I first visited Romania with my Church Youth Group in 2012. Right from the moment I first saw the presentation that Andrew Henderson gave, about the up and coming youth trip, I just knew I had to go! After that first trip I truly felt that God had put his love for the Rroma people in my heart. I have been back each year since and I was asked if I would like to become a trustee for FAST UK back in 2017, to which I of course said yes and I feel truly blessed to get to be a part of the work in Romania and to bring hope to those in need.
I love seeing how God truly can transform lives through the love and kindness of others! Hope in Action and Telios, who work with the Rroma, are shining a light of hope into the Rroma's lives every day and it is inspiring to see how they are so faithful and have total trust in God in all that they do!
I worked in Human Resources for Surrey Police and have since been a mentor for teenage Mums with a Christian charity and a Community Counsellor for a Christian foodbank. I felt the call to work in Romania about 25 years ago but first visited there in 2006 with a charity working with Hungarian Baptist Ministers. I admire those who work with the Rroma people in Romania for their vision and trust in God.
I have been packing aid and organising shipments for the Rroma people and visiting their country since 2006 and personally know the people who receive this help. Since then, I have been helping to build homes, acting out bible stories, doing craftwork with children, speaking at ladies’ groups and other events in the village Mission Houses. Having worked as a gardener, I use my skills in Romania too.
I attend Farnham Baptist church with my husband, David, and co-lead a House Group with him. I help in Junior Church and enjoy welcoming newcomers to the church.
I first visited the Brasov and Reghin areas of Romania in 2009. I was struck by the faithful, joyful and trusting service of godly workers, caring for those around them who were in significant need – and caring for them not just physically, but also spiritually, bringing them the good news of Jesus Christ, through their words and their actions. I have visited the same areas regularly since then and was pleased to be invited to become a Trustee of FAST UK in 2023.
My goal is to help to continue, and to advance, the good work being done, for the benefit of those in need of support and for the sake of Jesus’ name. I have been a member of Farnham Baptist Church since 2000, and spent my professional life working for the NHS. I am married to Lucy, who was committed to Romania before me and who introduced me to it.
I first went on a trip to Romania in 2012 and I thought it was going to be a onetime thing, but God had other plans. I was so moved by the Romanian people in my first trip that I kept coming back. When I was asked to become a trustee of FAST UK in 2016, it felt like such a natural thing for me to do, so I agreed. Looking after the website for FAST UK, as well the other trustee responsibilities, was a good fit for me and I appreciate the opportunity to help God’s work in Romania however I can.
When I was asked to take over treasurer responsibilities of the charity in 2020, it was very daunting as I didn’t have any bookkeeping experience. The fact that the other trustees trusted me with the responsibility and my belief that God would help with me with it led me to accepting it.
Andrew Henderson retired from his position of Chairman and Trustee of FAST UK in April 2024 after nearly thirteen years dedicated service, both to the charity and the Rroma people of Romania.