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Rast is a small village in the southeastern most part of Romania where the Danube River borders Bulgaria. Today the flooding Danube flows through a portion of the village. Heavy spring rains and snow melt from northern Europe brought historic water levels to the area in mid-April, 2006 when a nearby dike gave way flooding the village with several meters of water. Approximately 1000 families were evacuated from their homes to a refugee camp now being managed by the Romania Army. Approximately 500-700 homes were completely lost in the flooding.

We are working with Romanian pastor Radu Praja from Bethel Pentecostal church in Bailesti, who has received a Convoy of Hope shipment. Over 10,000 kilos of rice, beans, pastas, canned sauces, cleaning supplies and toilet paper arrived on May 22nd, 2006. There are currently around 2000 people in need who are being targeted for the Convoy of Hope shipment.

Pastor Radu has been working in the camps and partnering with the Romanian army to distribute food from the first day. He expressed that the shipment could not have come any sooner because they were running out of food. By supplying the food, the church together with the army has been able to bring two hot meals a day to the 2000 refugees.

Unfortunately, the army will pull out its operation in less than two weeks leaving a dilemma for the people who have no means to prepare food. After this the church plans to move the food near the city administration building where the new center for relief will take place. From there they will distribute a smaller amount every few days to each family since they have no means of storage or preparation. They have worked closely with the village mayor who will support the distribution.

Because of his tireless efforts God has given Pastor Radu a great witness among the people and favor with local authorities. The mayor has promised him a piece of land to build a new church on during the reconstruction. The village of Rast is to be relocated about 5km up the road where they will begin construction of homes for those who are now living in the refugee camp.

This is an example of how we partner with local churches to meet human need and share the Gospel.

John Lewis
Missionary Associate
Bucharest, Romania