mini-conf
& misu

prayer point
summary

mini conf
pix 1

mini-conf
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the new church -
harvest festival

the new church -
old pix

I have just returned from a very enjoyable mini-Conference in Radauti.  It was billed as A British Day, which actually gave plenty of scope for some very interesting discussions.  We managed to pack in diversity, identity, global economics, and even an informed debate on Scottish independence!  And Ian and Sue, an English couple living in Radauti, provided English food and proper tea!

Most of the students who attended came at the recommendation of their High School teacher, which is very encouraging.  We had 22 to start with, but unfortunately half of these had to leave before the end.  They enjoyed the chance to speak English - which they all did incredibly well - and debated enthusiastically (as always!).  Feedback was very encouraging, and I had some profound conversations afterwards about faith in the modern world.  So ... we’re all very much looking forward to the international summer conference in August 2009!

Misu has become one of the key catalysts in setting up a Creative Arts Festival in Brodina - which could turn out to be a very exciting development, bringing tourism into the area.   Misu has said that he does not want to be on the organising committee, but there may even be something in place for summer 2009.  It’s an exciting development, because as well as bringing money and life into the area (which Hannah could benefit from), it could also provide a show-case for some of Hannah’s activities, including the conference program.  Watch this space!

It is certainly true that Hannah need to find a more enduring source of income.  They are still mainly kept afloat by the clothes deliveries from France, but these are decreasing over the long term.   Misu and Livia’s own income is also entirely dependent on the well-functioning of Hannah, which is probably not ideal for them as a family.  We of course continue to provide substantial amounts of cash for Hannah - but nowadays the Pound does not go anything like as far in Romania as it used to.  Misu really needs someone with a “business head” in his team, and there are certainly some business opportunities out there, such as buying up returned catalogue stock from various Western countries.  This would however entail Misu stepping well outside of his comfort zone!  

Another issue which has presented itself at this time, is the sudden demise of their elderly neighbour.  This means that the house next door is up for sale, and would make a superb shopfront location for the sale of returned catalogue items.  It would also require Misu to take out a bank loan - something he is understandably nervous about!  If he doesn’t buy it of course someone else will, and the opportunity will be lost forever.  Moreover, there will also be complications to do with access, which did not arise with the previous occupant, so he certainly needs courage to “jump” on this one!

Meanwhile, Hannah are preparing for their usual hectic Christmas program. In addition, this year they need to consider those affected by the summer’s floods.  With the money you have helped us send, Misu has hired a lorry for Monday (17th) to take some supplies to the town of Nisipitu (one of the worst affected in the region;  I mentioned it in a previous prayer letter).  The cargo will include clothes, biscuits, mattresses and stoves, and will be distributed in conjunction with his Hutuli contacts.  (You may remember I have spoken before of this small ethnic group who live in the mountains above Brodina - Misu’s neighbours at the conference site, with whom he has extremely good relations).