A region of central Romania, bordered by the beautiful Carpathian mountain range, home to fairy tale castles and the city of Cluj. The Roma people of the region are often very marginalised, living in very poor housing settlements, often with no access to education or employment.

Our partners at Prison Fellowship Romania (PFR), led by Andrei, work hard to support many people in crisis as well as ministering at the prisons. Their rescue centre and food larder provide for families struggling financially. We regularly send aid including clothes, shoes, bedding and shoebox gifts. Prison Fellowship Romania are also a great support to the Roma gypsy communities, providing practical, pastoral and spiritual support.

The photo below left is from the village of Salaj where warm clothing was distributed to families affected by unemployment and low income. Our friends at Prison Fellowship Romania wrote, “This donation has provided an important lifeline, helping individuals stay warm and boosting their dignity and morale. Community members said that the clothing has made a noticeable difference in their daily lives, as they now feel better equipped to face harsh weather.”

Your shoebox gifts and other aid were distributed in Roma villages in Transylvania. The shoeboxes help to strengthen links and open the way for further help, as well as bringing lots of smiles!

PFR write: “In Poiana, Turda (right), the Roma community received clothing, that has been a source of comfort and joy. The donated items have helped families meet basic needs, enabling children to attend school and parents to seek employment with a renewed sense of pride. This supports integration, boosts self-confidence, has been especially meaningful as it promotes and strengthens community ties, encouraging a positive outlook for the future.”

The International Aid Trust Vision Mission Team went to Transylvania in May, they held clinics in some Roma villages that PFR support, where access to medical services is limited or non-existent. For many people it was their first eye examination and their first pair of glasses.

Optometrist Peter Booth who leads the Vision Mission writes, “Our Mission is to spread the Gospel through the gift of sight. We thank God for allowing us the privilege of serving.”