May 3, 2011

  • Determination

    Summer camp forever changed the lives of Aysun, Alex, Laurentiu, Lorendana, Anton, Silviu and Razvan, just a few of the many young kids from Cobadin, a Turkish-Gypsy Muslim village.   Although reaching the heart of the families within these cultures is very challenging, the fact that the children otherwise would never have an opporutnity to attend summer camp, the parents were very open to allow their kids to come with Kidz Romania team to spend 4 days at camp.  One of the many activities the children participated in was Junior Bible Quiz (‘JBQ’) practices where children played fun games to memorize Bible Verses and then recite them in a tournament style game.  Unfortunately in the Turkish-Gypsy culture, education is not a priority and parents will even require their children to quit school before the 4th grade in order to work the fields or at home.  Despite all this, and the fact that they could not read well, Aysun, Alex, Laurentiu, Lorendana, Anton, Silviu and Razvan were determined to do their best.  In fact by the end of the camp, they decided they wanted to be part of a JBQ team during the year and participate in regional tournaments.  They returned to Cobadin and worked very hard and prepared for their first official JBQ tournament last fall.  November 2010 they showed up at the JBQ tournament with their team and were full of smiles and enthusiasm as the day started.  However by the end of the day their enthusiasm wore out and they left discouraged receiving the lowest score and finishing in last place.  Kidz Romania team continued to encouage them to keep practicing and memorizing their Bible Verses and to not give up.  Once again Aysun, Alex, Laurentiu, Lorendana, Anton, Silviu and Razvan were very determined to not quit and they returned for their second JBQ tournament this past March.   These young children who could barely read, raised in a culture where all the odds are against them, rose to the challenge and went from last place to winning first place.   We are so proud of all our JBQ kids throughout Romania.   Please continue to pray for the children in Romania as they hide God’s word in their heart.  JBQ regional tournaments continue throughout the rest of May and first part of June.  National JBQ tournament will take place during one of our summer kids camp.  

     

     

    Kidz Romania Team:

     

    Tamara Henkes

    Jan Cunningham

    Travis Corbell

    Gratian Serban

    Florentina Gheorghias

    Marius Gabar

     

    Playing thumb wars and hanging out with kids from Cobadin

     

April 15, 2011

  • The Kidz Romania Speed The Light van pulled into the camp sight with 9 very anxious and excited children ages 5-14 from an orphanage located in Bucharest.   *Alina, a Psychologist required by the government to attend camp arrived with the children and immediately became furious once she found out that this was a “Christian Camp”.  “I would have never brought these children here had I known!” exclaimed Alina.  The Kidz Romania team responded with love and encouragement and tried very hard to make this a positive experience for all 65 children, the volunteers and for Alina.  Kidz Romania staff and volunteers had planned various activities including games, crafts, small group devotions and special chapel services in morning and evening.  Alina could not deny the love that was poured out on the children and herself and by the end of the second day Alina asked for a Bible for herself and by the end of camp confessed that “this was the best thing that has happened for the children.”   What a powerful testinomy to what God is doing in and through the ministry of Kidz Romania and especially during our summer camps when the team has a chance to build relationships with the children and to live out our faith on a daily basis for the children and volunteers to witness.  

     

    This coming summer Kidz Romania has an opportunity to once again minister to children in Romania through summer camps and to share the life transforming message of Jesus Christ to them.  For us to do this, however, we need your help.  We can only bring as many kids to our camp as we have sponsors.   Normally we do not use this blog to request funds but this is an exceptional case.  One child to attend 4 days/3 nights of camp costs $55 total which includes camp facility, transportation and food.   Praise the Lord we have already received sponsors to send 66 kids to one camp.   We have 3 additional camps we would like to fill with a total of 140 more kids.   This will require us to raise about $7,700

     

    If you would like to sponsor one (or more) child(ren) at $55 each to attend camp you can go online HERE to contribute to Kidz Romania direct, please indicate “Kids Camps” in the notes section.  

     

    From the bottom of our hearts thank you so much for your prayers and support and we look forward to sharing more incredible stories of what God is doing here in Romania

     

    Kidz Romania Staff

    Tamara Henkes

    Jan Cunningham

    Gratian Serban

    Florentina Gheorghias

    Marius Gabar    

     

     

    *Name changed 

     


November 2, 2010

  • A Decadent Day with friends

    My roommate started a tradition long ago before I even arrived in Romania to treat herself to a Decadent Day.  Susan, Rachelle and myself decided that Monday would be a great day for such an event.  Rachelle's birthday was last month and Susan and mine just so happen to be on the same day this month.  This would be our birthday Decadent Day.  So what does one do on a Decadent Day - really anything we want with the focus being on enjoying ourselves and doing things we have never done or always wanted to do or something we would not normally do as well as indulge on things we probably shouldn't

    So each of us got up in the morning and began to add some color and flare to our kitchen.

     

                       

     

    We then all pitched in to make brunch including pancakes and eggs.  Ate and prayed together then cleaned up and out the door to begin the adventure.  Jumping on the subway we make our way down to Piata Unirii.  Below are some pictures of the sights around that part of the city:

     

                        

     

     

                          

     

     

     

     

    We enter into an Orthodox Church where many people are observed participating in various rituals.  One woman is seen crossing herself and kissing an icon.  Another woman and her child approach the Orthodox Priest and kneel down as he places a cloth over their heads and recites a prayer.  Our hearts were broken as we saw such devotion and dedication to religion yet such desperation in lives for fulfillment of something.   Our hope cannot be on 'religion' but on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

     

                         

     

     

                        

     

     

           

     

     

    Normally as I walk through this area it is for the purpose of getting from point A to B.  On this day however, I had such the pleasure to actually take time to view my surroundings.  Below are various pictures throughout the city of Bucharest as we took our journey to explore some parts of this beautiful city I have grown to love.  

     

     

                                             

     

     

     

     

                      

     

     

                     

     

     

                                             

     

     

     

                    

     

     

              

     

     

     

     

     

            

     

     

                   

     

     

     

                             

     

     

         

     

     

             

     

            

     

              

     

     

     

               

     

     

                      

     

              

     

     

            

     

     

     

        

     

     

                           

     

     

              

     

     

        

     

     

                     

     

      

     

     

     

     

         

     

     

     

                    

     

     

                        

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

                   

     

     

     

     

     

     

                                

     

     

     

     

     

     

                

     

     

     

                 

     

     

     

                           

     

     

     

     

     

     

          

     

     

    And this is how we ended our decadent day - dinner at Indian restaurant then birthday cake and movie.

     

     

     

     

October 31, 2010

  • Community

    This evening I got to be part of an incredible fellowship time with friends from around the world representing believers from Romania, Canada, USA, South Africa, Nigeria, Nicaragua...(sorry those I missed).  This group of people attend the Bucharest International Church.  So Many more countries make up this congregation (probably around 30 or so) and on Sunday mornings we raise our hands in worship to our Lord.  No matter what language we speak, what culture we come from, what backgrounds have formed our lives, we serve The One Lord in Christ Jesus.  Makes me think about when in Revelations where it says "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."  Oh how beautiful that day will be.  For now our times of worship together and fellowship together will be just a taste of something oh so greater and beautiful.  

October 28, 2010

  • Daily lessons on humility

    Acts 20:19(a) “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears”


    7:00 AM today arrived quickly as my roommates and I made our way down 4 flights of stairs to my car parked on the street only to find that I had accidently left the passenger side window open the entire night.  I gave thanks to God that nothing was stolen.  We made our way to the office fairly quickly as there was no traffic - again - giving thanks to God as this was not the day we could afford to be late.  Arriving at the office we loaded the vehicle with all of our supplies needed for the days outreaches in two different kindergartens.  Our theme today was to “be honest”.  We give thanks to God for this opportunity to share with the kids.  

     

    Our commute to the first kindergarten was perfect with no traffic problems and we arrived early with plenty of time to get our stage and props set up.  With 15 minutes to spare I decide to quickly use the restroom.  I enter a bathroom about the size of a very small closet, lock the door behind me,  do my business and proceed to exit only to realize quickly that the door will not unlock.  I try for a couple of minutes and I am aware now that I have a  big problem.  I attempt to get my colleague’s attention by pounding on the door and I thank God again that they come to my rescue.  15 minutes later the door finally is opened and I enter the hallway to over 10 construction workers staring at me. (they were all working on the school remodel)  All attempted to help.  I think there could be a joke in this somehow.... how many does it take to rescue a missionary from a locked bathroom.....  Okay let’s continue.  I arrive in the classroom just as we are ready to begin and we carry on teaching the kids for the next 30 minutes about being honest.   So much at this point to be thankful for.

     

    We make our way to the second kindergarten and set up and begin the same program.   The kids are excited and we are having fun.  Another lesson in humility comes my way as a 4 year old, very sweet, dear, little boy proceeds to correct my Romanian language.  I thank him and continue on.   All in all a great day, had tons of fun with the team and the kids.  

     

    It was certainly a day filled with humility and luckily no tears as the scripture verse says (however another 10 minutes in the bathroom and there just may have been tears, although I am not claustrophobic, this tiny room was getting smaller and smaller as time was passing)   

     

    I look back and can laugh about the entire situation.  Everyday for me is a lesson on humility as I continue to learn new things about the culture I now live in as well as learning new words every day and even 4 year olds are correcting me on my pronunciation.  I make mistakes every day on even the simplest things like how to correctly talk.  Humility is hard to swallow sometimes but I would much rather fall down while trying, get back up and continue... than to just stay still, do nothing - safe and with no risk of falling but I would never experience the extreme joy of serving God in this capacity.  Stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things takes risks, humility and sometimes tears but in the end it is all worth it and for that I give total thanks to God.

     

October 10, 2010

  • Where no one desires to go

    After 15 months in the states and having nearly no opportunity to speak the language nor did I study (all at my own fault) I am quite rusty in my language speaking and listening skills.  Working very hard to get my ear back to listening to Romanian all the time.  Slowly it is coming back and with lots of hard work, studying and practicing I will continue to grow in my second language.   The first couple weeks here have been filled with unpacking all my stuff, washing all my clothes from being in storage, taking two weeks intense language studies daily and setting up my home.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in a children's outreach in a neighborhood here in Bucharest we have never been to before but our team was so excited to partner with a Christian leader in the area to go to a place where most people do not desire to go to, mostly out of fear.

    Our contact and new friend, Robert and his wife and child arrive at our ministry center anxious and ready for us to work.  Robert's story is remarkable, from what I understand of it.  At one time in his past he had been in jail and it was during his time in jail that he came to know the Lord and committed his life completely to serving Him.  He met a young man in jail and they became friends.  After they left jail Robert's friend returned home, which is in the center of a very violent Gypsy, gang/mafia neighborhood.  Many live in fear in this area because of the violence.   At one time, in this man's courtyard a gang fight took place and this young man's life was cut short as a result.  The family asked Robert to come and do the funeral service.  It was at this funeral service that many people's lives were touched by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.  They were hungry and wanted more of what Robert spoke to them about.  Something so terrible and violent resulted in transformed lives and new hope.  Now every Saturday a small group meets at the very home where this violent death took place.  I'm reminded of Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."   

    I was so humbled as we pulled into this courtyard, parked our ministry van and began to unload the supplies, knowing the realization of what took place in the past in this exact location.  God was, of course, faithful to our prayers (and your prayers) and the rain stopped.  We worked around the mud and puddles to set up our puppet stage and sound system as children and adults began to arrive for their first ever children's program.   Never once did any of us ever feel in danger as we knew that prayers were being offered up for our protection and God is faithful.   

    God never ceases to amaze me how He works in and through our weaknesses.  Although I fumbled and struggled with the language and got frustrated with myself at times,  God came through and everyone did a fabulous job in communicating our simple point that God loves us and forgives each and every one of us.  The kids enjoyed the puppets, clown skits, songs, object lessons and playing a game.  Even the adults joined in and played along with us.  We then all prayed.  

    As we packed up our supplies and began to load our van we were each handed an envelope with a handmade card and pin.  Alot of work went into making this for each of us and I was so moved at such generosity from one who has very little.  They looked at us and asked "will you come back?"  "Of course we will" was our response.

    Please do pray for this neighborhood as many want to come to the small group meetings but many are afraid of the violence.  Please pray as we make plans to return often to this neighborhood that God will continue to work in the lives of children and adults through our programs and pray that God will raise up a leader in that area who will take on the ministry to the children and we can work along side of them to provide training and resources they need.  

    Here are a few pictures from this event.

     

     

     

     

                                                     

     

                                            

     

     

     

September 19, 2010

  • Ramblings of a Jet Lagged gal

    So here I sit in my apartment in Bucharest Romania once again wide awake at 3:00 AM.  So what is a girl to do?  I suppose update my blog which I have neglected since January.  I won't go into the intricate details to update everyone what has been going on the past 8 months.  But I will say that I am now HOME in Romania.  15 months of traveling the US, speaking in churches, kids camps, youth groups, Sunday school classes, women's events and one on one meetings the funds have been raised to return to Romania. 

    The bizarre thing is that it almost feels as though I never left.  My language is a bit rusty but I do manage to still communicate fairly well.... with the exception of the receptionist at one of the Bucharest hospitals where I went to visit a friend.  I asked a simple question... Unde este ______ (my friends name).  simple and clear - immediately she turns to her colleague (and probably not realizing that I understand Romanian) tells her that she must deal with me cause she can't understand a single thing I say.  Wow so much for customer service.  Her colleague then attempts to talk to me in English which is worse than my Romanian.  So the conversation goes on with her speaking broken english and me speaking broken romanian.... only to find out my friend is in the hospital next door.   oops!  Off we go to try this again.  We do eventually find him.

    Next challenge is to just jump right in behind the wheel of my STL vehicle and get over the fear of driving in Bucharest.  Oh how I have missed my Toyota RAV4.  Seriously no words can even describe how bad the driving is.  Well I do fine but I just can't drive like I do in America.  Yesterday (sunday) morning was a test in my patience behind the wheel.  One thing that I observed since being gone is that construction projects have increased 10 fold.  Roads are closed everywhere.  My simple routes (unfortunately all the ones I only know) to church met me with road barricades and no detour signs.  Yea that would be too easy.  There are no simple blocks here in Bucharest.  Roads are windy turns, one ways, dead ends and well the best way to describe it (I heard this once) - take a handful of raw spaghetti noodles and drop them on the ground and you have the roads in Bucharest - they are that complicated.  Well I start to get a bit nervous wondering where I was going as I was trying to go by instinct and lots of prayer cause nothing was looking familiar (all those former communist cement bloc apartments look alike)  and then I stumble upon Piata Ramana and yea I know where I am and find my way to the church - only half and hour late  (I left a half hour early).  

    My life this next week will consist of intense language lessons, unpacking my stuff, and misc. office stuff.  I know exciting exciting....most want to hear about the outreaches and the programs but before I can get to that there are other duties to be tackled.  

    So this begins my second term as an Assemblies of God Missionary to the children and women in Romania.  I look forward to posting more stories and adventures to be had these next several years.  Camera is buried somewhere in my piles of luggage so in time there will be pictures.  

     

     

     

     

January 28, 2010

  • Back to the Blog

    I want to send out a thank you to several who have expressed their disappointments that I had stopped writing on my blog.  I was shocked (seriously) that there were actually some out there that missed my updates and were following me.  So thank you for encouraging me to get back to the blog.

    Life has been a whirlwind these days, weeks, month.  As most have figured out I am back in America but only temporarily.  I have the privilege to travel all over and speak with groups to share what has been happening in this ministry to Romania as well as vision for when I return and needs to help me get back. 

    Since mid-June I have travelled over 17,000 miles (and to those who have experienced my driving in Romania please be assured I do not drive that way in America - when in Rome...),  I have spoken to nearly 60 groups so far, attended kids camps, had various meetings and the list goes on.  I don't say all this to toot my horn but recently someone made reference to me having a "break" during my time here in US.  LOL.     While I have been thoroughly enjoying my time visiting with friends and family this is no break for missionaries.  I love being here but I MUST be back in Romania and for that to happen I need to work my tail off and present the needs of this ministry to wonderful folks like yourself who can be a part of what is happening to reach children and women in Romania.

    The most asked question I get asked is how long I am in states for?  Well that depends on raising my support to continue work.  I am currently at 69%.  For those who do not know what that signifies... In order for me to return to Romania I must raise all my monthly budget in the form of pledge commitments.   People/churches can pledge to support a certain amount on a monthly basis.  Once I receive enough pledge commitments to equal my monthly budget I can receive clearance and leave. 

    There are some other things that also must take place prior to my receiving clearance to leave.  I must also receive medical clearance.  In the past several months I have been poked at and have given so much blood for tests... well it's been grueling.  I wish I could say all is excellent and that clearance has been received.  Reality is that I must now have a surgery (myomectomy) which I am praying will relieve the symptoms which have been plaguing me for years now.  This surgery is a good thing and I am looking forward to getting it taken care of.  I am scheduled for February 15th so for those who are praying please pray for this.  Currently the most pressing medical condition I am dealing with is getting my anemia in order prior to surgery.  I had been at a 6 which is dangerously low but through intense iron supplemens have raised to 11 which is better but still low and my surgeon would like to see better prior to surgery.  I am waiting for most recent blood tests to determine of addtional supplements have helped or I will need to receive iron infusion through IV.  thank you for your prayers.

    During my time here in States I have also been blessed to help my home church of Portland Christian Center with a phenomenal outreach called Upwards Basket Ball.  I have been so blessed seeing these precious children play their hearts out and so many people love on them.  I am proud to be a part of this outreach. 

    Well I suppose I can't update 8 months of life in one blog update so I'll end for now.  To the couple of you reading thank you and I so appreciate your prayers during this new season in my life and the many transitions I am making.

    Reaching His Children

    Tamara Henkes

     

May 27, 2009

  • Banana Splits and Good-bye's

    One of the aspects about our ministry here are the wonderful youth volunteers we work with.  My colleage and I pray that our example in ministry will stir in them a continued desire for ministry themself.  We have a wonderful group of volunteers who travel with us all throughout Romania (when they can) and work extremely hard in service to God.  Many of them are at different stageas in their walk with the Lord but everyone of them are a crucial part of this ministry and we pray they realize their potential and giftings God has given them through this ministry.

    Tonight we had a going away party for me since it will be about a year before I can see them again.  (sniff sniff)

    One of the joys of working with our Romanian youth is that we get to expose them to new American delicatessen's.  Tonight's classic treat was Banana Split with lots of goodies for toppings.  They had never had one and most had never seen one.  One had heard about it on the Cartoon Network.  LOL

    Here are some pics from our evening experience with banana splits and going away party.

    volunteers going away party 007 After their "lesson" on how to make banana split they were all very eager to dig in.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 009 Adriana enjoying her first banana split ever.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 003

     

    Julia was so excited and loved it that seconds were in order.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 008                                             I think Ingrid's smile says it all!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 013  

    Nane is as sweet as her banana split.

     

     

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                    Bogdan was speechless after his first banana split.

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 010

     

     

    Adriana really loves frisca

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 014

     

     

     

                            Don't let Alex's face deceive you he loved it.

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 015

    Somehow Filip got the biggest bowl and managed to fill it.

     

     

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    Our fabulous volunteers.  My colleague Jan is on far right with striped blouse.

     

     

     

     

     

    volunteers going away party 033

    The group surprised me with a beautiful gift and card with many notes written to hurry back home. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I will miss them all deeply but I know I'll be back home.  How quickly depends on you

    Tamara Henkes

    www.henkes.ministryhome.org 

May 7, 2009