Last Updated: November 2008

God is doing a great work through Outstretched Hands of Romania and we would like to share some of the many things for which we give praise. Please enjoy the pictures as you read this month's praise and prayer report. And, continue to keep Outstretched Hands in your prayers.

This report features ministry in the area of Caramidari, Romania. Caramidari is a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Calarasi, where mostly Gypsy and Turkish people are living. Ministry here has been going on for 3 1/2 years. We now have a core team of nine people who provide life-changing ministry for both children and adults.

Praise:

1. We are thankful that approximately 75 children attend our weekly children's program. This program teaches Bible lessons, memory verses, songs, hygiene, and more to the boys and girls. Since attendance is increasing, we decided to have the program three times a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) instead of just once a week (Wednesdays). Now, smaller groups of children attend the program once a week on their assigned day and each small group is taught the same lesson. This is working well for us and the children. We can provide more individual attention to the children and they are remembering the memory verses and behaving much better.

2. We are grateful for the room that we use for ministry. Although the mayor's office does need to use the room for official business at times, they always give it back to us for our use.

3. The weekly (Saturdays) church service for adults is continuing. The attendance is lower than we'd like, but we trust the Lord for an increase.

4. Last fall, a school was started for some boys who lost interest in attending the government school. Here, they learned about God. They also learned basic skills such as reading and writing. Four boys continued the school until the beginning of the summer and made progress - above expectation! We also praise God for the progress made in their character and behavior, AND for two of the boys' decisions to give their lives to the Lord! This fall, the government school decided to re-enroll the boys and give them a second chance.

5. A new children's ministry- Kindergarten- began this October. Twelve boys and girls, ages five to seven, are currently attending this class three days a week. Their lessons focus on God, Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Art. We are excited that the children are eager to learn.

6. We also have the opportunity to help some people with medicine and other small needs. And, we provide some people with basic wound care. These opportunities are helping us to develop and improve relationships with families in the neighborhood.

Prayer:

1. Please pray that we will be able to continue to use the room for the children's ministry, and that God will provide a better and permanent meeting place for us in the near future.

2. Pray for the four boys in the government school that they can learn well and cope with the extra pressure. Also pray for the two boys who gave their lives to the Lord. . . that they will continue to want to serve Jesus Christ and grow closer to Him.

3. Please pray that the children in the Kindergarten class will grow academically, socially, and most importantly, spiritually. Also pray that the teachers will have the energy, dedication, and creativity to best meet the unique needs of the children.

4. Please pray for discernment and wisdom when we are faced with requests for physical help.

5. Also pray for the people of Caramidari to stay healthy, to have warm clothes, and to have enough firewood to heat their homes during the cold winter that lies ahead.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support of Outstretched Hands of Romania!