Ministry

I am involved in a few different ministries here in Romania. When I first came, I thought that the orphanage would be the main focus of my work, but the orphanage was not yet to full functioning level when I arrived. Because of this delay, I became involved in a few other things.

I work with the children in my village of Talpos. I hold weekly Bible study services with the Romanian children in the local church.. Every week about 20-30 children attend. They seem very excited about this service. I have some coming an hour early to my gate to help me carry supplies to the church :-) They seem to really enjoy the singing, Bible story and object lessons.

Along with teaching the children, I also have a teenage Sunday School class. This is a very important class to me. I realize that these teenagers are in a very important stage in their lives. As they are making decisions that will mold their lives, I want them to know what it is to have a personal relationship with God. I want to help them understand God’s word and I trust that they will have a desire to know God and His word more. I am encouraged with this class because I have seen an increase in attendance and many have accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

I have started having Bible studies with the gypsies in the neighboring village of Batar and in my own village. I am so happy to be holding services with them and sharing with them about God’s love. Both of the services had been well attended. Here in Talpos over 130 children were attending, however at this time, I no longer have a room large enough to hold services, so until something becomes available these services are on hold. I still hold services in the neighboring village of Batar and I have over 70 children attending there.

I realized that the gypsy children also need to hear of God’s love for them. I don’t believe that many people have taken the time to share with them about God. I want them to know that God loves them no matter where they come from, who they are or what they have done. God wants to give them a clean heart and I also would like to help them to see that God also wants us to be clean outside because we are His temple. I realize that this will be a big endeavor, but I know that God will help me because He has directed me to start this work.

In the afternoon, I have started working with the five youngest children at the orphanage on a regular basis. Monday through Friday my house is overtaken by 5 little ones. We play, paint, color, bake, sing , learn colors, numbers and all that other great stuff kids love to do:). It is so thrilling to see them learning and I am thoroughly enjoying being able to give them some much needed special attention and love. Since the older children at the orphanage need so much help with their homework and the staff are so busy helping them, I hope this few hours a day without the little ones will make it easier for everyone.

Four evenings a week, I hold a Bible study at the orphanage and also every Saturday, I help by staying at the orphanage and “baby sit” for the kids. This helps to give the workers some time off.
I also take care of any medical needs that arise at the orphanage. I worked as a Registered Nurse in America and I have been able to use that experience on many occasions. We already have had problems with lice, scabies and rheumatic fever. I am happy to be utilizing some of my nursing skills.

Because I bring the children to my house every weekday afternoon, I have stopped teaching my norml afternoon English classes. I felt bad about having to cancel these classes, but I decided that working with the little ones at the orphanage was a higher priority at this time.

However, I have started teaching English twice a week at the church kindergarden. These children are learning many English words and also are singing several songs in English.

Though my ministry is small I pray that God will bless the work that I'm doing. I want Him to be glorified in everything I do. I want people to see Jesus in me and I want the children to see the love of God through me.