We have just returned from our 2010 Mission Trip to Romania, with a team of 39 from FL, SC, GA and AL. In the past 20 years, God has poured out His blessing upon our ministry but this year held so many unexpected surprises we wanted to give you a quick overview of what God has done and the opportunities He is bringing our way. We know you have prayed for us and it's your diligence in bringing us before our Heavenly Father that has resulted in so many miracles.
Most of you are aware that two years ago we purchased 2.45 hectares (6+ acres) of land for a children's camp/retreat center, "Camp Hope". It had been a dream of our Romanian leadership for several years to have a place where they could continue throughout the year reaching the same children we reach through our American School of Heroes. Over the past four years we have had over 2,500 children in attendance though this was our smallest year in number, with 786 children with 38 workers and 35 translators in four schools. Those who committed their lives to Christ are only known in heaven but almost 400 indicated that they had done so during the week.
Purchasing the land was just a small beginning and we wondered if we would see the camp built in our lifetime. The 21,000 sq ft. building will cost in the neighborhood of $500,000, plus the cost of furnishings and other needed buildings. The Romanian church members are doing most of the work and the cost is for supplies and permits. We had raised about $167,000 over the past two years - a miracle in itself and enough to pour the foundations, 1st floor and put up some of the block walls, but as one of our Romanian Pastors said last month "Right now, we have only our prayers in the bank account". So many have given and we treasure gifts of $15.00 (which purchase 10 blocks) to more sizeable donations. God's timing is always perfect, if not a bit humorous. We had already checked our Fl team in at the Melbourne airport and were proceeding to our gate when word came to us that a large gift was being deposited into our There Is Hope account. We had the joy of telling our team and our Romanian churches that God has given us to money to finish the main building. Even as I type this into words, we can scarcely believe God's goodness. Surely God has an eternal purpose in all of this and we stand in awe of His love for His children - American and Romanian!
There should be enough funds to finish the outside construction, inner walls, heating and air and plumbing, hopefully by winter, so work can continue inside during winter months. Our prayer is to have a "Camp Hope Dedication" in the summer of 2011. We have a beautiful piece of land in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains with a tremendous, restful view of the valley. It's wonderful to see the shepherds with their flocks of sheep on the hillsides. At the highest point we hope to build an open-air chapel (go to prettyplacechapel.com to see). In Transylvania country NC is the chapel we hope to build in Transilvania Romania. We have already been in touch with the YMCA camp and they have promised to help us with plans, etc. During the week, God blessed us with the first $25,000 gift toward the chapel.
We still have the JOY of furnishing the camp but just yesterday we had a call that we have 100 (the exact number of planned children's beds) Ralph Lauren bedspreads coming our way. If your church or SS class would like a project, we will need everything from kitchen appliances to towels to silverware. (for 100-150) We are planning 100 children's beds, 8 adult rooms, kitchen,dining, large conference room and several smaller breakout rooms. If you would like to see the plans or drawings, we'll be happy to send them to you.
We also held over 20 services during the week at some of the 40 mission churches. Our team was busy with School of Heroes each morning for 3 hours, afternoon activities and evening services but somehow God sustains all of us with only a few upset stomachs and sore throats.
I know this is a long letter but there is MORE BLESSING so keep reading! After leaving Bistrita on Sunday, June 27th, we went to Bucharest, the capitol and there we were invited to meet with the Vice President of Romania. We spent about 45 minutes in his office with him (in Ceaucescu's palace) and then proceeded to Parliament where we watched great debate over the Romanian economic situation which is in crisis at the moment. He was very gracious in receiving us - he has been aware of our ministry and was at the dedication of the playground in 2002. One of our team members has business that supplies military defense systems here in Melbourne and he was very interested in speaking with him. He mentioned that he will be coming to Miami in July and of course, we invited him to Melbourne. Our summer plans are now changed as we expect him to visit us in Melbourne and then on to Columbus GA in early August. We have no idea why or how God would think we need to know the Vice President of Romania but we've seen His hand so many times before we won't question. As far as we know he is not a believer, though he is friends with our Pastor John Ardelean. PLEASE pray for him - Ioan (John) Oltean - and for us and those in Melbourne who will be receiving him!! We have no idea what God has in store and of course, the first thing Arlene thinks of is......what do I cook???
We want to thank you again for your love for us and your prayers for our Romanian brothers and sisters. It is marvelous to see God's hand at work and we want to share the blessings with you along the way. Please continue to pray for the finishing and furnishing of the camp. Pray for safety for those who are working on the site, for good weather this summer and especially for WISDOM and INSIGHT as we continue in His will.
PACEA (May the Peace of God be with you)
Tom and Arlene Beal
There Is Hope Foundation
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