Year End Donation
With fresh memories of our recent trip to Romania with the OH Board of Directors, writing our annual letter this year feels much different than in previous years. While most of us have traveled there before, it had been almost ten years, and WOW … what a difference ten years make!
The countless updates we have heard (and shared with many of you in letters like this one) over the years came to life. It’s one thing to hear about it, but entirely different to see it – the more recently acquired land in Vlad Tepes and Galdau, the new(er) buildings, the amazing team that works so tirelessly for the Lord and, of course, the precious people of Romania that OH serves.
This trip has reenergized us, from the deepest part of our hearts, to bring hope to the poor and the marginalized of these communities. We invite you to do the same. If you are able, think about visiting OH in Romania … you will be changed forever! As part of your year-end giving (and beyond), please give generously. It helps more than you may ever know on this side of Heaven. And of course, please pray with us; that together, we would continue to build an army of children and poor to bring the Gospel to the unreached parts of Romania – and the world!
Our hearts were full as we visited some of the villages, we hadn’t stepped foot in for a decade, to find so many familiar faces who remembered us and greeted us with enthusiasm! We saw flourishing churches, community centers, schools, and children’s programs that had grown both in size and scope. We watched in amazement as the incredible leadership team at the Hope Center seemed to effortlessly prepare and serve lunch to almost 60 children. And before we knew it, they had cleaned up and had the children circled around to hear stories and pray. Here, as in other villages and centers, we saw children laugh and connect with leaders who treated them like their own, as they helped them with homework, gave hugs, and made sure their most basic needs were met.
However, there was one thing that hadn’t changed much: the dusty roads, extreme poverty, and urgent needs at every bend. Tears sprang to our eyes as we walked into a small concrete room in a rundown apartment complex that had two large beds and a toilet and a small sink in one corner. Clothes and personal items were strewn about on the cement floor because there was nowhere else to put them. Cold air whistled through a crack in the window. That single room housed 11 people. It was a dark place in many ways. But this family, who prayed with us, attends Doi Moldoveni church services and many of the kids are involved at that Center. One of the older girls works at the Hope Center to help others, despite her circumstances. God’s Light shines so very bright in the darkness.
We remain thankful for you and pray for renewed peace, joy, hope, and God’s blessings upon your lives. May your Thanksgiving and Christmas be filled with love and laughter and may your new year be bright!
In Christ’s love and appreciation,
The OH Board of Directors and Team in Romania
Year-End Giving Options
- Donate Online – Please click here
- Send a Check – Mail a check to:
Outstretched Hands of Romania
PO Box 510052
New Berlin, WI 53151-00520