The Romanian Aid Foundation & Asociatia Neemia

Unlike much of the rest of Europe, this area of Romania has been experiencing above-average rainfall. We have not yet had the excessive temperatures of other years and the warm wet season has brought a prospect of good crops – the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye. However, this is not without its problems as the strong growth and moist soil tend to complicate the use of heavy harvesting machinery and once again the small-holder with his horse-drawn cart does rather better.

Of course, the abundance of crops is of limited help to those who have no land to work or no money to buy them. This year to date, we have given out over 6 tons of food to families and individuals. Most of this food has come from donors in the UK but some has been grown on land at our warehouse and at Casa Neemia. The construction of the polytunnel has increased the productivity of the garden and some of the residents have become competent in the various tasks involved. They do not eat all the vegetables and that leaves a surplus to be donated. An offer has been received from a person willing to show interested residents how to preserve some of the produce for consumption during the winter.

The recent inspection of Casa Neemia resulted in some additional work, primarily related to changes in legislation during the construction period. The main requirement was additional fire-resistant under-cladding to the ceiling of the upper floor; this work has been completed and procedures are in hand to obtain the final approval before the end of this month.

Finally, it may be mid-summer for most of us in the northern hemisphere but logistical processes mean that we will soon have to start the preparations for this year’s Christmas gift box distribution.

This month’s featured photos

• Clothing and stationery – forward thinking for the next school term.
• Fresh vegetables from the garden at Casa Neemia.
• Christmas gift boxes – a mid-summer reminder!

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<11> /]

Stats notes:
– Joiners are new registrants this month, Leavers are are those whose latest recorded donation was 12 months ago.
– Value of stock includes items which have been used in AN projects but not yet written out of these accounts.
– Items marked as “?” are awaiting final returns for the month.

Previous month, July 2018

It is three years since building work started on Casa Neemia and a lot has been achieved through hard work and God’s repeated demonstrations of His ‘just in time’ provision. Now, documents have to be found, certificates have to be signed and inspections completed but, concurrent with the publication of these notes, the formal construction period should come to an end. Our thanks go to all those who have been involved with this project, whether by physical activity, financial contribution or prayer support.

The most difficult part of fulfilling the vision now begins – establishing the house rules and finding someone to take on the management of the house and its residents. Ideally we are looking for a mature couple with pastoral experience who can befriend the residents and work with those who are already building relationships with them.

Turning to our regular activities, we currently have good stocks of clothing, household goods and rice, and, to a lesser extent, oil and other food. We continue to help people who need these items. However, statutory increases in the minimum wage have resulted in higher business overheads and widespread price rises. Whilst this means increased operating costs for AN, the impact is most keenly felt by those who have no wage to increase. We do not keep records of those whom we are unable to help but the perception is that more people are asking for assistance with bills and other expenses, and more requests have to be declined.

This month’s featured photos

• What’s behind the door?
• Open the box!
• Now move it!

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<12> /]

Stats notes:
– Joiners are new registrants this month, Leavers are are those whose latest recorded donation was 12 months ago.
– Value of stock includes items which have been used in AN projects but not yet written out of these accounts.
– Items marked as “?” are awaiting final returns for the month.