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.
One of the most incredible things we've seen over the course of the last 2 months has been how much God uses ordinary, faithful people to fulfill his mission on Earth. One example of this is the children's ministry of the First Church of Christ in Xenia, Ohio. Check out this incredible story sent to us by Allison Phillips!
The church service had ended, and we were invited to stay for a fellowship dinner in the church basement. I had just preached on “prayer” and the service had been emotional for me. I was there with a team from the United States as well as the Romanian congregation and Ukrainian refugees. I had used the hymn “How Great Thou Art” in an illustration, and the pastor ended up using it as the closing song for the service. My eyes were tear filled as three languages sang, “then sings my soul, my Savior, God to thee. How great thou art!”
We’re all probably aware of the famous line from the Wizard of Oz that says, “there’s no place like home”. Even when I go away for an exciting vacation, business trip, or just take a relaxing day trip, I’m always so glad to get home where I feel safe and comfortable, where I can relax and unwind, sleep in my own bed and be with family and loved ones. There I can truly rest. Home is definitely where the heart is!
We are grateful for what you have done to help over the last few weeks. The support has come from so many states. Social media has played a huge role in this, and I am grateful to everyone who is sharing our story and our commitment to sending 100% of every donation to the relief efforts we are coordinating in Romania for Ukrainian refugees.
Ministry is never without hiccups! One of the main ways Remember the Children has been serving Ukrainian refugees is by distributing meals at the border. As families pass through, they are greeted with a sack lunch that was prepared by our team. Many of these families have been without food for several days as they make the journey to safety.
Yesterday was a crazy day with so much taking place. I was in contact with another non-profit that ships food packages to organizations feeding people in crisis. We are looking for ways to get supplemental food to the border to assist with our feeding program as food costs have increased in Romania 100% over the last three months.
I am grateful for everyone who has continued to partner with us as we help the Ukrainian people that are fleeing their country for safety in Romania. I know many of you have probably never heard of Remember the Children and are first time donors to us. Please know I am humbled by your trust in us, and I assume that there was a trusted family member, friend, acquaintance, or organization that directed you to us.
