RAISING AN ARMY OF CHILDREN AND POOR TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE UNREACHED PARTS OF ROMANIA
Trip Testimonies
Recently my son and I visited missionaries in 4 countries across Eastern
Europe. Brad Hayes, his family, and his ministry colleagues were doing
the most effective ministry we saw anywhere! The lives of Romanians
and churches were being touched and transformed by God through their
ministry. I strongly call on all American Christians everywhere to
faithfully and generously support this life-changing ministry.
-Pastor Brian Kluth
Colorado
Colorado
I have never in my entire life felt God's presence in me as I did during
my time with Outstretched Hands ministry in Romania. My week in Calarasi
has helped me grow in my walk with God in more ways than I can express.
The work you are doing for and with the people in your area is outstanding!
Even though I do not speak their language, I could see in their eyes and in
their body language that the people you are ministering to have a profound
respect for you. Your love for them and God's love in you is very evident.
-Foster Finco
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Thanks again for you and your family's open arms to us, a bunch of
strangers. You guys have really made an impression on those in the
team. Brad, you have a wonderful family and it is obvious that God is
using you all there. It was a privilege to be a part of it, if only for
10 days. I love what is in your hearts! People are already talking
about coming back, and so if you don't want that to happen, you had
better stop this train before it gets going too fast!
-Pastor Russ Walker
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Since my trip to Romania, I've realized how important Missions are and the
support they need. I also have a deeper appreciation for what I have and
how truly blessed I am. God did some wonderful things here and I look forward
to coming back and being a part of what God is doing in Romania.
-Kent Roszina
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
I am blown away by all that God is doing through Outstretched Hands; you
guys are living it. I believe God has given you all much favor, creativity,
hearts of compassion, and God's Power!
-Sarah Schampers
North Carolina
North Carolina
My husband Scott and I have made two remarkable trips to Romania. Our first
trip was in September of 2004. God seemed to want us to go to Romania, so we
set out on our first adventure outside the US-waiting to see what He had in
mind. We spent two weeks with Brad, Nora and company; going where they went,
and helping out however we could. We discovered wonderful places like Chirnogi,
Manistera, Rositi, Bogada and Chiselet. We fell in love with Chiselet, and
Pastor Costel, Mariana and family quickly found a very special place in our
hearts. We wondered if Chiselet might be part of why God brought us here?
August 2005 found us returning to Romania, with our two grown children and 17 people from our home church, Whitewater Community Church. We spent 10 days ministering and building relationships in Chiselet. We waited to see what God had in mind...
As of November 2005, WWCC has officially "adopted" the church at Chiselet. There are plans underway to invest in the church and the community financially, spiritually and relationally. Our church will regularly take teams to Chiselet; we will look for ways to partner with Outstretched Hands to equip and support the church and its leaders any way we can.
As Americans, I think we go to Romania expecting to bless, give and serve. This is a good thing. What we don't expect is how much we find ourselves blessed. Scott and I have been given to beyond anything we could give our new friends The folks in Romania don't have much by American standards, but they are so very rich in everything that matters. I often think they pretty much own nothing but possess everything.
We have come to so love Romania and its people. Our lives have been eternally changed by some good brothers and sisters who passionately love God, and have loved on us as only they can. We are praying with anticipation about our next visit-waiting to see what God has in mind...
August 2005 found us returning to Romania, with our two grown children and 17 people from our home church, Whitewater Community Church. We spent 10 days ministering and building relationships in Chiselet. We waited to see what God had in mind...
As of November 2005, WWCC has officially "adopted" the church at Chiselet. There are plans underway to invest in the church and the community financially, spiritually and relationally. Our church will regularly take teams to Chiselet; we will look for ways to partner with Outstretched Hands to equip and support the church and its leaders any way we can.
As Americans, I think we go to Romania expecting to bless, give and serve. This is a good thing. What we don't expect is how much we find ourselves blessed. Scott and I have been given to beyond anything we could give our new friends The folks in Romania don't have much by American standards, but they are so very rich in everything that matters. I often think they pretty much own nothing but possess everything.
We have come to so love Romania and its people. Our lives have been eternally changed by some good brothers and sisters who passionately love God, and have loved on us as only they can. We are praying with anticipation about our next visit-waiting to see what God has in mind...
-Jan Crowley
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
It is amazing what the Lord can do when you open your heart to Him. I cannot begin to share the number of ways God touched my heart while serving with your team. As an American, I expected to see poverty that had never touched my life. What I wasn't prepared to see was the pure joy and hope that radiated from the believers in the villages. I saw riches I had only read about, love that was so amazing, and saw the hand of God in the lives of those we served, as well as in the ministry of OH. I was blessed beyond measure.
-Lori Sura
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
From the "revolving door" of the Hayes household to the many different team members working in specific villages, the heart of Outstretched Hands was very clear. It is a heart of compassion . . . this is the heart of the Hayes household, and Outstretched Hands is an extension of that heart, our Father's heart toward His children. Taking in poor gypsy children, raising money for vital surgeries, to taking in strangers into their family (me) . . .the OH team is about names . . not numbers. I have served with many churches around the world before, but never with an organization that's making such an immediate impact in the lives of people around them.
-Jared Capello
Maryland
Maryland