tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13707033123222247812024-03-05T11:05:20.524+02:00Stocks Report - Ministry among the RomaThis is our story of life among the Roma of Eastern Europe serving as field personnel through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-13198424251798910252016-10-10T11:53:00.001+03:002016-10-10T11:53:38.118+03:00Taking a Step of Faith...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLDF5D_H_Hyx8Ev4PiOYa6J_LyNV1rYZbd7N0nbQxmbJEVozpm_LQcg96_IW8p9pGj-SkKZDtsNCEYA64aVGmRy2jktgK7zEi276qZ9oPLwKVTMLGq2OchgsG5v9vuDdvGm6LzGbomMk/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLDF5D_H_Hyx8Ev4PiOYa6J_LyNV1rYZbd7N0nbQxmbJEVozpm_LQcg96_IW8p9pGj-SkKZDtsNCEYA64aVGmRy2jktgK7zEi276qZ9oPLwKVTMLGq2OchgsG5v9vuDdvGm6LzGbomMk/s320/IMG_2502.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">October 10,
2016<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is with a
mixture of sadness and anticipation that we announce our resignation from
CBF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will continue to serve in
Romania until December 15, 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that
time, we will transition to NC to begin six months of OFA, culminating in the
2017 CBF General Assembly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The US
Government says we are too young to retire so we will be looking for employment
that honors God and makes use of our talents and experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look toward that future with anticipation
and ask for your prayers that God will lead us in that process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our
resignation comes due to several factors with the most compelling being the
cumulative separation from family over the near 22 years of service with
CBF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our parents have experienced aging
and health issues and the distance has prevented us from assisting our siblings
in their care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a grandson who
turned two in August and we want to be a part of his young life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will settle in the Triad area of NC
(Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our sadness
comes from leaving several things dear to us:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Romany people to whom we
dedicated these past 22 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Project Ruth – the Ruth School
students and Staff, the Gypsy Smith School students and diverse faculty and the
Naomi Center with the women Tammy has come to love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Romanian and Hungarian friends
who welcomed us into their families and their churches and their countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We wish to
express deep appreciation for our families, friends, and the many individuals
and groups and churches that have supported us through these many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your prayers have been felt, your gifts to CBF’s
Offering for Global Missions and our projects have impacted our ministries and
your love for us has sustained us throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are deeply grateful for all of you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please continue to support Global Missions!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our passion
for missions and specifically Project Ruth, continues into the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We encourage you to continue to impact the
ongoing ministry here through student scholarships, special gifts, sending and
participating in teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will certainly
do so!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pray
God’s richest blessings upon you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With much
fondness for each of you,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ralph and
Tammy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-63160399472884161072016-05-23T16:25:00.000+03:002016-05-23T16:54:38.904+03:00Going to the Chapel...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUl71bsjjtD7TyBNCDijNAdPIEuSrmdIes0Ei5H8bmDiPrSKs59f04mrZpeMdh_A7uX_XZTw9x0E27Tp4SRZqNPnvHgRiEVoxXoN5XmOW7rIgiMCTzAXnVOSia6Xa8hWNld8J_8IrTWHc/s1600/IMG_1997+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUl71bsjjtD7TyBNCDijNAdPIEuSrmdIes0Ei5H8bmDiPrSKs59f04mrZpeMdh_A7uX_XZTw9x0E27Tp4SRZqNPnvHgRiEVoxXoN5XmOW7rIgiMCTzAXnVOSia6Xa8hWNld8J_8IrTWHc/s320/IMG_1997+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Our friend, Gabi, got married twice in the same week. How does that happen? In Romania couples go to the government center of their sector of the city for the civil, legal ceremony. This is a happy occasion with flowers and well wishes. Next many couples will have a ceremony at church where they say their vows before God and many of their friends. Then there is usually a multi course dinner of celebration with games, entertainment, lots of food, and pictures. It is fun and an occasion not to be missed. We enjoyed every minute. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDT-5DHGzDQM0DH9Z5Ut1w0ly_ZX-EVY-HKTYTGcaaJn3r-cXtJC2OGWPtjMD8-rbKdiiydOy2LMPEpwSvFfDnja3GEh3Zj3nlOQ2p1aY1elo1weFhv86FXMVJRk5_RWyZxWkkAorFAs/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDT-5DHGzDQM0DH9Z5Ut1w0ly_ZX-EVY-HKTYTGcaaJn3r-cXtJC2OGWPtjMD8-rbKdiiydOy2LMPEpwSvFfDnja3GEh3Zj3nlOQ2p1aY1elo1weFhv86FXMVJRk5_RWyZxWkkAorFAs/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Living cross culturally, meaning we live in a cultural that is different from one in which we were raised, has been something we've enjoyed. And certainly one we have felt called to do. It has had it challenges too. We realized early in our time in Europe the best way to learn about a new culture was by being present. Living day in and day out among the people we want to know. We need to be there life events - their births, deaths, weddings, birthdays, graduations. We have been blessed to be present for many of these occasions. We are grateful to those that support CBF's Offering for Global Missions which enables us to be here. <em>And Gabi & Iulian we wish you many, many happy days and years ahead!</em>Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-34159664623671303702016-01-20T17:04:00.001+02:002016-01-20T17:07:30.248+02:00Other Duties as Assigned...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG0xNDy1bjvGsJFxSjuIuOtoPnd3zyNMEV2tichi-HOpfN36De8R4kJThogFaOeLfhx4WYkNi0ZLeJku6VLkY03te6J69QxOVJRovt70YY8d8HEZaMYiEGU6KcP6PHZMO505Num1L_3Y/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG0xNDy1bjvGsJFxSjuIuOtoPnd3zyNMEV2tichi-HOpfN36De8R4kJThogFaOeLfhx4WYkNi0ZLeJku6VLkY03te6J69QxOVJRovt70YY8d8HEZaMYiEGU6KcP6PHZMO505Num1L_3Y/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends, Cadance Tyler and Katrina Brooks,<br />
sent by Virginia Baptists, help in the kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5roqWbDaGqqmxDH0QXyAQ9FCTNrOw9RUDSh2bKmgV8RkyJ4myYxFkbsej-ABSLQZs32yfwYEGj0w7pJSaQIfQX4JEj6jdtq5b7-OFhFpwJf1AoZZeRauqV2c2V0-53blr-Op5H7EixQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5roqWbDaGqqmxDH0QXyAQ9FCTNrOw9RUDSh2bKmgV8RkyJ4myYxFkbsej-ABSLQZs32yfwYEGj0w7pJSaQIfQX4JEj6jdtq5b7-OFhFpwJf1AoZZeRauqV2c2V0-53blr-Op5H7EixQ/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CBF Heartland coordinator emeritus, <br />
Harold Phillips, washing bowls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Sister, sister, I know you!" I heard these words this summer as we served with a team in a small village in northeast Romania. The young man was waving at me from the driver's seat of a van. He said, "Yes, I do know you. You're the dishwasher at the Ruth School." It took a moment for me to understand. Me? Dishwasher? What? Then recognition came as I realized this young church leader attends our Gypsy Smith Leadership School (GSS). Three times a year these young leaders come for a week of classes. While at the school we house them and feed them. It's a busy time in the kitchen as they cook lunch for 200 Ruth School students, provide three meals a day for 25 GSS students, make sandwiches for 30 afterschool kids, and fix snack bags for the 50 sports program participants. During these weeks I help out by washing dishes. Gladly, I, along with others at Project Ruth, rework our days to do what has to be done to serve the community. <br />
At the bottom of any good job description one usually finds a sentence similar to "And other duties as assigned." As CBF field personnel ministering in Romania it's a regular occurrence to do the unexpected, unanticipated, or unplanned. Wonderful interruptions in ministry that allow us opportunities to serve God in unusual ways. So when the young man said, "You're the dishwasher..." My reply? "That's me!"Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-44786027949091507042015-12-05T15:16:00.002+02:002015-12-06T20:12:48.733+02:00Traditions at the Ruth School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zqa6jUE2Y-SLsne0gNCgsCAiDfetQs2s_dG0viFcccJ0mpMjmpGFOFFabbevSy5OQSh5cS3chbyezcKynCQKSt10kLDL4BPMm0GgwxGb6MP1-Sho9cVZjyHOZaMrcJuiD1m9qQq98to/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zqa6jUE2Y-SLsne0gNCgsCAiDfetQs2s_dG0viFcccJ0mpMjmpGFOFFabbevSy5OQSh5cS3chbyezcKynCQKSt10kLDL4BPMm0GgwxGb6MP1-Sho9cVZjyHOZaMrcJuiD1m9qQq98to/s320/IMG_1303.JPG" width="240" /></a>This time of year there are many traditions to help celebrate the season from Thanksgiving to New Year's. The Ruth School is no exception with traditions that the students look forward to participating in. The first is our annual Thanksgiving tree. We don't officially celebrate the holiday in Romania but that doesn't keep us from being thankful. During our chapel time students from each class read what they have written on their leaves and then place them on the tree. We leave the tree displayed in the chapel area to serve as a reminder of the many things we have to be thankful for. This year the students shared they are thankful for their families, friends, teachers, our school, hot meals served every day, God's love, and so many other things. It was a delightful time.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoObr172Mvlr2JaOvYNXuOGesaBb7bnPY31MPbVWhNOguBzFVjBDV4m5CWXcoZ5fm0dNzZwppSvc7aTUcv7G9OAygMOm4udZN-xiTU5v55u-xX7DqgxEV29vfRKwWFIWfWmzdEnPknkc/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoObr172Mvlr2JaOvYNXuOGesaBb7bnPY31MPbVWhNOguBzFVjBDV4m5CWXcoZ5fm0dNzZwppSvc7aTUcv7G9OAygMOm4udZN-xiTU5v55u-xX7DqgxEV29vfRKwWFIWfWmzdEnPknkc/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The other tradition is the honor of our older students to decorate the Christmas tree in the lunch room. They do this after school as a surprise for the younger grades. After the tree is decked out we celebrate with pizza and cupcakes. It's an enjoyable time and we hope helps the older students develop their sense of leadership in the school.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-35248503633744523772015-09-11T15:04:00.002+03:002015-09-11T15:06:14.948+03:00Quilting, A New Skill...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5y349Hmdv6_atbPe77WcpYJ1qLWx8MNa8VbOuRnLo8_nmHv5K_Qh_irHBRl6szJdIA8Lx4XyEkf_jjUrPDeU07u_G43lW7VeWFg5iL_PnMKPU1s11MmNHEz4FPGVAmSJoGhxYBbamo/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5y349Hmdv6_atbPe77WcpYJ1qLWx8MNa8VbOuRnLo8_nmHv5K_Qh_irHBRl6szJdIA8Lx4XyEkf_jjUrPDeU07u_G43lW7VeWFg5iL_PnMKPU1s11MmNHEz4FPGVAmSJoGhxYBbamo/s320/IMG_0878.JPG" width="320" /></a>Binding, batting, feed dogs, half-square triangle... the vocabulary of quilting sounded strange to the ladies of the Naomi Center. A team of master quilters from CBF Heartland had arrived to teach a week long workshop of quilting fundamentals. Children ran in and out of the room as the air conditioner struggled to perform in the 97 degree heat. This did not deter the Naomi ladies who proved to be quick learners and eagerly embraced measuring, cutting, and piecing together the materials for a quilted table runner. They learned how to put colors and prints together to coordinate a pieced top. The week was more than quilting it was a <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgDwR6gd0HkzrN4SrWLwso2lHLwIpslIX_A7Kh8sqowOPBHPoR4Io5iFsbRP-KnIar1J7NG6fDFpm2xK1El49_KJ6jA3xP4Z7ooBJPcD6AnhuV3vUerBUA8lRqdFk3kG_gxG6GgIwp-g/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgDwR6gd0HkzrN4SrWLwso2lHLwIpslIX_A7Kh8sqowOPBHPoR4Io5iFsbRP-KnIar1J7NG6fDFpm2xK1El49_KJ6jA3xP4Z7ooBJPcD6AnhuV3vUerBUA8lRqdFk3kG_gxG6GgIwp-g/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
sharing of community as the day began with a devotion, moved to learning the basics of quilting, and sharing lunch together. Also daily an American woman shared her faith journey through a talk show interview entitled "The Naomi Show" with the theme, "We Are Women, God Loves Us!" Each Naomi woman was celebrated as their vibrant colored table runners were finished and a new project was started. Some of the master seamstresses took the basic quilting skills and quickly adapted them to expand their projects into small blankets with fancy stitching. This week was an opportunity for women from two different <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_12A-s_VRSO3JMqNgBh9OnWyRb6NDh0yqQ4bcqIhCjUEZwP0fcy3nVPXjoF47GRh7VfFFbkPhsXS1-qhqAGwyN67FBzxneLrjiWinaPeZp1ENVHr31lk2jlm4BYuRTupdbao5abfFKM/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_12A-s_VRSO3JMqNgBh9OnWyRb6NDh0yqQ4bcqIhCjUEZwP0fcy3nVPXjoF47GRh7VfFFbkPhsXS1-qhqAGwyN67FBzxneLrjiWinaPeZp1ENVHr31lk2jlm4BYuRTupdbao5abfFKM/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
cultures to bond in the togetherness women so enjoy. It has helped the Naomi women to expand their skill levels to aid in their abilities to support their families. It was jokingly said, "The Naomi Center can become the go-to place for quilted products in Romania." While that can be a goal for the future, the present day goal of helping women to know God loves them for who they are was certainly fulfilled. <br />
<br />
Now, who needs a quilted table runner? We have some beautiful ones!Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-71231985256210131842015-08-04T15:06:00.001+03:002015-08-04T15:06:36.219+03:00Everybody Needs a Break...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dOYw6-WA86OE3GkpJLc3ZxBExU7q6UyqjP2uH-bxq-myMRrmkEJjkKjbQxU8zvwtGdn1gmqp42YZxypfejM7TSutdLTO080JbLk2SlxNAakIyR1_Ikv4gmwG_ronYUD6nhBS3hv16Aw/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dOYw6-WA86OE3GkpJLc3ZxBExU7q6UyqjP2uH-bxq-myMRrmkEJjkKjbQxU8zvwtGdn1gmqp42YZxypfejM7TSutdLTO080JbLk2SlxNAakIyR1_Ikv4gmwG_ronYUD6nhBS3hv16Aw/s200/IMG_0725.JPG" width="200" /></a>The ladies of our Naomi Center are hard working. They sew, cook, clean, take care of children, perhaps work another job, shop daily for bread and milk and so the list goes on. Like many women their days are filled <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDeojTmAC6-POz4Zy1-9QIOfg8Eb6F-LNMPkHz-lfJjfYYlr8p740wwtNduE2Hus9IfKQiBZcb2VfW4WTaMTtwCu12VK_Im_nlIcnBuEmFkvLMRm866fLp_-by3LbwkbbzQP0LtIS8Z4/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDeojTmAC6-POz4Zy1-9QIOfg8Eb6F-LNMPkHz-lfJjfYYlr8p740wwtNduE2Hus9IfKQiBZcb2VfW4WTaMTtwCu12VK_Im_nlIcnBuEmFkvLMRm866fLp_-by3LbwkbbzQP0LtIS8Z4/s200/IMG_0720.JPG" width="200" /></a>with caring for their families. The hours are long and the stress is great. Recently we took the women to the mountains of Romania for some rest and relaxation. It was a chance to forget about daily life and to enjoy themselves. We had lunch sitting on a patio with the majestic mountains in view. Afterwards we spread blankets on the ground underneath the trees of the forest and Dana, the Naomi coordinator, shared a few words about taking time for ourselves. Then we spent the rest of afternoon napping, hiking through the forest, eating snacks, talking, and taking lots of fun pictures. As we boarded the bus for the ride back to the concrete of Bucharest we all agreed it was a Sabbath day filled with no worries and the fellowship of good friends. Everybody needs a break...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-62090909314443813042015-07-20T17:33:00.001+03:002015-07-20T17:45:21.012+03:00Ode to Kids' Club Dr Suess Style<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The youth from FBC, Kernersville, NC spent a week in Romania doing Kids' Clubs - better known as Vacation Bible School in the USA. As we arrived at each location it was always a surprise to see the venue. Where would Club be held this time?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9PaphhMyEvLYWlU-iZRk9e261sro030ourYcmt0sEdBgUKEJklgqw6SgEPFTCr7gRi8B8NGGevQBDTautuSn3YjkagoNJnEHifXidNvGcFFbxuXJfUxKbRnl1rNYn_0qgWgKhDblpzU/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9PaphhMyEvLYWlU-iZRk9e261sro030ourYcmt0sEdBgUKEJklgqw6SgEPFTCr7gRi8B8NGGevQBDTautuSn3YjkagoNJnEHifXidNvGcFFbxuXJfUxKbRnl1rNYn_0qgWgKhDblpzU/s200/IMG_0596.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Could you, would you do Kids’ Club this week?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It really, really would be quite a treat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, yes we could do that task</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We’re pretty sure it would be a blast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5QlWBUIAI81gHXtvBlVvQvKymjbusj28wkf2KocwOkTXnoJayboe8zGuJRcvnl9y2NummGcycXSGA78k5tEi6nn3eICRr1iPYVTF9llLFlMKeAeQl0E8f3G9eePLN06cz02XphtX2Lo/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5QlWBUIAI81gHXtvBlVvQvKymjbusj28wkf2KocwOkTXnoJayboe8zGuJRcvnl9y2NummGcycXSGA78k5tEi6nn3eICRr1iPYVTF9llLFlMKeAeQl0E8f3G9eePLN06cz02XphtX2Lo/s200/IMG_0657.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Could you, would you at the Ruth school?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course that would be really cool!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFox_Ug8SAg7DIg8OJgNwPBSEHsCSDQn_-HBrx9BKnuMESf1MHQSX1iJ6-BPFiNYqhpwrXMNeJZM2suXaJ7prfg_aGXTrn-WWfmOLbdPYZYfENBdsmdleXy_3IoLfdU0lzV-DE-u7GYE/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFox_Ug8SAg7DIg8OJgNwPBSEHsCSDQn_-HBrx9BKnuMESf1MHQSX1iJ6-BPFiNYqhpwrXMNeJZM2suXaJ7prfg_aGXTrn-WWfmOLbdPYZYfENBdsmdleXy_3IoLfdU0lzV-DE-u7GYE/s200/IMG_0625.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw-gzc0wPGkdg8U-5Cjm77pz5uRLwSHi3lRnx6OznTpGsLqqkvQodV0WMHscAggpRYujDqcxEhVijS4EKd6tv5OI-4SDCR6tK-YA12j3FwFfZ39sTDWXp34ynOqcrFY5xudozii_90-4/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw-gzc0wPGkdg8U-5Cjm77pz5uRLwSHi3lRnx6OznTpGsLqqkvQodV0WMHscAggpRYujDqcxEhVijS4EKd6tv5OI-4SDCR6tK-YA12j3FwFfZ39sTDWXp34ynOqcrFY5xudozii_90-4/s200/IMG_0679.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How about in a park? Or under a tree?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happily with shouts of glee!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To the Roma kids we’ll teach a Bible story of old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And crafts from paper, treated like gold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Could you, would you on stage?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why yes, and our music will be all the rage!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How about the local Roma church?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With water balloons for play, we’ll not leave you in the
lurch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the school, in the street</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We’re ready for any feat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the church, in the park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God’s call is not a lark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the bandstand, under the tree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Seeds planted we will see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Children will laugh and play</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And God’s love will win the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgChzuv8Fkl4nRqArodR7YkjiTL9rfdX8Hu4b_1FPi3D9MJaU9y957fmOZW7pK_ggrvB_E__wL6pAU6OWsS3Z1t4HmOA77sfarniwTPwfIXDbOksh1U7l0zXG8uECAssgx3KLyWOZQwHM/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgChzuv8Fkl4nRqArodR7YkjiTL9rfdX8Hu4b_1FPi3D9MJaU9y957fmOZW7pK_ggrvB_E__wL6pAU6OWsS3Z1t4HmOA77sfarniwTPwfIXDbOksh1U7l0zXG8uECAssgx3KLyWOZQwHM/s200/IMG_0641.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-70909151905059049522015-07-20T15:17:00.002+03:002015-07-20T15:17:35.499+03:00New New NewWe have neglected our blog as we got busy with ministry and new leadership responsibilities. Where did the time go? Forgive us. We are starting anew today with a new look, new pictures, and new stories. Please put us back on your blog roll and check in often for updates. <br />
Grace and Peace, TammyRalph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-47919967150813181242014-08-07T11:40:00.000+03:002014-08-07T11:52:19.731+03:00Multumim! (Thank you) Student.Go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy4GAAzMAv2hbILv0FZiL4RaO64elxm7KWBN_X4WBI3xlZi4s9dD4PgSSmfztM57wy30ZRnuRGGAXbkeP5LO9IYKJPcM7GNLwomK-tpBKMJs0bL20cefJTnFqyf1jiPkdyiuPY3PbVtc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy4GAAzMAv2hbILv0FZiL4RaO64elxm7KWBN_X4WBI3xlZi4s9dD4PgSSmfztM57wy30ZRnuRGGAXbkeP5LO9IYKJPcM7GNLwomK-tpBKMJs0bL20cefJTnFqyf1jiPkdyiuPY3PbVtc/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
There are many choices for how one can spend their summer break from college. Spending July in Romania? Well, it's not on everyone's list. However, Ellie, Keyonta, and Katie followed their passions and served at Project Ruth in Bucharest this summer. They provided "Club" for children at the Ruth School and in three different villages. Club is like Vacation Bible School with lots of glitter and construction paper. Children in the Ferentari community and in the Roma churches of the villages we visited have very little to occupy their summer days. Bringing Club to them is a highlight and one they will remember for a long time. It wasn't just the Bible story plays, the crafts, or the game time, it was giving the children attention. It was being the presence of Christ with glue and scissors.<br />
<br />
Thank you Student.Go for providing a program for college and seminary students to serve. Thank you Ellie, Keyonta, and Katie for giving us July.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-91523972331855156332014-07-30T16:32:00.000+03:002014-07-31T10:12:14.832+03:00Don't Run With Scissors...Have you ever thought about learning to use scissors? Most of us learned in early childhood how to take those blunt-ended slivers of silver with bright plastic handles, and a piece of construction paper, to craft a work of art. We would proudly take this master piece home to our moms to be displayed in a prominent place, probably the refrigerator. It's a childhood activity we take for granted.<br />
<br />
This week while doing Club (VBS style activities) I helped two young girls who had no idea how to use scissors. The sisters, about 7 and 10 years old, just sat and stared at the construction paper, crayons, and scissors they had been given. They quickly looked at what the other kids were doing and drew something similar on their papers. The next step was cutting and both girls were puzzled. "Can you help me?" With a little coaching and practice the girls soon got the hang of it. They happily began cutting multiple scraps of paper and speaking rapidly to each other about their new found skill - using scissors.<br />
<br />
This scenario underscores why the need for education among the Roma is so important. These girls live in the poor section of town where the local school is known to be sub-par. More than likely their parents do not support them in their education because they see no need for it or because they are consumed with the daily struggle of providing for their family. The exact reasons for these girls' lack of education is unknown but what is known is that there are many more like them. Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-36845711703060853952014-07-24T14:45:00.000+03:002014-07-24T14:45:25.548+03:00Here Comes the Bride...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iA_uUOHWhzcjNVX5PIFV_YnNdHA7ZJtoAApOSYY7adwxuGq_wkhhtPAcq90253gFIFqAVdBrfpPTncEkwlV4yspZ_b0A9uQInaSZK57lxVfWOS5-Vh5rB_KPuTesX2zoZ9Z-pF4GFYU/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iA_uUOHWhzcjNVX5PIFV_YnNdHA7ZJtoAApOSYY7adwxuGq_wkhhtPAcq90253gFIFqAVdBrfpPTncEkwlV4yspZ_b0A9uQInaSZK57lxVfWOS5-Vh5rB_KPuTesX2zoZ9Z-pF4GFYU/s1600/016.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Little girls dream of their wedding days and our girls at the Ruth School are no different. One afternoon at Summer Club we made tissue paper flowers. The girls began asking each other to get married and then "walked down the aisle" with their flowers. While it was a fun time I was reminded that many of these little girls will marry in their teens and begin having their own children before they are barely out of their own childhoods. The cycle is repeated over and over. At Project Ruth we encourage education especially with the girls. Through our Afterschool program, Parents' Academy, and Transitional Program we foster a positive environment of dreaming of the future and building the skills to make it happen.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-59645446350794261092014-07-12T17:04:00.000+03:002014-07-12T17:04:04.263+03:00Summer Club Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq7SBIOgjrmaGpVDXD9oSa4njJq79-tNznLHhhS7DC9i7wmZOp3kkx1ivux7S96wNa1Eb6TQmSOpumeDmabbhT51ooarpWSPW0ovV1ApSRyannLSAocTGRXjXGh-WLrgcHRyE7PYudds/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq7SBIOgjrmaGpVDXD9oSa4njJq79-tNznLHhhS7DC9i7wmZOp3kkx1ivux7S96wNa1Eb6TQmSOpumeDmabbhT51ooarpWSPW0ovV1ApSRyannLSAocTGRXjXGh-WLrgcHRyE7PYudds/s1600/002.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
What is your first thought when looking at this picture? Probably not the story of the friends lowering their lame friend through the roof of the house so he could see Jesus, but that's what it is.<br />
<br />
Summer Club has begun at the Ruth School. Monday through Thursday the students can come for a story, craft, play time, and a snack. It's a simple formula for teaching the neighborhood children about God's love. And we're grateful to the Student.GO team through CBF spending the month of July helping us do that.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-21653927892416033572014-04-09T08:31:00.004+03:002014-04-09T08:31:58.943+03:00International Roma Day - Celebrate & PrayInterested? Click this link and find out more...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cbfblog.com/2014/04/08/cbf-romany-ministries-team-celebrates-international-roma-day/">http://cbfblog.com/2014/04/08/cbf-romany-ministries-team-celebrates-international-roma-day/</a>Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-87793977911691800732014-03-25T17:54:00.001+02:002014-03-25T17:54:43.670+02:00Gypsy Smith School Class of March, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY9Zd0bpLbCU07Ci97EAsEN2UnxOAi10ff3x30aOVCL5O0s-qGGziWw2I_CpPJHNYkibcR78wLlBmPz2d5m-ObKP721KDGCd0Xu-wssx5OlGjPOw_txZxL0d3t6sAsn4cROAE6MjxF3A/s1600/GSS+March+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY9Zd0bpLbCU07Ci97EAsEN2UnxOAi10ff3x30aOVCL5O0s-qGGziWw2I_CpPJHNYkibcR78wLlBmPz2d5m-ObKP721KDGCd0Xu-wssx5OlGjPOw_txZxL0d3t6sAsn4cROAE6MjxF3A/s1600/GSS+March+2014.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
They came from various places across the country of Romania to study. They have different roles in their churches as pastors, deacons, youth leaders, and elders but they share the desire to learn more about God's Word and how to be better leaders. This is our largest class yet - 30! Thanks Larry DeLand from OK and Ken Myers from NC for teaching this week. Pray for them as this week unfolds.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-73811514164750173612014-03-23T09:08:00.000+02:002014-03-23T09:08:18.001+02:00Gypsy Smith School - March 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d_wEG2Pw6nqCNFAaCPdnYPc6alvgHg7z_qR81x8hVnWojVHzyBYxiUqc-HjblFNei8z1HKrjeYm4w9x1SB_gvC_zeBx0zLOiDfaMcIhsAUIaigxGIotC8Hto1Mp_jXqPObBxrqQFZ-o/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d_wEG2Pw6nqCNFAaCPdnYPc6alvgHg7z_qR81x8hVnWojVHzyBYxiUqc-HjblFNei8z1HKrjeYm4w9x1SB_gvC_zeBx0zLOiDfaMcIhsAUIaigxGIotC8Hto1Mp_jXqPObBxrqQFZ-o/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Being a pastor is a rewarding vocation but it's not an easy one. The Roma pastors and lay leaders that attend the Gypsy Smith School (GSS) are also bi-vocational and many lack a formal education. However this doesn't slow their desire to learn and grow as pastors. The Gypsy Smith Leadership Training School was designed to fulfill this need. Four times a year the leaders travel to Bucharest to attend a week long session on Bible studies, practical church leadership training, worship planning, and other topics. The March session is being held this week. Will you pray for a fruitful study of God's Word for these leaders?Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-53661535939319830632014-03-14T16:43:00.001+02:002014-03-14T23:27:11.151+02:00Dreams Do Come True<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuebiZoFSu1LYh8mUplL_u4faygeszHcyl6RHz9sc7y5PekalzDUpTdxr-uFM27XBROQwszAyetc-H5mBo7ljSLKNeDfOJEjatxfspd3BFBN48rR9lM6zmUbadahjdjrMCtQJi2Phkf_Q/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuebiZoFSu1LYh8mUplL_u4faygeszHcyl6RHz9sc7y5PekalzDUpTdxr-uFM27XBROQwszAyetc-H5mBo7ljSLKNeDfOJEjatxfspd3BFBN48rR9lM6zmUbadahjdjrMCtQJi2Phkf_Q/s1600/002.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
We called him "Little Laci" when he first started his studies several years ago at the Gandhi High School in Pecs, Hungary. He was eager to learn English and wanted to practice often. While at the school with a population of mostly Roma students, Laci was encouraged by one of his teachers to follow his dreams. He'll tell you that up until this time he had never dreamed he could actually pursue being a graphic artist. It just seemed impossible for a Roma boy from a small village. But dreams do come true...<br />
<br />
Laci studied hard and was accepted into an international studies school in Italy where he blossomed among the multi cultural students. Still believing in the seeds planted by his Gandhi teacher he applied to an art school in the US. Thanks to the love and support of former Gandhi School volunteers from the US, Laci, you can see from the picture we had to drop the "Little", is a freshman at a college in FL. It's evident that he loves it as he animatedly talks about a class on the various size, shapes, and styles of fonts! When we recently crossed paths with him he excitedly told us about living his dream and how so many had helped it to come true.<br />
<br />
We are thankful God placed us in the right place, at the right time to be a part of helping Laci's dreams come true. What about you? How can you help someone's dream come true today?<br />
<br />Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-38115338832676224912014-02-19T15:35:00.000+02:002014-02-19T15:35:12.832+02:00Celebrating Love at the Ruth School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccTWilRo0SH1mE1kx-HAlsH6LOSTaanRsl5ajgpJxPKrLBsOiQSBC7wsPFhfiNOEiF8E37btK5zmGBuVrWJDEi4BbduosE0IW7C9kshFn_tuWZnAS-55MGsDH8vRDcpw68yMU9jdkAuw/s1600/valentine+ruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccTWilRo0SH1mE1kx-HAlsH6LOSTaanRsl5ajgpJxPKrLBsOiQSBC7wsPFhfiNOEiF8E37btK5zmGBuVrWJDEi4BbduosE0IW7C9kshFn_tuWZnAS-55MGsDH8vRDcpw68yMU9jdkAuw/s1600/valentine+ruth.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
Valentine's Day is not a big holiday in Romania. However, it's a great excuse to talk about love, the different kinds of love, and most importantly God's love for us. The walls of the lunch room were decorated with red hearts and streamers. Lunch is usually a small bowl of hearty, warm food and a couple of slices of bread. On this special day beside each shiny silver bowl was a cupcake with red sprinkles! An extra special treat! The students were asked, "What do you love about the Ruth School?" The answers varied from food to chapel to my friends. They laughed and gobbled down the cake full of the knowledge that they are loved. Thank you for supporting the Ruth School.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-13351568331122781962013-11-19T13:39:00.001+02:002013-11-19T13:39:26.327+02:00Making New Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mfhtGfh2sD7R-4oXRKMAXaHneBTZ2chvAMk98E0398-PbvtZz70SI5L0ViHXRtMg1cUN3bIQz3ttW_nSsxlXI3NkuXGQpbfOVesydZGMVtcHmCbOySaLyuOY6mggPeW316m1-UM_PU/s1600/joke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mfhtGfh2sD7R-4oXRKMAXaHneBTZ2chvAMk98E0398-PbvtZz70SI5L0ViHXRtMg1cUN3bIQz3ttW_nSsxlXI3NkuXGQpbfOVesydZGMVtcHmCbOySaLyuOY6mggPeW316m1-UM_PU/s320/joke.jpg" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div>
This is my new friend, Joke (JO-ka). We bonded while washing hundreds of silver bowls, sorting clothes, and various other things at the Ruth School. Joka is from The Netherlands and came with her husband, Pier, while he was teaching at the Gypsy Smith School. She had asked us to use her in any way possible while he taught and we did! Joka has a servant's heart and I'm glad we got to spend the week together. Meeting wonderful people like Joka is one of the great perks of my job and I love it!<br />
<em><strong>"Make New Friends But Keep the Old</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>One is Silver and the Other's Gold."</strong></em>Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-47010468485874699842013-11-03T10:09:00.002+02:002013-11-03T10:09:52.619+02:00"Sail On... Lessons Learned"<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_QO9V2z3mjvq7eCUkZgPb9rSZ8F41IzX9EuGczHR6gvaxU9nI3zhkkdHTdWhJpxmsImN_idkueJtAtUuLy2tqde_MwBilOZAbmHzsGqbxWMlvcOfBZ9R8EcSz-bsTvhC98i_DJlbBZw/s1600/1382851_622630001120393_1561694100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_QO9V2z3mjvq7eCUkZgPb9rSZ8F41IzX9EuGczHR6gvaxU9nI3zhkkdHTdWhJpxmsImN_idkueJtAtUuLy2tqde_MwBilOZAbmHzsGqbxWMlvcOfBZ9R8EcSz-bsTvhC98i_DJlbBZw/s320/1382851_622630001120393_1561694100_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Cast up your sails<br /> And let the wind blow<br /> Jesus will never<br /> Let your ship lose control</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sail on…”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">(Imperials, 1977</span></i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Building miniature sail boats turned into a week of learning life lessons for the 8<sup>th</sup> grade class at the Ruth School recently. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Led by master sailor and builder, Fred Clifford, member of a team from Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC, the students learned the basic parts of boats, how to use a compass, and why boats float.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also heard the story of Jesus calming the storm and calling Peter to walk on water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They learned to start a project, finish it, and feel good about their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They learned to work together and the joy of being rewarded for a job well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week of lessons culminated in a lunch trip for cheeseburgers and an afternoon of sailing their boats on the lake at the local park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students basked in the special attention and heard the message, through the building of sailboats, you are loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sail on…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo7-2wzpdNe-Kq7IZtSoC1ySloMYAjvFqNrdcesYKZ0Lq8ObaAtUOjA0AGFkZohF9PkP4FiPGi4BpzkvCwu_xUTCb0zvNhJjzKA2OntyOUjw1cIlKv-MkxmK_1QLqiDmL_l5ptCFWUAk/s1600/1380282_622629871120406_2052103868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo7-2wzpdNe-Kq7IZtSoC1ySloMYAjvFqNrdcesYKZ0Lq8ObaAtUOjA0AGFkZohF9PkP4FiPGi4BpzkvCwu_xUTCb0zvNhJjzKA2OntyOUjw1cIlKv-MkxmK_1QLqiDmL_l5ptCFWUAk/s320/1380282_622629871120406_2052103868_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-63762521148013273932013-10-28T14:02:00.000+02:002013-10-28T14:02:03.408+02:00"They are not Thieves, They are Men"<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This is a re-share from the CBF Romany Ministry Blog. A 'must' read to help understand Romany ministry...</span><br />
<br />
A story about Shane and Dianne McNary was recently published on the Fuller Seminary website. It's a moving and very informative article about poverty, weddings, and the "G-word." Go to <a href="http://www.fuller.edu/" target="_blank" title="Fuller Seminary">www.fuller.edu</a> or click the image below for the direct link to the article:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fuller.edu/Microsites/Be_Inspired/Our_Stories/They_Are_Not_Thieves_They_Are_Men/" target="_blank"><img alt="Untitled" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1340" height="241" src="http://prayingwithfeet.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/untitled4.jpg?w=604" width="400" /></a></div>
Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-81965807206292672242013-09-11T08:42:00.000+03:002013-09-11T08:51:24.920+03:00Headstands Aren't Just for Kids<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRRPe6JLuURZqxBrMNppc4IdPyzBCdqgmMkxU6nzHOsD3YysDvupUk8lINZKqQEOKbjoLjp6dy9BQjGc-cLsRc1SOCKhYIeA-i4ufdFdBFvuBAvF8e6oiJQwcoOEyHbkAIZ889uhpLXM/s1600/_DSC0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRRPe6JLuURZqxBrMNppc4IdPyzBCdqgmMkxU6nzHOsD3YysDvupUk8lINZKqQEOKbjoLjp6dy9BQjGc-cLsRc1SOCKhYIeA-i4ufdFdBFvuBAvF8e6oiJQwcoOEyHbkAIZ889uhpLXM/s320/_DSC0360.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's Tammy standing on her head!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Hey Ms Tammy, watch this!" Mark expertly did a headstand. <br />
"Hey Mark, watch this!" With those words I found myself (foolishly) trying to imitate the 2nd grader with endless amounts of energy, an impish smile, and a lover of bear hugs.<br />
<br />
I give many of the Ruth School students bear hugs and the attention they crave. But Mark is special to me. Ralph and I support the Ruth School Scholarship program and Mark is our assigned student. He doesn't know we pray for him, give toward his school supplies or keep up with his progress. He just thinks I'm an unpredictable, crazy lady!<br />
<br />
Everyone who contributes to the scholarship program knows the name of their student and gets an update twice a year. We're blessed to be able to see our little Mark regularly as he learns and grows. We see first hand the difference $30 a month can make in the life of a child. Would you consider making a difference in the lives of children in Bucharest? Look at our website: <a href="http://projectruth.ro/">http://projectruth.ro</a> , write Project Ruth at <a href="mailto:office@projectruth.ro">office@projectruth.ro</a> Or give through our CBF project: Ruth School, #80185Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-9766033608266411372013-09-02T13:45:00.001+03:002013-09-02T13:45:45.575+03:00Story Telling With a Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8b8rJDnRdRMyUOUjkzoWUm21LMMTL2bcatPDipLne-8Kzmi6D2irrZ65TEw2B9w7TwY5dNKfdz3lZwMbvTaTdrEgbeIzs5V23pb44fAffEtOJtE4zZCyy4i5ADIn0yURX74mm7dzU3k/s1600/_DSC0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8b8rJDnRdRMyUOUjkzoWUm21LMMTL2bcatPDipLne-8Kzmi6D2irrZ65TEw2B9w7TwY5dNKfdz3lZwMbvTaTdrEgbeIzs5V23pb44fAffEtOJtE4zZCyy4i5ADIn0yURX74mm7dzU3k/s320/_DSC0991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Can you guess what story we were telling at Summer Club? Stefan, our resident clown, is pretending to be a fish out of water. Is that a big hint? If you guessed Moses parting the Red Sea, you'd be right. Whenever we tell a story or teach a Biblical truth we try to be as interactive as possible. In this instance a "Moses" was selected to lead the Israelites (all the children) across the sea. They could feel the water mist (our helpers with spray bottles) as they walked through the blue alley. There were fish and creatures on the water walls to make it more realistic. It was a parade with giggles and marching along. The children learned to trust God to help them in tough situations. And hopefully they went home to tell their parents about walking through the Red Sea.Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-39152558066845033282013-08-26T13:45:00.003+03:002013-08-26T13:45:44.382+03:00Roma in Eastern Europe - Time MagazineI am sharing a post from the blog of our Romany Team colleagues, Tanya and Jon Parks in Slovakia. They offer two disclaimers for this Time Magazine article that I agree with. The problems nor the solutions are simple and the discrimination is very real.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://prayingwithfeet.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/time-magazine-article-on-roma-in-eastern-europe/">http://prayingwithfeet.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/time-magazine-article-on-roma-in-eastern-europe/</a>Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-35515399245666888112013-08-19T17:16:00.000+03:002013-08-26T13:46:37.954+03:00No Water for the Roma and Other Poor of Ozd, Hungary8/26/13 Update: The mayor was forced to turn the water back on.<br />
<br />
Recently this article was forwarded to us and I read it with disbelief! A mayor has cut off the water tap to the Roma section of the village because they are misusing it. What?!?! Hungary, like most of Eastern Europe is experiencing one of the hottest summers on record. I agree with the article that this is a health and safety issue. How can anyone in their right mind think it's OK to deny water to other human beings? This mayor should be impeached or even better be forced to stand in the sun in the town center all day without a drop to drink. I say cut off the water to his house! Just another sad example of how the Roma are the scapegoats for the problems in the village.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 5.0pt 5.0pt 5.0pt 5.0pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 7.5pt;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.errc.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Hungarian+Council+Disconnects+Public+Water+...&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=ERRC_errcepressno1_65.jpg"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img border="0" height="100" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://img2.ymlp232.net/ERRC_errcepressno1_65.jpg" style="border-width: 0pt;" title="http://www.errc.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Hungarian+Council+Disconnects+Public+Water+...&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=ERRC_errcepressno1_65.jpg
CTRL + Click to follow link" width="618" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; display: none; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in; width: 70%;" valign="top" width="70%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 2.5pt 2.5pt 2.5pt 2.5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 599.25pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 599.25pt; padding: 3.75pt;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;">
<b><span style="color: #e2393e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HUNGARIAN COUNCIL DISCONNECTS
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES IN HIGH TEMPERATURES, BLAMES ROMA FOR 'MISUSE'</span></b><b><span style="color: #0082c8; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; display: none; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Budapest, 6 August, 2013:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The European Roma Rights Centre is
calling on the Council of Ozd to immediately reconnect the public water
supply in the town. On 3 August 2013, the council disconnected 27 pumps,
which provided water to the town. Up to 500 families can no longer
easily access safe clean drinking water. A further 62 taps have
been severely limited by authorities, with the water pressure is so
low that it takes several minutes to fill a 10-litre bottle. Roma and
non-Roma are affected by the decision, as many people living in the area
are too poor to have running water in their homes.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Council made
the original decision at the end of June, and did not inform the
community - only putting the information online. The limitations started
two weeks ago, during the height of the Hungarian summer when
temperatures can reach uo to 40C (104F). According to media reports, the
mayor said that the council could no longer afford the 50,000-EUR annual
water bill from all of the pumps in the town, and specifically targeted
Roma for ‘misusing’ the water supply. He did not provide any evidence to
support this accusation.<br />
<br />
No alternatives were provided to the individuals, who rely on the pumps
for their supply of water. Local activists and supporters have been
providing some drinking water to the community, but there is no water for
people to wash themselves or their clothes, and this is not a sustainable
solution. Currently there are just two taps which are operating, and both
are situated more than 1.5 kilometres from Roma settlements.<br />
<br />
“This is not just about the right to water, it is about the health and safety
of Roma families who are forced to spend their days going back and forth
to fetch water in extremely high temperatures. The Council is fully aware
that many families do not have their own supply of running water. This is
Europe in 2013 and this should not be happening,” said Dezideriu Gergely,
Executive Director, European Roma Rights Centre.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ERRC is deeply
concerned by the Council’s actions, and is in touch with the local
authorities to urge them to urgently reconnect the water. Many
residents of this area are completely dependent on roadside water pumps
to access safe drinking water. Cutting off the water supply at this time
of year is dangerous and irresponsible.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hungarian
authorities have a responsibility under international human rights standards
to ensure that individuals can access safe and clean drinking water. The
ERRC is calling on Hungarian authorities to stop disconnecting the public
water supply in areas where the public is dependent on public taps and
roadside pumps. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For further
information, contact:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sinan Gökçen<br />
Media and Communications Officer<br />
European Roma Rights Centre<br />
<a href="mailto:sinan.gokcen@errc.org"><span style="color: #e56669; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sinan.gokcen@errc.org</span></a><br />
<span class="baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1" style="white-space: nowrap;">+36.30.500.1324<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1370703312322224781#" style="border: currentColor; bottom: 0px; display: inline; float: none; height: 16px; left: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: static !important; right: 0px; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap; width: 16px;" title="Call: +36.30.500.1324"><img src="data:image/png;base64,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" style="border: currentColor; bottom: 0px; display: inline; float: none; height: 16px; left: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: static !important; right: 0px; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap; width: 16px;" title="Call: +36.30.500.1324" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
© ERRC 2013. All rights reserved</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370703312322224781.post-12329119421338579942013-08-12T13:24:00.001+03:002013-08-12T13:40:58.822+03:00Student.GO Why? 5 Reasons We Enthusiastically Participate!<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuMseJfHk2r-rB9oTZOl7NwLulxSVVbFYf7MQvsGz3ahRWqdgjfCKu_MQYgVGMzNPT41PW_hRiE7Wx5pVFxFKg0pzLKvwQrtqibtWAye_bpm9DqCr0VBn5k5QayT6_oXS3z0xipWy_kw/s1600/_DSC0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuMseJfHk2r-rB9oTZOl7NwLulxSVVbFYf7MQvsGz3ahRWqdgjfCKu_MQYgVGMzNPT41PW_hRiE7Wx5pVFxFKg0pzLKvwQrtqibtWAye_bpm9DqCr0VBn5k5QayT6_oXS3z0xipWy_kw/s320/_DSC0346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As field personnel with CBF we have participated in the Student.GO program for several years. This year was no exception. We had three passionately dedicated young ladies who lived their calling and became the hands and feet of Jesus in Romania this summer. Thank you Celia, Madison, and Nina.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBP_NOBiWWU1_imFGHirS-F_zXM0K0-hGFTvE5U0OWIf-h2h-J7ES0rqI-73MjKghePMiqt_rziF51p3mFgsOyarJK8Y6HQ0m9aTcuJt6Mx0HkdMUWdSNPDliiuy2fIO_fZVlvx4C1hk/s1600/_DSC0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBP_NOBiWWU1_imFGHirS-F_zXM0K0-hGFTvE5U0OWIf-h2h-J7ES0rqI-73MjKghePMiqt_rziF51p3mFgsOyarJK8Y6HQ0m9aTcuJt6Mx0HkdMUWdSNPDliiuy2fIO_fZVlvx4C1hk/s320/_DSC0378.JPG" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">5 Reasons We Enthusiastically Participate in CBF's Student.Go program</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> To nurture the passion of young people for mission</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> To further their discernment of their calling</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> To marvel at the energy and creativity they bring to ministry</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> To share the joy of their impact on the lives of Roma children and youth</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> To see God molding their hearts as they become "world citizens"</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF-9W08Pcx42yp2lYoKDs8K0AG1KSu6hjcSPTU8yuKZ6GOJzdmKbbYTq45s1MS5ou7YqEjkxzdXg_DaqoN-3i-C3CbhtXpNck1JINCUAuTCEFhLRfWknZQ_AjDFKV84uYKqeK2oWj99Q/s1600/_DSC0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF-9W08Pcx42yp2lYoKDs8K0AG1KSu6hjcSPTU8yuKZ6GOJzdmKbbYTq45s1MS5ou7YqEjkxzdXg_DaqoN-3i-C3CbhtXpNck1JINCUAuTCEFhLRfWknZQ_AjDFKV84uYKqeK2oWj99Q/s320/_DSC0384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ralph and Tammy Stockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08223946513049794273noreply@blogger.com0