During the past weekend the Point of Hope Development Center in Tarneveni, Romania received a small face-lift. The carpet in the gathering areas of the center were replaced by a new flooring material that will provide a durable surface as well as a surface that can be cleaned much easier. The carpet was originally installed during the first renovation of the center back in 2006. 100's of children have used that carpet to gather and change from their daily clothes to their at-school clothes over the past 10 years.
The cleaning staff will not just find this new floor easier to clean but much more appealing to the eye. This beautiful new flooring will brighten up the day for the children and staff. ACF would like to thank all of our supporters who continually support our ministry. Without the generosity of you, the Point of Hope would not be making the difference it is for the children God has entrusted to our care!
On March 8,
2016, at the headquarters of the General Director of Social Assistance and Child
Protection-Mures in Romania, an event occurred to officially start the "MOTIVATION & PERFORMANCE" program in which contracts were signed granting its
scholarships to the winners.After the process of selecting winners started in January 2016 that involved
the preparation of dossiers by the applicants and an interview with the selection
committee, 27 young people were selected to benefit from the scholarship for
10 months from March 2016 until December 2016. Scholarship
winners will receive a social protection measure.
The Motivation and Performance program aims
to provide support to young people who have achieved favorable results in domestic and/or international cultural events- art, sports, technical, scientific
or have personal talents that have been recognized (art, sports,
culture, music, education, etc.).With
this scholarship, young people will be able to improve their school results or seek training or specialization to develop in the areas they are most passionate about. The Motivation and
Performance Scholarship wants to help fulfill the dreams of young people who have
set a goal and are striving to achieve it.
Here is the story of one of the youth who will be helped by this program.
"Gyula
is a 16 year old boy living in a group home near Targu Mures. He applied for
the Motivation and Performance program upon being encouraged by the group home
staff to do so, because of his exemplary behavior, good school performance and
great talent for drawing. When asked what he would like to do with the grant,
Gyula said that he would like to follow his 'lifelong' passion: doing hair, so
he would like to attend a hairstylist course. This past Tuesday was his
first official hairstylist class. It was great to hear Gyula talk about the
class. He learned about hair structure and hair types, and he already loves
the course and can't wait to go back next week. We are excited that, as of this
week, Gyula has taken the first step in following his dream and will be
qualified to do something he absolutely loves."
Another Child Foundation is excited to be able to partner with Fundatia Buckner on this new ministry effort. ACF is thrilled to see these youth grow into the people God created them to be.
This week we are proud and excited to introduce you to Lorena Costea. If you would like to become an answered prayer for Lorena you can click on the link at the bottom of this page to become his sponsor. If you want some additional information on the ACF Sponsorship program CLICK HERE.
"Wow God!" These words have crossed my mind and left my mouth countless times since I have become part of the ACF family. I'm in total awe of how God has been transforming and equipping me to do my part. God has blessed me with such great opportunities from meeting with diverse and fascinating Pastors who are following the call of God on their lives to now having the opportunity to go to Romania in May! I can hardly wait to meet each child! My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude to be able to go to Romania so soon!
As I learn more about the the heart of ACF and what it strives to do, I am beyond humbled to be a part of a foundation that is making such a difference in the world and thrilled to see what God has planned for it's future!
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior"
This chorus from the song Oceans by Hillsong perfectly sums up the many steps of faith God has called me to take recently. In this new journey of my life, I feel a little like Peter when Jesus called him out on the water. I sense God stretching my faith and reminding me that as I'm becoming the voice for the ACF children, it's in His strength and not my own. And with God we KNOW that all things are possible! I look forward to what great things God has in store!
This morning ACF was blessed to be able to go to one of the Illinois churches supporting our 2016 Project Respond humanitarian aid drive and pick up the shoes their congregation collected during the month of March.
Edgewood Baptist Church in Rock Island, Illinois decided that collecting shoes for the children we serve in Romania was a great idea. Church deacon, Jason Crosby connected ACF Director Tim Oloffson and Pastor Dan Cullett together to discuss the idea. "It was a great partnership" said ACF Director Tim Oloffson. "Pastor Dan and the Edgewood congregation was a delight to work with!"
Edgewood collected 125 pairs of boys and girls athletic shoes to support ACF's effort to help at-risk and orphaned children in the country of Romania. Each year ACF partners with Shoes for Orphan Souls and sends a 40 ft shipping container full of shoes, socks, school supplies and other humanitarian aid to Romania to relieve some of the needs the people in Romania encounter daily. "It is amazing to see the effects a new pair of shoes can have on a child's attitude," continues Oloffson. "The good news of the Gospel comes alive when the child can see hope in a tangible way."
Another Child Foundation is now looking for people to take part in the annual Project Respond shoe distribution trip scheduled for October 12/23. Anyone wanting information on this life-changing trip can simply CLICK HERE to find more information.
ACF is also looking for other churches and organizations to consider being part of our 2016 Project Respond drive. Participation in our annual drives is so very easy. Below are the 4 easy steps to get started:
1) Notify ACF by calling (815) 303-1725 or emailing ACF at director@anotherchild.org to receive a shoe drive packet
2) Work with your church or organizations leadership to arrange collection dates
3) Promote the drive and collect the shoes or other aid
4) Drop off shoes or other aid at our Celebration Day on July 29.
Below is a video we created from last years Project Respond mission trip which delivered much of the aid we collected.
Last year we made the decision to complete the renovation of the third floor of the Point of Hope Development Center. This capital campaign was called "Breaking through Barriers" and had the purpose of renovating the remaining class-rooms into life-skill development rooms. This was a large under-taking due to the remaining rooms were completely stripped of anything with any value. All of the wiring and wood had been stripped from the walls when the building sat abandoned for several years. Well now is the time to finish off the renovation!
The donors who have made the Breaking through Barriers campaign a reality need to be recognized for their generous hearts! Thanks to each of you for your support of this project.
While the majority of the renovations will take place during the summer, when ACF mission teams visit the Point of Hope, a few things are being done now. The third floor bathroom will be completed in April and the door frames and other small construction projects will also be done prior to the teams arriving.
The end results will be magnificent! The 125 children we serve on a daily basis will have access to a preschool play area for those times when playing outside are not conducive, a wood-working classroom, and sewing/fabrics classroom, and a cooking classroom. These 4 new rooms along with a new restroom will give our children a chance to develop some valuable life-skills needed to survive in their environments.
During the last week in March the older kids who will benefit from the Breaking through Barriers campaign were taken up to the third floor where an announcement of the renovation plans was made to them. You could sense their excitement! However, the impact these rooms will have on the kids will not set in until they see the finished project and get to actually develop their life-skills in these rooms.
ACF is so very thankful to ALL of our supporters for their commitment to these children. The Breaking through Barriers campaign had 2 goals. First, was to raise the $43,000 needed to complete the renovations. The second goal is to raise an additional $17,000 for the ongoing costs of the program for 2 years. We have successfully raised the first $43,000 and are now working on the $17,000. If you feel called to support the completion on this project you can click on the link below to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
This week we are proud and excited to introduce you to Darius Vasiu. Most children who attend the Point of Hope Development Center live in Soviet era apartment buildings that have been condemned. They lack sufficient heating, electricity, and running water. There is a single water pump in the community where the people must go to get water for cooking and cleaning. Job opportunities are very rare due to factory closures in the area, which makes it difficult for most families to put food on the table and buy clothes for their children. Some families have parents who are working in other cities to send money home and others have medical issues that make it nearly impossible to work. If you would like to become an answered prayer for Darius you can click on the link at the bottom of this page to become his sponsor. If you want some additional information on the ACF Sponsorship program CLICK HERE.
Another Child Foundation has
the mission of reaching, teaching, and transforming the lives of people God
puts into our ministry's path. Much of the time this happens while we serve in
Romania with the kids and families we serve. Transformation also happens during
the mission trip experience. ACF uses the mission trip experience as a catalyst
for a person to have a deeper relationship with Christ. However, at times we
see opportunities to effectively change a persons view of the world in a different
way.
At the beginning of this
month ACF was able to bring onto our staff a wonderful young lady who has a
deep passion for Jesus as well as a determination to leave her finger-prints
all over the world. I hope you enjoy reading the first of many posts from Alicia Carter!
I've been very
aware lately of so many of my friends and family discovering "what they
want to be when they grow up" while in their 40s and 50s. I feel so
deeply honored, grateful, and ecstatic to be chosen to be the voice of hurting
children and live my DREAM at such a young age! I am beyond thrilled to meet
all of the precious children and all others blessed by the Point of Hope in
Romania. I also anticipate my trip so I can get back to the U.S. with even
GREATER passion and knowledge to be the voice of the children God has entrusted
to us. For a season of my life, I was afraid to dream because so many of my
dreams had not yet come to fruition. But God has reminded me that our faith and
hope in Him are never misplaced! He is always working behind the scenes of our
life and working "everything for the good for them that love God and are
called according to His purposes." I pray this hope God offers will
continue to fill the hearts of our Roma friends, and they TOO will live out the
dreams God has placed in their hearts! -Alicia
This week we are proud and excited to introduce you to Claudiu Otvos. Claudiu was not even 3 years-old when he started at the pre-school at the Point of Hope Development Center. Claudiu continues to progress through the school year in a positive fashion. When asked what his favorite person in the Bible was he said Jesus. His main prayer request is to be healthy and well, so if you could please keep this request in your payers I am sure he would appreciate it.. If you would like to become an answered prayer for Claudiu you can click on the link at the bottom of this page to become his sponsor. If you want some additional information on the ACF Sponsorship program CLICK HERE.
This week we are proud and excited to introduce you to Daniela Bakos. When Daniela first arrived at the Point of Hope Center in September of 2015 she was a very shy and scared little girl. However, after just a few months we have seen her transform into a bold and sometimes stubborn little girl. We see these new characteristics as good things. When you see where these children come from and the conditions they have to endure each and every day we enjoy seeing them become the child God created them to be. The staff feels blessed to be able to help transform Daniela into a beautiful young girl and eventually into a faithful disciple of Christ who will have the ability to change her destiny and her future family. If you would like to become an answered prayer for Daniela you can click on the link at the bottom of this page to become her sponsor. If you want some additional information on the ACF Sponsorship program CLICK HERE.
Another Child Foundation is excited to announce the addition of two new staff members. Joan Baril and Alicia Carter have been hired as our Ministry Development Managers for the Quad Cities region. The Quad Cities are located on the Illinois and Iowa border separated by the Mississippi River. The Quad City region has a population of nearly 400,000 people. The addition of Joan and Alicia will give Another Child the ability to reach, teach and transform more lives of the children and families God has entrusted to our care.
Joan Baril
I was born and raised in East Moline, Illinois. A life long Lutheran, I have been a member at
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa since shortly after my husband and
I married over 20 years ago. I served as
a confirmation sponsor for four years, have served on multiple search
committees, and am currently a member of congregational council. I co-chaired the capital campaign to raise
funds for the new multi-million dollar sanctuary.
My husband, Stephen, and I adopted our children
internationally as infants. Now 16 and
18, I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life and keenly aware of how
different their lives may have been had they remained institutionalized or
without a family foundation. Since the
adoptions, I have known the time would come for me to give back to children in
need. I believe working with Another
Child Foundation will provide the right match of my experience and commitment
to the cause of improving the lives of children at risk.
Alicia Carter
My name is Alicia Carter, and I’m
honored to be one of the new Mission Development Managers. I was born in New Mexico and grew up in the
small town of New Windsor, Illinois where I still live with my husband
Bobby, 8 year old son Emery, and 9 year old step son Anthony.I have one sister and a very large extended
family.We have always been very family oriented.I spend my free time playing with my sons,
cheering on the Chicago Bears and Cubs, reading, and enjoying family game
night with my sister and cousins.
I attend Calvary Church of the Quad
Cities, where I have been a part of various short
term mission trips that have taken
me across the U.S! I was raised in a strong
Christian home where I learned that we are called
to serve and live as the hands and feet of Jesus.I have volunteered in Calvary’s children’s
ministries for over 15 years.Children
have always been a huge passion of mine.Orphans and hurting children have been very
heavy on my heart for many years, so becoming part of the
Another Child Foundation goes right along with the passion that God has placed within
my heart.I am very grateful for this
opportunity and for what God will do in and through Another
Child in the days and years to come!
The Ministry Development Manager's primary responsibilities will be to be the Voice of those children we serve in Romania by building long-term partnerships with individuals, churches and other civic groups. Once again, Another Child Foundation is honored to have these two bright and passionate ladies to our staff. If you would like to congratulate Joan and/or Alicia you can contact them at joan@anotherchild.org or alicia@anotherchild.org
This week we are proud and excited to introduce you to Rebeca Dreghici. Rebeca is in the second year of pre-school at the Point of Hope Development Center. Rebeca is 4 years old. Rebeca continues to progress through the school year in a positive fashion. When asked what her favorite person in the Bible was she said Jesus. Her main prayer request is to grow up healthy and pretty (awe!), so if you could please keep this in your prayers I am sure she would appreciate it. If you would like to become an answered prayer for Rebeca you can click on the link at the bottom of this page to become her sponsor. If you want some additional information on the ACF Sponsorship program click here.
This morning ACF was blessed to be able to go to one of the Illinois churches supporting our 2016 Project Respond humanitarian aid drive and pick up the shoes their congregation collected during the month of March.
Another Child Foundation is now looking for people to take part in the annual Project Respond shoe distribution trip scheduled for October 12/23. Anyone wanting information on this life-changing trip can simply CLICK HERE to find more information.
Last year we made the decision to complete the renovation of the third floor of the Point of Hope Development Center. This capital campaign was called "Breaking through Barriers" and had the purpose of renovating the remaining class-rooms into life-skill development rooms. This was a large under-taking due to the remaining rooms were completely stripped of anything with any value. All of the wiring and wood had been stripped from the walls when the building sat abandoned for several years. Well now is the time to finish off the renovation!
The end results will be magnificent! The 125 children we serve on a daily basis will have access to a preschool play area for those times when playing outside are not conducive, a wood-working classroom, and sewing/fabrics classroom, and a cooking classroom. These 4 new rooms along with a new restroom will give our children a chance to develop some valuable life-skills needed to survive in their environments.
ACF is so very thankful to ALL of our supporters for their commitment to these children. The Breaking through Barriers campaign had 2 goals. First, was to raise the $43,000 needed to complete the renovations. The second goal is to raise an additional $17,000 for the ongoing costs of the program for 2 years. We have successfully raised the first $43,000 and are now working on the $17,000. If you feel called to support the completion on this project you can click on the link below to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
