God has given me the opportunity to join the amazing Chris & Ruth Baker from Hands of Hope to head to Romania and Ukraine between the 16th and 28th May. Over this time, I will be partnering with them to be as big of a blessing as possible to the people of North Eastern Romania and Ukraine. To raise funds to support the work of the charity I am running this fund raiser as a competition to win a custom painting.

Why am I going?

In short, because I felt God asked me to!

Hands of Hope are a well-established charity who seek to help the vulnerable and disadvantaged of North East Romania by working in the community through one-to-one education, befriending of families, distribution of aid and practical help. Ever since the invasion of Ukraine they have also been working to support the people of Ukraine through much need practical help of providing supplies as well as bringing spiritual encouragement through a local church.

You can find out more about the word of Hands of Hope here - www.handsofhope.org.im

What will the money raised be used for?

100% of all money raised will be used directly for the cause of Hands of Hope. In the first instance, this will be to buy desperately needed practical supplies for the families and displaced people Hands of Hope support in Ukraine. This is done through the provision of clothing, medicine etc and will either be brought from Romania or bought within Ukraine itself. Due to complexities of importing goods across the border, this has to be done is a very sensitive manner.

Any remaining funds will be used to support the continues vital work of Hands of Hope in Romania.

How can I win the custom painting?

As a thank you for your kind donations each £10 donation given will act as a “name in the hat” for someone who will win a custom painting done by me. Of course, the more you donate the more times your name goes in the draw, so £50 equals 5 entries and so on. Although I am aware I am by no means some “accomplished artist”, I just felt this is my best way I can give of myself as a thank you for your generosity. Each £10 donation will be assigned a number, from that I will then use a random number generator to provide the winner. This is to stop any accusations of favouritism! The draw will take place on Sunday 12th May. Please note, if you do not live on the Isle of Man but will still like to receive the painting, postage will be on your account.

If you would like to be in the prize draw, please do not make your donation “anonymous”, but clearly indicate your name. If I do not have direct contact to you then please indicate how I can get hold of you (facebook or number etc).

What will the painting be?

I will work with you to produce an acrylic painting that is completely custom to your choice of theme, colours and style based on what you like. The max size will be A2, produced on board or canvas. If you prefer, you can opt to have the painting be a prophetic picture produced with an encouragement that I felt from the Lord. Please note, I won’t be able to produce any portraits in the specific likeness of a individual person(s) or pets.

How else can I support?

Pray! Pray for the continued work of Hands of Hope to bring the hope of Jesus to the people that need it. Pray that all practical things go to plan and pray that Jesus is glorified in all that takes place.