The war in Ukraine continues to fill the country with conflict and violence. As we continue in prayer for our friends and neighbors to Romania, we also continue to send support. One of our main partnerships has been through our friend Jaco. This year, we have supported his ministry to amputees in Ukraine.
The coffee shop space is envisioned as a vibrant community hub that will not only will help in time support our mission financially (in time) but also serves as a welcoming space for meaningful engagement around God and the Christian faith. Through weekly events like music concerts, book discussions, Bible study sessions, debates, outreach events, we aim to create an inviting atmosphere for those curious about Christianity and God.
Because of your generosity and belief in our mission in Tanzania, we have just celebrated an unforgettable milestone: The first graduation ceremony for our children who have completed their primary education. Words cannot fully capture the joy and pride we experienced on that beautiful day.
We were blessed to have Mark Yeazel with us, bringing years of experience in dairy farming. He is committed 100% to the construction of our Eternal Families Tanzania Dairy Farm which, upon completion, will address our village's milk supply challenges and enhance nutrition crucial for child development. Initial steps that have been taken, include securing the 9-acre farm with fencing for security and biosecurity measures. Construction recently started for the herdsman's house following receipt of blueprints for the dairy building.
It's been over a year since we introduced you to Elvis, a Ukrainian refugee attending the Eastern European Bible College in Oradea, Romania through your support of RTC. Since then, Elvis completed the Bible college program and moved closer to the Ukrainian boarder to work with children in need.
This week, I met with one of our Romanian church leaders, Adi Galiger over Zoom. He is the pastor of Impact Church Oradea, which is celebrating their 10th anniversary in June. This church has spent the last 10 years serving the people in Romania spiritually and physically—they’re a huge blessing to their community.
It was about five years ago that I made the trip to go and visit a team of pastors that I had met at one of our training seminars. It was at that training seminar that we found a special bond, and they had been so grateful for the scholarships provided to cover their housing and meals. They asked me to please come and visit them, and the next year we made that trip and our relationship has been growing and strengthening ever since.
We have been celebrating the great news of Ana’s engagement over the last several weeks. Her story of coming to House of Hope and how God has guided her steps from the very first day is amazing. I am personally excited that she fulfilled her dream to play basketball professionally, but not only that, because of her talent and perseverance she also graduated this summer from college with a degree in Athletic Training.
