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Romania:
Global Hand
 We
live in an inbalanced world: A world that allows massive waste
and chronic need. In one region there is a surplus of product
and in another a massive shortage. Global hand wants to change
that.
The goal is to link people who have available goods with non-profit
organisations who need them and those who can provide transport.
Every day, goods are destroyed in one part of the world that
could ease suffering in another. Global hand wants to see those
goods reach people in need and through its sophisticated web site
its beginning to link the “haves” with the “have
nots” around the world.
A typical scenario, all too typical sadly, illustrated the far-reaching
impact of wasted resources. In the wake of the “ethnic cleansing”
in the Balkans, many refugees still struggle to rebuild their
lives. A rehabilitative organisation on the Croatian cost sought
to refurbish a centre, operating on a shoestring budget. They
could not find the needed furniture. Across the waters, in Italy,
the general manager of a widely patronised hotel was refurbishing
his premises. He offered his still excellent furniture to ten
Italian charities. None needed it. He reluctantly destroyed it.
Meanwhile, the Croatian centre sold one of its buildings in order
to furnish the other, thus reducing its effectiveness. Neither
knew of the other’s situation. The incident is one of many
that could be recounted.
 Epiphany
Trust has now become a member of the Global Hand network and has
just received in Romania a container from Hong Kong with all the
furnishings and fittings needed to equip our “half-way”
house. On their behalf we recently organised a conference on the
work of Global Hand in Sinaia, Romania. Forty-three delegates
from twelve different countries attended the conference and left
determined to make the Global Hand initiative work.
Rejoice
Gospel Choir
Rejoice Gospel Choir was formed in November 1999, inspired by
the vision of Joan O’Gorman. Based in Ballina, Western Ireland,
the choir is led by vocal expert Lavinia Gilmartin who has been
an important factor in their success so far. As well as performing
regularly in their own church of St Patrick’s, Ballina,
the choir has travelled extensively throughout Ireland and parts
of Europe, and have appeared live on National Television (RTE).
 In
2005 the choir first became involved with The Epiphany Trust when
they offered to accompany Child Action International patron Jessy
Dixon for two concerts during his European tour. Since that summer
the 50-strong choir has been supporting our work wholeheartedly.
In February 2006 the group travelled to the North West of England
to perform 2 concerts in Preston and Warrington in aid of Epiphany’s
projects in Romania. The concerts were a great success; raising
over £1000 and being very well received at the two venues.
But they decided that more was to be done. Later in the year they
organised a trip to Romania to see the Lugoj orphanage first hand
and to bring their brand of the Gospel to the region.
 During
their visit to the orphanage, members of the choir learnt of our
new project in Lugoj – a sister house modelled on the ‘Arc’.
Like its counterpart in Sinaia, it aims to teach young adults
the necessary skills for independent living. The choir decided
that they were going to adopt the project and raise funds for
its construction. Amazingly, within just two months, the Irish
group had collected over €10,000.
Epiphany is very grateful for the support of Rejoice Gospel over
the past 2 years, and the enthusiasm and commitment they have
given to this new venture.
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