Remember the Children recently hosted four Romanian couples at the Exponential Global Conference (EGC) in Orlando, Florida.
Exponential Global is the premier conference in the US totally focused on the topic of church planting. Experiences like this are unique for our Romanian friends as they do not have access to this kind of development and training in their homeland.
Planting a church can be long, slow and discouraging at times. It is opportunities like this, thanks to your generosity, that encourage, inspire and refresh our team members for their next season of ministry. By investing in them, you are ultimately investing in the lives of the orphan children, refugees and communities they serve.
We believe in the power of local leaders – and so in 2025 we are prioritizing leadership development for our ministry partners in these two ways:
1) Church Planting: RTC is providing scholarships to future church planters to attend one of two Exponential Conferences – in Orlando or Berlin. Training like this is key to the success of new churches by providing access to invaluable insights, strategies, and networks. We are praying for God to use this opportunity to inspire our Romanian partners to know how to do this important work.
As we enter 2025, I am excited that our connection with people participating in short term service will be increasing. In April we have two teams going to serve, one with Agape Church and the other with the Eastern European Bible College. This summer, in partnership with CMF International, we will be hosting six summer interns for mission service. We also anticipate summer mission teams from Azusa-Pacific University and Northside Christian Church, Yorktown, Virginia. Our annual Christmas trip is already taking reservations, and we would welcome you to bring a group from your community to serve with us.
Mission service can be transformative in your life, and the lives of those you serve. We invite you to come with us…
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.
Last week in Tabora, Tanzania, a family was born. Nathan and Aisha were welcomed to their new home, and soon ten children whose futures had been uncertain now found themselves in the security of a new family. It is emotional to watch the arrival of the children into their new world of uncertainty, but their new reality will soon change the expressions of fear to smiles of joy.
For children living in orphanages or poor communities in Romania, getting basic needs met can be a challenge. They may lack clothing to keep them warm in the cold Romania winters. Or, school may be a challenge because they don’t have the necessary supplies to be successful. Without their basic needs met, Christmas can be a bleak season for these kids.
This week, I reviewed the Christmas card we are sending to our partners to invite them to join us in providing Christmas for the children in Romania and Tanzania. This time of year always builds excitement in me because it is by far my favorite annual outreach that Remember the Children does. So many stories could be told of the many meaningful engagements we have had with young people over the years as we have shared Christmas with them.
When asked why she chose to go to Romania on her first mission experience, she had the desire to go but was timid in following through. After speaking with friends and family, she realized that Romania would be a safe place for her, with challenges, but a country of beauty with a culture she desired to learn more about.
The Board of Directors has something to say to YOU!
Earlier this month, RtC’s Board gathered together for their regular Directors’ meeting. During these gatherings, members discuss the organization, accountability, how to improve, and plan strategically for the future. They’re a pivotal part of RtC and I’m so thankful for their guidance and wisdom.
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.
