Book Review
“East Meets West” - Mission To Eastern Europe
By John Rushworth
Reviewer: John Cavanagh
You are just as likely to see an ordinary-looking little Nissan van on the streets
of Romania as around Widnes in Cheshire, from where it originates and where it is
based. The writing on its sides reads "Mission To Eastern Europe - Building a New
Future for Romanian Children". It could tell an amazing story about the many eventful
humanitarian aid trips across Europe, and the huge, warm-hearted generosity of those
involved. John Rushworth, first visited Romania in 1980. His return in 1990, two
months after the Revolution there, brought him face to face with the desperate plight
of the country, and an increasingly clear feeling that he had been called to serve
its people. East Meets West recounts how that calling grew, how the work developed,
and how the inspiration spread to his family; local churches and whole communities
in the North-West of England. It is the story of how one ordinary (in his view) man
responded to the call of God on his life and inspired others to become part of it.
It's about the adventures they had together in their service for God in poverty stricken
Romania. The autobiographical book begins with an outline of Romanian history to
set the scene. It contains many pen-pictures of the array of people involved, both
in Halton and Cluj, and is full of fun as the author relates a whole series of amusing
incidents. But there is a deeply serious core running through the book. Its about
the needs of children in terrible deprivation, not to say for many of them unbelievable
squalor. No-one reading this could fail to be moved by their plight. John Rushworth
is also honest about the many lessons of faith he has learned during battles of faith
and overcoming the temptation to just give in.
You can find out more from the official web site www.mission-romania.org.uk. Copies
of the book can be obtained by post for £10.00 including post and packaging from
Mission to Eastern Europe, 67 Lugsdale Road Widnes WA8 6BG or Curiosity Books Runcorn
and John can be contacted on john-romania@tiscali.co.uk
