generous with what little they have.

Last year a work party went to Salsig to do the plumbing and electrics to finish it’s project to build a school, commu-nity and worship centre. A boarding school for disabled children has generously offered accommodation for various work teams during the summer breaks over the years, and the conditions of the toilet and wash facilities have never been good, many of the showers taps and toilets are defective. It is wholly inadequate for the children and staff who live there throughout term time.

The intention this year is to completely refurbish two bathrooms with about 10 showers, 7 toilets, and 3 or 4 banks of sinks with associated taps and plumbing of water supply and sewerage. It is a big project but one of the major challenges will be obtaining the necessary supplies. Shopping in Ro-mania is not as simple as it is here, and the team would value prayers regarding obtaining the right supplies needed and at good prices, as well as the Lords blessings as they travel. Bob