The Romania Project grew out of work started under Crusaders, and is helping the Cristia Association reach out to the young people of Romania with the love of God shown in Jesus Christ. In 2004 Cristia aims to:

Romanian Christians are learning youth work skills from British leaders. Helping to develop this work has been remarkably productive, and we are again looking for support from British churches and Christians, especially in July and August.

Between March and June 2004 we are offering to lead several weekends for discipleship and training leaders. Christian youth leaders and musicians from Britain, with Romanian experience, are needed to lead these weekend events.

Weekly club meetings are increasing across the country, and most children are from non-church families, including orphans and gypsies. Romanian voluntary youth leaders are being trained to run them.

Up to ten holiday clubs of one week each will be held in different Romanian towns and villages with Romanian leaders giving support. The purpose is to train Romanian leaders in youth work skills, and to encourage them to start new Cristia clubs.

We are seeking Christians with experience of young people’s outreach to help at the camps and holiday clubs held between these dates (flight dates in brackets) -

* 5-10 July (3-11 July) 19-24 July (17-25 July) 2-7 Aug (31 July-8 Aug)

*12-17 July (10-18 July) 26 July- 31 July (24 July-1 Aug) 9-14 Aug (7-15 August)

Those interested in joining camp and holiday club leadership teams should be convinced Christians who want to share their faith with others, and who have experience of leading young people’s Christian activities. Because a major objective is to train Romanian leaders, British team members will be of mature age (normally 18+). They need to be resourceful and be ready to do anything requested of them. They will provide leadership in areas such as quiet times, music, Bible studies, speaking at meetings, first aid, games, sports, outdoor pursuits and craft work. All such gifts will be welcome for sharing with Romanian leaders, many of whom speak some English and will help with translation. Above all, team members must know the importance of prayer.

The enclosed application form should be completed and sent to David Moffoot by 3 May AT THE LATEST. Further details will be given after applications have been confirmed. If you have any questions, please telephone David Moffoot or Malcolm Langton.

Applications are welcome from Christian youth groups and from British evangelical churches, with their own leaders. We consult with group leaders and with Cristia to ensure that activities are identified to suit, as far as possible, the desires and capabilities of the group, and they normally work with Romanians of approximately the same age. These groups are responsible for their own organisation, but we facilitate their involvement with, and follow-up by Cristia.

Most applicants welcome the opportunity to live alongside Romanian Christians. It is therefore expected that British team members will sleep under canvas at camp, and in beds provided by Christians in their homes at holiday clubs. The natural water supply in the rural areas is generally of a high quality, but team members who wish to do so may bring purification tablets. Water quality in urban areas is variable, but bottled water is readily available. Romanian food is wholesome but different from what we are used to in Britain, and few alternatives are available, so applicants should be willing to eat with Romanian Christians. Please note that Romanian hosts find difficulty in providing for vegetarian diets.

Romania is a European country, and team members should consult their GPs regarding any personal health risks. Tetanus inoculations must be up to date.

Participants must have full British passports, and directions for obtaining visas will be given later. Travel insurance will be arranged centrally. Most team members will fly from Heathrow to Bucharest and then by train. Special care is given to first-time visitors.

Volunteers need proper briefing in order to make the most of their time in Romania. Full information will be given over the coming months and at a special Preparation Weekend on 18-20 June. Those intending to join teams are asked to make every effort to attend this weekend. Details will be given later. Whilst we hope and pray that the activities will take place as planned, natural uncertainties in Eastern Europe lead us to warn that minor changes may be necessary.

Good equipment is always needed for summer activities, and churches and other organisations are often willing to collect and donate surplus equipment. Games equipment is so well used that it needs replacing every year - we need a lot of tennis balls, racquets, footballs, volley balls, nets, frisbees etc. Craft materials are essential and offers of pencils, ball-point and felt-tip pens, scissors, glue, poster and flesh paints, brushes and children’s colouring books etc will be gratefully received and well used. Participants are encouraged to start collecting as much as possible now in order to take it with them - surplus items can be brought to the Preparation Weekend. Donors of larger items, or those who do not know any participants, are invited to contact Malcolm Langton.

The cost of a British leader helping at one or more camps or holiday clubs will be £500 (£50 reduction for the unwaged), irrespective of how long they stay. This will include the cost of flights, travel in Romania, food and accommodation, insurance, and a contribution to Cristia’s expenses. The cost of visas (if any) will be extra.

We hope that team members will seek prayer and financial support from their Christian friends, churches and youth groups. Additional donations are needed to pay for Romanian children from poor homes and orphanages to attend camps, to pay for Romanian leaders to attend training courses, and to meet the cost of extending the Crista Clubs. Donations of sports and craft equipment will be needed for leaders to use at camps and holiday clubs. Those who join camp and holiday club teams are therefore asked to publicise the Project, emphasising that it is a worthwhile on-going activity to support Romanian Christians in youth leadership and to reach out to Romanian youngsters.

Residential accommodation is being built at new centres in Bihor and Prahova. The ‘Stefan cel Mare Centre’ in the mountains at Lunca Ilvei offers horse riding and care skills training, and has cabin accommodation for groups of up to 20. Those interested in helping to lead a camp at one of these centres should make this known on the Application Form. Anyone willing to help develop a centre should enquire further from Malcolm Langton.

The Project was born out of prayer, both in Britain and in Romania, and a newsletter giving information for prayer is available from Malcolm Langton. We are so aware of the need for the Lord’s leading that we earnestly request prayer that:

• leaders may be found for the discipleship and training weekends

• the training of Romanian leaders will inspire vision for outreach

• the Cristia Clubs may reach out to more children and orphans

• the holiday clubs will lead to more Cristia Clubs and encourage their leaders

• the camps and outdoor activities may be conducted safely

• the right British and Romanian leaders may apply

• all the leaders and equipment may be provided and arrive safely

• the young people attending the camps and holiday clubs may meet Jesus