Even though this year the normal ministries thatoccur through The Cross Foundation and Romania Outreach Ministries have been adjusted due to Covid, there is still work being done and that will continue as the Lord directs.During this time, Tudi Tudosie, our in-country administrator, is doing construction projects on the camp center dormitories to prepare for when we can use them again.

Summer camps had to be canceled since Romania had Covid restrictions on gatherings and camps. You may remember that US citizens were not being allowed into Romania for a time, then later opened with a required 14-day quarantine if you could find a way that didn’t take you through another closed country! So, we began plans with our Romanian staff via an online Zoom meeting to have 3 smaller youth outreaches instead of camp, each a day in length, in 3 different locations. But after restrictions were lightened, more cases of Covid began to appear again, and it became evident that these meetings could not occur either this year.

So, we decided to try to hold a 2 hour Zoom camp on August 22 for a limited number of people from various regions where campers camp from last year. Some were able to meet together in a group and to join in that way. Others were on their computers or cell phones at home individually.

The “camp” was a big success, and the teens requested that we do it again! Valerica Apopi, who directs the year-round teen ministry with us, coordinated the “camp”. We tried to have a very modified camp experience, complete with games. We had a photo presentation from the camp of 2019, online games that they participated in for prizes, a prayer time, worship through a song time, and short messages by Nat, Johnny Jura, and Marius Apopi, Cristi Bistriceanu, Tudi Tudosie and Adi Gaspar. Heather Nicholae’s group provided the music. Valerica held the main talk addressing their Christian walk, entitled., “What is behind your Mask”. All in all, we were all pleased with how smoothly it went. We had participants from southern and western Romania as well as Austria. The photo does not accurately show all who attended—58 after everyone was logged on!

In September there was a youth leadership event in the local area which we did not organize but helped sponsor financially. This was an event to train leaders.

We are also helping financially an outreach to the poor people in villages in southern Romania where some of our Bible school graduates are working. This assistance includes food and clothing, but also includes work with the children in these locations in teaching and music.

We sincerely hope that you will continue to keep the ministry in your prayers and in your financial giving. When things open up more again, we will keep you informed. Please be praying for the health and safety of those we work with; for the small churches in Romania who do not have online serve options during Covid; for connections with youth during this time

With blessings, love and appreciation,

Nat and Sylvia Thomas