2010: A band of Christian women are offering pampering sessions to the elderly in Norwich in the new year after one local woman’s inspirational trip to Romania. 

 

President of the Norwich chapter of Aglow International, Sharon Plummer, returned from a mission trip to the Eastern Bloc with an awakening for practical, creative outreach. As a result, a new volunteer initiative, aimed at women in residential homes in the Norwich area, gets underway on January 5. It is expected to feature hand and foot massages, home-made gifts and a gospel message for those in their twilight years who are often lonely and ailing.

Sharon was one of the first candidates to take part in Aglow’s first small missions outreach from the UK to Romania last autumn but “you don’t have to go to Romania to make a difference to people,” says Sharon, who expects the monthly ‘taster’ session to kick-start similar, future ventures.    

 

Together with national representatives from the Christian women’s organisation, Sharon provided hands-on support during a seven-day whistle stop tour of orphanages, churches and homes for youngsters and old folk. 

 

“There is so much to learn from their lovely hearts,” says Sharon, who has lasting memories of the poverty, suffering and rejection that is being addressed across the country.

 

A destitute pastor and his wife live by faith to run four family homes for the elderly and a remote country orphanage becomes a weekly hair and beauty salon for 20 elderly women who use the shower facilities, explains Sharon who provided hand massages for the women.      

 

“Our mission was to shine for Jesus in the darkest of places and help lift the heads of those who were bowed down,” says Sharon, who shared her testimony with the help of a translator. On leaving, the UK women had witnessed change. Growing freedom from church orthodox traditions came with healing and salvation during worship, prayer and practical initiatives. Various projects also received vital financial boosters from UK supporters, many from the Norwich area. The work in Romania continues with on-going support from Aglow.