Sharon Anson travelled to Romania this morning. She will be speaking at conferences, in church services and on television. She is being hosted by Lidia Murza (pictured with children that they support) who leads the Benita charity (based in Bistrita), and who is a close friend. Lidia has recently joined the grassroots teams to Tanzania and shared the vision of supporting children in Tanzania with her Romanian friends and been asked to share about this in various Christian meetings. As a result over 10 percent of support that Grassroots passes on to Tanzania comes in from Romanian donors.

We will put updates here to tell what is happening during this trip.

Updated Sunday 7 March 2010:

Saturday: Sharon spoke at a conference in Bistrita for women who have been successful acedemically or in business. It was a great event with over 200 women present, who are the shakers and movers in the city. Sharon spoke twice and shared stories of juggling roles and how a relationship with God can help you remain clear who you are even it the midst of great troubles - rather than only being defined by one's role and losing one's identity when difficulties make you have to stand back from recognised responsibility. Some of the delegates were visibly moved. After this she had meetings to discuss a link between the Grassroots projects in Cyprus (where there are many Romanians) and the church and Christian organisations in Romania.

Sunday: Sharon spoke at the jojnt services of the Pentecostal Church in Bistrita. It was a lovely, powerful time. Then in the evening she went on to a partner church in Beclean. Pastor Costel has become a good friend and is helping organise those who sponsor Tanzanian children. Grassroots is also partnering with them in local house renovation projects (the picture on the right is of Pastor Costel leading the dedication of one of these projects). The Beclean church is wonderful and has a real heart to pray for their own people and the nations.

Monday: The plan is to be interviewed on the national Christian TV channel. They will be asking about the work in Tanzania and how God's Spirit lead Sharon in both starting and developing the work. They are particularly interested in how so many Romanian people have got involved. This will be followed by a series of other meetings with church and community leaders.