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.
I recently had someone ask me when I have felt most afraid in my time serving overseas. I think some of my greatest fears and times of exercising deep prayer have been on turbulent flights across the Atlantic. In all sincerity, I thin the times I should have felt fear, I have been too entrenched in the moment to allow any emotion to overcome me.
In 2014, RtC founder Andy Baker was in Romania with a mission team. One of the team members, Katrina, brought water purification devices for the Roma villages in Santandrei. Some of the residents were getting worms because they were drinking contaminated water, therefore the devices seemed like a great way to bless the communities.
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.
Can you believe it? There’s a new church in our ministry in Tanzania! Our house parent and teacher, Dionis Buhanda, started a church on October 25, 2020. It’s located in Mololo, the community where the RtC orphan homes are located. Tanzania had extremely low cases of COVID-19, therefore the church was able to open because of minimal restrictions. It’s been thriving and growing, and is a huge encouragement!
It's finally time! The 8 homes YOU built in Tanzania are ready for the kids to move in! By the end of this month, the families will settle into their new houses in the Eternal Families Village. You provided a family and a safe, permanent place for 85 children to live. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
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.
