Monday, March 25, 2013

Go. Serve. Learn. Love.

Summer is only a few months away. Isn't that exciting?! Summertime is full of wonderful possibilities. Have you ever thought of going on a mission trip? If so, I'd love to share with you about the trips you can go on with Another Child Foundation. If not, you should keep reading anyway. 
About a year ago, I was searching for a place to serve during the summer. I was having some difficulty finding an organization with travel dates that didn't conflict with school dates. A friend mentioned Another Child Foundation, so I looked in to their trips. I hadn't really thought about serving in Romania, but God opened the door and I ran through it. If you're reading this post, then this is your personal invitation to serve in Romania this summer.

Another Child Foundation works directly with children and families in Roma communities to help change generational ideas of prejudice, to help keep families together in extreme poverty and to help educate and encourage orphans, so that they can be productive members of their society. While working with ACF this summer on a mission trip, you will be a part of these life changing initiatives. During a week long camp in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, you will get to invest in the lives of beautiful and brave youth who have big dreams. Through Bible stories, songs, games, hugs and smiles, you can show these children that you care and that God cares about them. It's really that simple. The amazing thing about the way God works, is that your eyes will be opened and you will also be changed.
Mission Trip Truths:
You might feel like you're out of your comfort zone. --- It will be completely worth it.
You will travel to a country that you probably know little about. --- You will leave a piece of your heart there when you return home.
You will be nervous when the kids arrive at camp. --- You will be so sad when it's time for them and you to return home.
You might feel stumped by the language barrier. --- The awesome translators will stand in the gap and help you communicate. Plus, hugs and smiles transcend language.
God will move in and through you. --- Your week of service will be a testimony of His faithfulness.
You will be safe and well taken care of. --- The food is delicious and the water is abundant. 
A mission trip is not only about serving the people you come in contact with while in Romania, but it is also about learning about the people- their culture and way of life. While a mission trip is sharing the love of Christ with others, we want to go in to a new place with humility. God will use a willing heart no matter if you feel like you have the skills and talents for the task or not. 
Choose to go. Choose to serve. Choose to learn. Choose to love.
These are choices you will never regret.

ACF is offering four Mission Trips this summer!


Click any of the links above to learn more about each trip!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Human Trafficking in Romania


Did you know slavery still exists? 
Up until recently human trafficking went widely unnoticed and unknown.

Dictionary.com defines human trafficking as "the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation."

Romania and many other Eastern European countries continue to struggle economically after years of Communism. Poverty is rampant, jobs are hard to come by and human traffickers use these conditions to their advantage. Many young people who cannot find jobs will listen when someone offers them a job that sounds plausible. It is common for Romanians to work abroad in a restaurant or hotel, so this type of job offer would be welcomed. Many who don't see any options in their home town are willing to travel to find work, which usually includes promises of a better life. Unknowingly men, women and children will agree to go with people who offer these jobs and end up being trafficked in to prostitution, forced labor or begging.

According to eLiberare.com "Romania consistently ranks as one of the top source countries for those being exploited & trafficked throughout Europe."

romania-human-trafficking-source-country

Human trafficking is a billion dollar enterprise that is conducted through hundreds of different groups. When one group is found and dismantled, hundreds more exist. They operate in such a way that when a nightclub or brothel needs a new victim, they put in their request and a new victim is found and delivered. It is difficult to stop human trafficking when prostitution is legal in many European countries. Romanians can be trafficked and moved to these countries.

Please educate yourself and others about human trafficking in Romania and around the world. We must band together to stop human trafficking.

I would encourage you to watch the video below about trafficking in Romania. It tells about one woman's story to make a difference in the lives of young girls. She is doing big things in a country that can be corrupt and unjust. Be aware that some parts tell about the treatment of trafficked persons and can be difficult to watch.


Click the links below to learn more about human trafficking and to learn what you can do about it.

**Please note that ACF is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above.
I wanted to provide links for further information about trafficking, but 
did not read all of the information on each site, so please be cautious.**