Celebrating 5 years of International Café
This summer, we celebrated the 5th year anniversary of the International Café! All the young people who came to the Café these past years were invited. Many had left Constanta to work, study or go back to their home countries. On this special night, we got to catch up with some we had not seen for a couple years or months. It was a beautiful evening. We had games, lots of laughs, and shared memories of the Café. There were a few who could not join the event, but either made a video or Skyped in with us. It was heart warming to know that this Café meant so much for these young people.
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As we started to prepare for the celebration, we were able to count what God has done over the years. We saw a timid teenage girl open up and flourish in university. We saw a lonely foreign student find friends and a place to belong. We saw a young man who said God was not for him, become a follower of Jesus. It is amazing that God used this “little space”, we called “Café”, to build friendships and to bring hope and love to this generation.
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Mission Adventures in South West Romania
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On July 13th, we embarked upon an adventure.
We traveled to Slatina, Romania for 3 days of training. It was a great time, where we challenged the teenagers to love others and be a light in this dark world. We also prayed for social justice issues and how we can help. This year, two young people came along as staff from the church we attend. They led worship and made it possible for us to go deeper with the teenagers. After the lessons, we were able to break into small groups and really discuss. In a smaller setting, the teenagers opened up and shared their hearts with us. The training helped the team to bond and grow.
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We then headed to Craiova, Romania for outreach. We ran a VBS in a church, gave food to the homeless, made jam, and sang worship songs in the streets. During the homeless ministry we experienced a great breakthough. Our youth were able to look past themselves, their fear, and see God's heart for the people. It made them grateful for what they had, but it also helped to clear up misconceptions. They saw them as people with stories like you and me. We are excited for the future and to go deeper with them.
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The 4th annual Day Camp in Henri Coandă
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In the beginning of August, we organized our annual Day Camp in Henri Coandă neighbourhood.
For the first time this year, besides our regular camp activities, we had a prayer station. It was a place where kids could come to receive prayer. We specifically focused on praying for an encounter with Jesus. It was really exciting to see that in the midst of all the fun we offered, like trampolines, face paint, crafts and games, kids chose to go to the prayer station - even if they had to wait a while for their turn to receive prayer.
Afterwards many children told us they had experienced the presence of God, all in different ways. Some kids were sitting for more than ten minutes with their eyes closed and hands opened. Others kept coming back to the prayer station every day, just to receive more of what they had experienced! We were so encouraged to see their hunger and openness.
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King's Kids serve in Family Camp 
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This summer we had the privilege to serve in two family camps in the beautiful mountainside of Romania, together with some of our teens. Two teenage girls prayed to come with us and, although the circumstances were against it, God answered their prayers and opened a door so that they could serve alongside us.
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For them, it was a learning experience being able to see a bigger picture of what it means to be part of a ministry team. We saw this was also a growing experience as they served God wholeheartedly in the children’s programs. By investing in our teens, by teaching them how to tell others about God's love, we believe we can see people transformed around us.
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The newest member of our YWAM CT Family
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Patience Marshall is from Scotland and joined as staff in Constanta in October 2016. Before coming to Romania, Patience had been back in her home city working and spending time with her family and church. Prior to that, she was with YWAM in England and India, mostly working with Discipleship Training Schools. Her passion is to help others get to know God more, discover their part in God’s plan, and help them develop their skills to reach their goals. Her hobbies include drinking tea with friends, going to the cinema, playing guitar, and dreaming with God.
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New School Year
Our 5th school year has begun!
For the last 5 years, we have been helping poor families send their children to school. We started with four in the first grade and this school year, we could provide for two 5th graders, one 4th grader, two 3rd graders, and two 1st graders. Clothes and school supplies were provided by the generous donations of friends and churches in America and Norway. We are grateful to provide for these kids without having to stress about the finances.
The kids started school last Monday and have gotten off to a great start! We are praying for consistency in attendance and motivation to learn.
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Teaching English
Orphanage Project
In May, we began a partnership with a local, children's home. Since then, we have been teaching English to a small group of teenagers and also six and seven year olds. Teaching English is a great tool that enables us to build mentoring relationships, being examples of Jesus’ love and a source of encouragement in their lives.
We have been taking turns teaching simple lessons on greetings, hobbies, emotions, and numbers. We look forward to having a special Christmas celebration with the kids and sharing with them about the birth of Jesus.
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Quick update regarding the building project.
We are sorry to share with you some disappointing news that we recently received.
The building that we were pursuing has been sold to someone else while we were finalizing the legal papers. We had the oral agreement with the owner and our down payment was ready but the building was sold before signing the contract. This is hard news for us and our staff community after months of prayer, long meetings and discussions, and the effort of fundraising.
Some of you had financially supported this project. With your permission we will keep the funds aside, ready for a future building opportunity. We are sorry for this disappointing news. Thank you so much for your support!
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Giving
If you would like to support the ministries in Constanta, please visit:
http://tpmconstanta.ro/index.php/donate
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Direct Wire Transfer
Fundatia Tineri Pentru Misiune
SWIFT Code: BACXROBU
Bank: Unicredit Bank SA, Romania
Euro Account:
RO21 BACX 0000 0008 5591 3001
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 As we approach the holiday season and look back on the past year, we are filled with gratefulness as we remember how many of you have been praying for us, giving financially, and serving alongside our team. We could not carry out the work of making Jesus known in Constanta without your partnership. This is one of our greatest gifts and as you celebrate with your loved ones the Greatest Gift of all - our Saviour- we pray you will know what a blessing you have been to us!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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