ACF's Fan Friday Part 8

Liz Courville

Lives in Baton Rouge. Attends Crossroads Church in Lafayette& Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge

Became connected to ACF's work by another friend of mine who was already an ACF supporter and missionary. I have been supporting ACF for 1-year.
                                    

Why should others get involved?

People who are looking to make a difference not only in a child's life, but also see growth in a community that is beyond impoverished should get behind ACFs' efforts. I have seen first-hand how open hearted the community is, and ACF is one of the few organizations that are bringing the hope of Jesus to these people, which is by far the most important work to be done.

What does ACF do very well in your eyes?

They are great about updating everyone on their progress in all aspects, including the children that are sponsored.

Why do we continue to support this cause?

ACF truly has a heart for the Roma community which is the poorest of the poor. My experience on missions trips have been nothing but authentic.

I want to be part of this exciting ministry!

ACF's Fan Friday Part 7

Emily, Tricia, Ian, Jon and Kaitlyn Danley

Live in East Moline, IL and attend Christ United Methodist Church in East Moline, IL

Became connected to ACF in 2012 when people from a previous ACF trip shared with the congregation. We have been supporting ACF since our first trip in 2013.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Why should others get involved?

Please consider becoming involved with ACF. I am so glad that God opened this door for my daughter, Kaitlyn and I. The blessings that we have encountered on our missions sure are something special. If you hear God calling your name to Romania go! Or, if he is calling you to monetarily help support this organization, be assured that yes, it is good. Just like God, he is good, all the time!

What does ACF do very well in your eyes?

The resources donated are being used to develop the Point of Hope School. This institution is filling an important need, in a  blighted and hopeless community. Here, children have access to food, clean water, education, after school care, and tutoring. Parents also have the tools available at the school to learn skills such as cooking, sewing, woodworking, and handyman trades.  Life skills that these people can use to provide for their families. Also, supporting the orphaned children in Romania, securing in them education, bringing out their talents, and instilling the love of Jesus our Savior is the foundation of what ACF provides.

Why do we continue to support this cause?

We continue to support ACF because this is an organization, that when I give my resources, I can be assured it is being put to very good use. I have seen this for myself on both missions that my teenage daughter and I attended.

I want to be part of this exciting ministry!

Final Post for October Mission Team- PICTURES!!!!

This will be the final blog post for the October mission team that served so well the orphans and at-risk children in Romania. The best way for me to show he impact this trip had on the team is to use their words.

"The ACF October mission trip was life changing.  I saw, first hand, the needs of the children being met, but more importantly, life training, through Christ, to prepare THEM to overcome!"

     Bev Hart- Calvary Church of the Quad Cities, Moline, IL

"The children that attend the Point of Hope are happy, engaged, well fed and loved. This is the difference that the Another Child Foundation ministry provides."

     Greg Johnson- Calvary Lutheran Church, Moline, IL

"ACF is doing amazing things to help the people and children rise up out of poverty in Tarneveni. I answered God's call to go and serve because I wanted to make a difference in the hearts and lives of others, however, God used this mission trip to grow and strengthen my faith in Him. Thank you God!" 

     Kris Long- Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, IL

A Trip that "Fit" Perfectly!

Emery fitting a child with shoes!

I thank Another Child Foundation from the bottom of my heart for letting Emery come on the mission trip to put new shoes on the feet of orphan and hurting children in Romania. We got home Saturday, and the longer we've been home, the more I see what an impact his experience had on his heart. I've always tried to tell him to put others first before himself. While in Romania, he showed me that my words have sunk in. Even though he was exhausted, totally out of his comfort zone, and suffering from a sore swollen ankle, he served so many sweet children joyfully. After seeing the overwhelmingly devastating effects of poverty, I know he has a new sense of gratitude for the many blessings our family has (that we so easily take for granted). This was a priceless experience that I know will shape him into the man that God has called him to be. He has said many times since we've been home that he misses the kids. Even though they spoke different languages, Emery made so many friends! We will definitely be going back. Until then, our hearts and prayers will be with every child we had the honor to serve while we were there.

Alicia & Emery

Child Spotlight!

Today we are featuring one of the 18 new children attending the Point of Hope Development Center in Tarneveni, Romania. ACF is blessed to be able to provide the educational opportunity as well as relieve some of the daily burden of keeping children healthy and in their families. This is what the Point of Hope Center was built to do.

Today we feature a young girl named Ana Maria. Ana Maria is 12 years old and has only been in our program since 2012. The staff has always been very impressed with her ability to learn. To be able to help children like Ana Maria with their needs we depend on people like yourself to step up a sponsor these children. This year we announced our Jump Start Initiative to get kids like Ana Maria off to a good start to their education. The Jump Start Initiative is a shorter term commitment ($20 a month of 10 months) and will ensure Ana Maria can stay in school until we can find long-term sponsors for them. To be a part of this program simply click the link below for details and instructions.

I want to be part of this program!

Mission Complete!

Well the October mission team has completed their mission of reaching, teaching and transforming lives of at-risk children and orphans in Romania. Team made sure that the people they encountered knew that our Love Is theme was very real. The team did an outstanding job of staying patient as well as being flexible when the plans needed to be adjusted. I will make another couple posts in the coming days to wrap up the trip. Right now the team is awaiting the final leg of the trip. The one kuddos that I want to acknowledge is the depth of this teams faith and prayer life. I know the prayers this team lifted to God for the people they served were indeed answered. I was blessed to be the leader of this team. Please keep this team in your prayers as they return home to their families. I have seen a number of times where some physical ailments, like colds, can become a problem upon returning to the states. Thanks for all your prayers!   - Tim Oloffson, Executive Director

ACF's Fan Friday Part 6

Dan & LIz Loster with New Life youth

Live in Sterling, IL and attend New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling

Became connected to ACF 5 or more years ago when Liz was in charge of collecting shoes for the shoe drive at her church. She later went on an ACF mission trip to Romania

Why should others get involved?

The reason I believe that others should become involved with AFC is that Another Child succeeds in serving others in word and deed. It is a "hands on" foundation that serves Romanian children directly without the many layers of management of other ministries. The biggest reason to become involved is to know that AFC truly does make a difference to the children it serves. I pray regularly for God to continue to guide and bless Another Child Foundation. 

What does ACF do very well in your eyes?

While at the Point of Hope Development Center I was able to fully understand what a point of hope ACF truly is for the children it serves. I appreciated the direction and purpose I saw in every employee- they are "caring for the least of these " and doing it well always deeply caring for the children while sharing and teaching The Word.

Why do we continue to support this cause?

I continue to support AFC because I believe it succeeds in fulfilling the Great Commission of  "go therefore, and make disciples." I heard Tim speak at our church a couple of years ago. His message was " just do SOMETHING " . Well those words spoke to my heart and before I knew what happened I was on a flight to Romania to "just do SOMETHING!"

I want to be part of this exciting ministry!

ACF's Fan Friday Part 5

Brandon & Alicia Eyrich (and family)

Live in Erie, IL and attend Erie Evangelical Free Church in Erie, IL

Became connected to ACF when Erie E-Free Pastor Ron Eckberg brought

ACF Director Tim Oloffson to speak to their church

Why should others get involved?

Jesus loves children and we are called to love children too. Getting involved with ACF gives people a chance to help a child out, whether it is donating a pair of shoes, going on a mission trip, or sponsoring a child. 

What does ACF do very well in your eyes?

ACF is very good at keeping in touch with their supporters. They are always willing to come speak at church or help out in any way possible to get our church involved in both the shoe drive and sponsoring a child in Romania. 

Boys waiting for their new shoes!

Why do we continue to support this cause?

We still continue to support ACF because we believe in the work they are doing, reaching out to kids in Romania. They build relationships with the kids which is a very neat thing to see and as a child supporter, they do a great job of keeping us updated. 

I want to be part of this exciting ministry!

A Single Hug!

Today is Wednesday, October 19, and our mission team hit the road for a day full of VBS activities and shoe delivery. We left the hotel lobby at 9:15 for Rozmarin Day Center in Targu Mures. I didn’t believe that after working with the children at the Point of Hope Center for the past two days that there could be any children who could have used the hand of God even more than them. I was proven wrong today when we met the faces of these children. These children so graciously accepted our hugs and smiles. Lance led the team and the children with some hand clapping, praise songs. After enjoying the Bible story about Gideon that Greg and I presented through reading and acting out certain scenes the children loved making their own fleece from construction paper, glue and cotton balls lead by Bev and Tracy. Handing out the shoes is what really touched my heart today.

You could tell that these kids were in need of new shoes and socks. The difference I saw in these children compared to the kids at Point of Hope was the humbling spirit they showed in accepting whatever pair of shoes they were given, as long as they fit. The kids at Point of

Hope have more chances of receiving new shoes throughout the year, therefore, they are just the same as American kids, that is they can be “choosey” in deciding the pair of shoes they are willing to take home with them. A boy around the age of 7 stole my heart when he gave me the biggest hug and wouldn’t let go for the pair of shoes that I helped him try on. Later I found out his name was Andrew, I don’t think I will ever forget his face.

I was sorry to leave this place, but we needed to hit the road again for an after school program in Sighisoara. We were greeted with songs of praise from these children that we could hear outside the building. I tell you, these kids really know how to “rock a place”! Once again our musical team leader, Lance, lead us in songs of praise and hands reaching to the sky. The children enjoyed getting loud with their voices and singing with all their hearts! Greg and I presented the Bible story of Gideon before they had the opportunity to make their own torch from a paper towel tube, plastic cup, aluminum foil and some red, orange and gold tissue paper. The kids really thought this was great! Handing out shoes to these kids was heart tugging too, since it was so obvious that many had not received a new pair for some time.

I truly thank God for calling me to do this mission trip. Yes, I will admit that I felt very uncomfortable when I first arrived. The surroundings here are so different than what I am use to in the USA, but the children here have captured my heart and I want to be able to do so much for them than what my time here allows. I have this overwhelming, amazing feeling of what God is doing here and in the hearts and lives of myself and teammates. Is there any better feeling in the world than to be used by God? I don’t think so. 

Father Abraham a Top Hit? Maybe in Romania!

Lance & friends!

What an amazing day!  So, we arrived at Point of Hope Center and I went upstairs to get ready for another day of music and fun with the little ones.  What a difference I experienced today compared to yesterday.  Although both days were quite rewarding, the kids were remarkably more comfortable with participating in the activities, at least for me.  It was amazing to see how the kids remembered me and couldn’t help but give me high fives and hugs along with big bright-eyed smiles as they came into the school.

My part of the ministry team was to provide songs and games for the kids.  Well, I must say, I never have had so much fun playing “Father Abraham” on the guitar as I did today.  The kids just could not get enough of that song along with the motions of moving various appendages and having a silly fun time.  After I was done, (feeling a bit dizzy) I lay down on the floor only to find several small bodies reclining against me and giving affection.  I felt so good affirming these loving kids.  All I could think about is the scripture where Jesus said “As you have done to the least of these, so you have done unto me.” 

After several fun songs and an explanation about them and how Jesus loves us, the kids were excited to receive their shoes.  What a blessing to see their faces light up with those shoes.  I had one young boy come up to me with his black and green shoes that had flashing lights and show them off to me a few inches from my face and danced on the floor to show me how they would light up.  I am not sure which was brighter, the shoe lights or his smile.  I also had several children ride on my back and ask me to lift them up. The language of love transcended the language barrier.

The love of the Lord was all over Point of Hope as those children came to and fro with the many activities for the day.  I never saw one sad face.  Really.  Thank you Heavenly Father for making such an impact on these children that I know will last forever. 

Reaching a Team Goal of Building Disciples!

Amanda Lozon and her band!

Amanda went on a mission trip in July of 2016 with other young adults from the Rochester, New York area. Amanda is 23 years old but her missions maturity far exceeds her age. ACF was blessed to have Amanda as a tip leader in 2016.

The goal for their mission’s team was to do more in the community thru Fundatia Buckner and to draw the community and the programs being done for these children closer. I can say first hand they did a wonderful job!

She says the goal was accomplished by doing two camps each day! One for our ACF kids and one for the community kids.  They served about 100 kids each day.

She knows ACF and Fundatia Buckner are making a difference because our kids were so respectful and obedient even though they live in abject poverty. The children truly loved being the entire experience. Her heart just melted because of their willingness to tell her that they loved her in ENGLISH! Not an easy task for a Romanian child.

Amanda was so impressed by their respect for authority and discipline and their behavior.

She knows ACF is succeeding in our mission to reach, teach and transform by seeing how the kids love coming to the Point of Hope Development Center.  Finally they love the attention of love the missions teams that represent ACF have for them. We praise God for sending Amanda Lozon and her team to ACF to build God's Kingdom!

Reaching a Team Goal of Building Disciples!

Amanda Lozon and her band!

Amanda went on a mission trip in July of 2016 with other young adults from the Rochester, New York area. Amanda is 23 years old but her missions maturity far exceeds her age. ACF was blessed to have Amanda as a tip leader in 2016.

The goal for their mission’s team was to do more in the community thru Fundatia Buckner and to draw the community and the programs being done for these children closer. I can say first hand they did a wonderful job!

She says the goal was accomplished by doing two camps each day! One for our ACF kids and one for the community kids.  They served about 100 kids each day.

She knows ACF and Fundatia Buckner are making a difference because our kids were so respectful and obedient even though they live in abject poverty. The children truly loved being the entire experience. Her heart just melted because of their willingness to tell her that they loved her in ENGLISH! Not an easy task for a Romanian child.

Amanda was so impressed by their respect for authority and discipline and their behavior.

She knows ACF is succeeding in our mission to reach, teach and transform by seeing how the kids love coming to the Point of Hope Development Center.  Finally they love the attention of love the missions teams that represent ACF have for them. We praise God for sending Amanda Lozon and her team to ACF to build God's Kingdom!