The centre of the children’s work we saw was Deva, and it is the fruit of the remarkable ministry of a charismatic Roman Catholic monk. We asked how many children there were. He replied, “You don’t need to know how many there are to love them”.
We later learned they did not count the youngest children anyway, so that more children could be cared for, whilst conforming to the regulations!
setting
off for school, from 'home'
It was good to visit Sovata and Torockó (pronounced 'Torrosco') too. In the latter there is 'Congleton House', right in the centre of what will one day be a centre of the Romanian tourist industry. Today it provides a home for 30 children in facilities that have been improved largely by the generosity of people in Congleton, and is staffed (as we saw everywhere) by some remarkable and dedicated young Christian people.
The children’s homes were delightful and genuinely havens of joy and happiness. However, we also saw the horrendous situations and backgrounds these children had come from – from squalor and starvation, unbelievable poverty and a listless hopelessness.
presenting a banner made by the Trinity Brownies
We hope that Congleton Methodist Circuit will be able to 'own' this project and add a European dimension to the African focus we have given ourselves through our backing for Water Aid. Hopefully, Doug, Hilary, Joanna and myself will be putting on a Romanian Evening for the Circuit in February. Please look out for details and add your support.
Rev. Philip Berry[from the Trinity Messenger]