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God's ways are often incomprehensible, yet always wonderful. Therefore, we may joyfully confess that He has given us an open door to Romania this year.
Our aim was to provide practical help to poor families, needy widows, and especially the children at the Casa Tabita children's home in Arad, and to share the love of Christ with them. At the same time, we were privileged to experience His grace in protecting and sustaining us through particular challenges.
A journey with many encounters
In August of this year, we traveled to Romania. The aim of our trip was to provide people in need with essential supplies and, at the same time, to experience spiritual fellowship. Thanks to donations, we were able to prepare approximately 130 food packages and distribute them to families in Arad and the surrounding area. These packages were a visible sign of God's care for many and brought hope to those facing difficult life situations.
It was also a special service to split wood for some elderly widows, thus providing them with warmth for the coming winter. Furthermore, we were able to provide financial assistance where there was acute need. The recipients' gratitude was expressed in many heartfelt words, tears of joy, and quiet amazement at the help they received without having to do anything in return.
In addition to providing practical help, we had the opportunity to organize a children's retreat together with the children from the Casa Tabita children's home in Arad. For the children, this was a special experience – a day full of games, fellowship, and a joint church service in the evening. It was moving for us to see how open these children's hearts are and how much they crave love and attention.
Brothers in the Lord
Our collaboration with the brothers on site was a great encouragement. We especially thank Brother Simon Tomuța from the community of Betania in Arad, who reliably coordinated the work and actively supported us during our stay.
We also met Brother Vartika , who is also in this ministry and sent his warmest greetings to our community. Both brothers expressed their gratitude and emphasized how important the support from Germany is for the work in Romania.
Challenges in Romania
The situation in Romania remains challenging. The cost of living has risen dramatically in recent years and is now almost on par with Germany in some areas. At the same time, wages are significantly lower, which is causing many families to face existential hardship.
The Casa Tabita children's home is particularly affected by this. Since it is financed exclusively through donations, the continuous increase in the minimum wage represents a significant burden. What is a positive development for employees makes financial planning considerably more difficult for institutions like Casa Tabita.
One event during this trip reminded us that the Lord is with His children and does not abandon them even in difficult moments, but gives them strength. We had a car accident in which – thank God – no one was seriously injured. Despite the circumstances, His hand protected us, and many helpful people stood by us to facilitate the subsequent arrangements. We look back with grateful hearts.
Spiritual foundation
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
This was our guiding verse for the entire journey, and it was with this awareness that we were privileged to serve. Every helping hand, every food package, every euro of support was not only a human act of charity, but a service to the glory of our Lord!
Thanks to the donations and prayers of our brothers and sisters, people have been strengthened, children encouraged, and families cared for. At the same time, we see that this ministry is not without challenges and continues to require prayer and support.
We were able to strengthen the spiritual foundation and glorify the Lord through our work. We are wholeheartedly grateful for what has happened here and for what will yet happen.
Our prayer request
- Pray for the children at the Casa Tabita home , that they may stay healthy and learn to develop obedience and trust in God.
- Pray for the brothers and sisters on the ground who are serving daily and often making great personal sacrifices.
- Pray for wisdom in all decisions, so that the work in Romania may be carried out according to the Lord's plan and bear fruit.
May the Lord continue to bless our work in Romania, strengthen His church there, and draw many people to Himself through these ministries. All glory to the Lord!
Marcel Tiran
Municipality of Pforzheim
