2024 Reflections & Request
As things move rapidly within Outstretched Hands (OH) with church plants and Community Centers spread across the miles in Southern Romania, a large team, several hundred visitors from all corners of the world each year, countless activities and initiatives as well as our future aspirations of which many are already marked by “small starts”. With this pace, we must pause each time this year to remember God’s faithfulness and promises, provision, and steadfast love.
Looking back, our greatest joy is seeing the seeds planted through Outstretched Hands bear fruit. As we reflect on 2024, many things come to mind; some are big, and others are small and sweet. One such memory was shared by Rebekah (Stoian). She was driving a group of teenagers from Luica and Curcani (two of our church plant locations) home from our annual youth camp. They all were from vulnerable families and had no Christian background. Despite this, as they listened to Christian music the whole way home, they knew all the words and sang along with joy. In that moment, she realized how much of a difference the OH team is making in these children’s lives.
Like everyone, these 800+ kids OH serves weekly just need a chance. That’s what the Lord does through OH – we give chances by providing school supplies, help with homework, food and clothing, and, most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus and the hope of salvation with them.
As our team works tirelessly, we have found ourselves especially challenged this year by Romania’s record inflation (the highest in Europe). This inflation has severely compromised the communities we serve and our ability to keep up with expenses, conduct normal activities, and meet ongoing and pressing needs. For example, the monthly costs of running just one of our nine Community Centers now exceed our planned budget by nearly 35 %.
Please help us by considering a special gift to Outstretched Hands of Romania as you think about year-end giving. Your kindness will help us meet our year-end goal of $50,000, which will help us continue building and caring, including the vital work done through our Community Centers.
We know that the past several years have left most of us feeling weary in more ways than one. But be encouraged! God is still working powerfully, as we witness daily in Romania through the smiles of the precious children we serve. As faithful financial and prayer supporters of OH, each of you has played an essential part in this. We could not have done this without you!
We pray this season for you and your loved ones that hope will arise as we remember that the Lord is faithful
and His love for us is unwavering.
Year-End Giving Options
- Donate Online – Click here to donate now
- Send a Check – Place a check in the enclosed self-addressed envelope & mail it to:
Outstretched Hands of Romania
P.O. Box 510052
New Berlin, WI 53151-0052
With Gratitude, Brad & Nora Hayes & the Outstretched Hands of Romania Team