VBS, Shoes, & the Holy Spirit!

This post comes from the hearts, minds, and words of Sue Bohlin, Liz Koster and Pastor Phil
Gronbach from Sterling, Illinois.

The gathering of the volunteers around a breakfast of meat, cheese, and bread draws us from our sleep to busy conversation. Roma children also know as gypsies are waiting for us when we arrive at the door of the Point of Hope Development Center in Tarneveni, Romania. However, the real meaning of our day is leading the kids through Bible studies and other fun activities

Today our eyes were really opened and our sense of smell was tainted with the obnoxious odors as we visited two families in a nearby apartment building where many of the kids who attend the Point of Hope live. The home of one family of six was the size of a large walk-in closet, 12'x20'. There were no appliances but a small wood burning stove and no indoor bathroom or running water. The parents were both gone for the day harvesting fruit a day laborers. When we returned to the Point of Hope a large number of kids swarmed around us, laughing and happy. How can they be happy in such an environment? When we left Point of Hope one little boy was waiting for us, crying outside the door and Margo, the warm-hearted mother that she is, hugged him to herself. HOPE and LOVE re here at the Point of Hope Development Center.

One morning as we entered the POH Enjole and Katelin began singing, Holy Spirit you are Welcome Here. They continued singing as we climbed the stairs all the way to the 3rd floor. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt in those minutes and the minutes and hours we have spent serving in Romania. It is so evident what difference the presence of God can make in our schools. As you look out the windows and watch the children on the street and then contrast them with the children with the privilege of attending the Point of Hope, you can see vividly what great works are being accomplished at the Point of Hope with God's help.

Open Gates Event at the Point of Hope!

Below is an article written by our partner ministry in Romania Fundatia Buckner.

Dear friends,  

We are happy to report that today we hosted a special event at Point of Hope Community Development Center. As part of The Open Gates Days at Point of Hope we organized a dedicated event for town officials, School and Preschool Directors, fellow NGO representatives, community leaders and business owners during which we presented the history and vision of Point of Hope Center, the different programs which target Preschoolers, Primary School students, parents and most recently the Gymnasium level students, and we gave a tour of the actual facilities. We were honored by the presence of highly respected visitors among whom: the Mayor of Tarnaveni, the Commander of the local Police Force, the Director of the County School Supervision Institute, the Director of the City Hall’s Social Service Department, and many others. Many of the guests who attended the event knew about Buckner Romania and the programs we implement in Tarnaveni, however, this was the first time they visited Point of Hope, had the opportunity to meet the the children and the staff. We believe that walking through the building truly gave the visitors a whole different understanding of the work being done there and we believe that their trust and willingness to help and support our work have increased.

 

 

It Is Not About Me- Robin Duling

Today's post comes from Robin Duling from Davenport, IA. Robin was the last member to join the team and she played a key role in getting the kids engaged in the fun activities we had planned for the kids.

Ah, where to start...

I had never been on a mission trip before.  But when Tim Oloffson, from Another Child Foundation, came to thank Trinity Lutheran Church and School for their donations to the "Shoes for Orphans' Souls" mission project, I was hooked.  When he talked about VBS, relationships and sharing the Gospel, I instantly knew this was the one for me.

But it's not about me, it's about the children.  It is amazing to know how the Point of Hope Center (POH) is changing the lives of a new generation of the Romanian Gypsy community.  The children in this program range from three years old to middle school.  There are Pre-school classes and lunch.  There are Before School and After School classes for the older kids which help with public school homework in a positive learning environment.  (Most of the POH children continue school beyond the 8th grade. and are at the top of their classes).  Clean clothes, shoes, and even something as special as brushing teeth are given at POH every day.  And breakfast and lunch.  Everyone gets something good and filling to eat at least once a day.  Our team shared in that meal, and it is life changing to consider.  Many of those children may not get another meal that day.  That is extremely significant.

While we had the joy of sharing the Gospel via VBS (Jesus is our Superhero, and Fruits of the Spirit) we weren't limited to just POH.  We traveled to other towns in Romania, visiting Day Centers and small state-run group homes for orphans and their "families."  Every child we visited also received a new pair of shoes, thanks to so many of you.  (Some of these kiddos were still wearing shoes from 2 years ago).  Their delight was thankful, generous, and loving.

The heart-to-heart connections were also evident in each and every team member, as well as the staff, interpreters and volunteers at POH.  Our team shed many tears for many reasons, but love and joy was paramount.  These children who have so little, gave us back so much.  It is hard to explain unless you experience it.

Ministry Day # 3 of the October Mission Team

Katelin and her
new friend!

Today our blog post comes from Katelin Johnson. Katelin has traveled with ACF in the past and is the youngest member of the team. Her youthful spirit has been an encouragement to all of us.


Our day began with a devotional entitled "called" and I truly believe that all that happened today and until this point is because of those who have responded to God's call.

We worked with the before school kids this morning, who are between the ages of 10-14. I think many of us were worried our ideas in crafts, story time, and games would be inadequate for such an older group of kids, I know I did. However, I quickly realized that this group of kids were on fire. They were burning from somewhere deep inside an undeniable love for Christ. They not only got involved in each activity, they truly enjoyed them all. After all the scheduled rotations, we then got to give them new shoes and you could see in their eyes how grateful they were.

Our day ended with the middle group of children, giving them hugs and telling them we love them and blessing them the way that Jesus did. Half our team then went to a group home to love those children just as Christ loves us. They visited with the children and gave them shoes as well.

Vali and Simona

But through the love I experienced today, I learned that this leads me back to my home. You may think that we were the "called" because we are the ones who have physically packed our bags and placed shoes on the feet of these children, but I believe it was you too. We could not have given these shoes today without the ones at home who felt called to donate. The ones that have supported us on this trip. Seeing the shipping container full of boxes on top of boxes of aid from back home filled my heart with emotions I can't find the words to explain. This trip is so much more than this team of 11 people working with these kids. It's people from all over the world listening to God's voice and choosing to grow this team from 11 to thousands.

Because of your support you have been able to inspire many children over here in Romania to seek a better life. A life that has Jesus as the focal point of who they are. The entire team would like to thank everyone who has allowed us to come here and be the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior.

More kids that we have ALL grown to LOVE!

Ministry Day #2 UPDATE!

Enjole with her new friend!

Today's blog post comes from Enjole Powell who lives in Arlington, Texas. Enjole has been a great addition to the team.

Today we had our first full day of working with the kids at Point of Hope. No sooner did we get there that I had a little girl laying on my lap. The kids had so much energy and life in them, despite their circumstances when they leave Point of Hope.

 The kids went from various activities such as crafts, hearing/acting out a bible story, group games, and getting new shoes. The kid's faces lit up as they got their very own pair. Seeing the kids laughing and smiling totally made my day and reminded me that God is so much bigger than our circumstances. Where God is, joy can be found.

It has been absolutely amazing to be a part of something that meets their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. I am very thankful and can't wait to see what God has in store!

Waiting in line for shoes and LOVE!

 

Our official team picture!

Hope being placed
on children's feet!

 

Ministry Day #1 for Team October

Margo loving on
a little one

ACF has always given our mission trip participants a chance to share their daily perspectives by creating a blog post in which they can express and share with you, our supporters, what they experienced that day. Well today Margo Schindel from New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Princeton, Illinois shares with all of you her thoughts on day 1 of ministry work.

       Our October mission trip is off  to a great start! Today we got to go to the local church to worship with fellow believers in Tarnaveni, I have never understood the deepness of the Body of Christ. I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of these fellow believers. Those who have so little, for certain gave the most. I loved the emotion and love these people have for Jesus.
       The children are so enthusiastic to learn more and more about Jesus! They have lots of love to give. I pray that we can give back 10 fold that love. Their little eyes dance with excitement for love.
       So for now I hope they see our little lights shine as we bond together with cord that cannot be broken.

-  Margo Schindel



Games are always
popular & fun!

Not only did the team worship with the people of Tarnaveni but they also performed a VBS for 74 children. The team did a remarkable job of  overcoming some unforeseen obstacles like 34 more kids than expected and a little rain. After the 4 hours of worship and VBS the team enjoyed pizza from the very popular Pizza Motors. The team then traveled 45 miles to the city of Targu-Mures where they purchased a years supply of toothpaste for the children at the Point of Hope. The team then reflected on the day at our team wrap-up meeting where some great stories were shared and God was glorified.

Tomorrow the team will start working with the children at the Point of Hope Development Center. Thirty kids ages 3-6 in the morning and 50 kids from ages 6-10 in the afternoon. ACF will also get an update on the shipping container full of humanitarian aid that was sent to Romania through the support of 38 churches in the U.S.. It appears the container will arrive for the team to deliver this aid on Tuesday afternoon. However, delays are still a possibility so we continue to ask for your prayers.

To those of you with loved ones on this trip everyones' health is doing very well. We have a couple people with some mild coughs but nothing serious at all. Finally, the team is enjoying the evening diner with some great fellowship and lots of laughter.

The team enjoying food & fellowship

2 lovely girls at VBS

October Mission Team UPDATE!

Team getting the
crafts ready

For those of you wondering how the October mission team is doing during their 10 day trip to Romania, I want to ensure you that the team is all healthy and happy.  Despite a bit of very cool and rainy weather the team is doing well. Today the sky was filled with sun and the temps were back to normal. The sightseeing was a huge hit for all the trip participants as they let their bodies adjust to the 8 hour time difference. You could also see the team starting to gel as they got to know each other in the beautiful scenery of Romania. Friday night was capped off by one of the most laughter-filled dinners I have experienced as a trip leader. The team really enjoys serving with one another.

Lisa getting to now the local children

Saturday was filled with 3 more hours of travel followed by a inspiring orientation meeting with Fundatia Buckner mission trip coordinator Gabi Szabo. Seeing the Point of Hope Center for the first time really helped the team see the difference God is making in the lives of these children. Upon departing from the Point of Hope Center the team got their first chance to meet some of the children. While it was only 5 minutes I could sense the children already capturing the hearts of the team members. What lies ahead for the next week will only get better as the team spends more and more time with these kids.

Tomorrow the team will be going to the local church in Tarnaveni, Romania called The Philadelphia Church. The team will worship with the congregation members of this church and then perform a VBS for nearly 50 children who attend this church. It will be a special time for sure. The team will then make some final preparations for the week ahead.


So stay posted to this blog as we start to capture the thoughts of the team members.

Larissa's beautiful smile

Romania children posing for
the team

Serving turned into Blessings: A Summer Internship

It has been four years since I first visited Romania, and every year I grow and learn more than I could even imagine. When I first traveled to Romania and worked at ACF's Point of Hope educational center, I knew that ten day trips would not be long enough for me. So when the summer after my senior year of high school rolled around I knew exactly where I was going to be. I began to plan for a summer long internship filled with English lessons and mission team preparations. My excitement continually grew as my two month long trip approached, and when it finally arrived it was just as amazing as I thought it would be. 

As the summer began I had the chance to serve in so many different, yet amazing, ways. I was able to wash dishes, and then lead music for little ones. I shared Christ with Romanian teenagers, then clean out old rooms. Every day was a new adventure and opportunity to show the love of Christ in so many different ways.  I was so blessed to work closely alongside the staff at the Point of Hope, and as the weeks passed our bonds grew closer. When my final days started to approach we all sat down one afternoon to enjoy lunch as we always do, and they began to express their appreciation for me and my fellow interns' service over the summer. As they thanked us I was so incredibly humbled because I realized that through serving them, I had been more blessed than I could ever imagine or express. So, as planning begins for ACF's next summer of missions, I don't know what your plans are or where the Lord would lead you, but I sure hope you find yourself in Romania. My internship with ACF has radically changed my life, and I can only pray that you get the opportunity to let it change yours!

-Bailey Hebert-

Me with my sweet boys, Andre and Vali!

The wonderful girls from my English class, Cami and Otilia!

Sweet Simona!

They boys taking a break from afternoon games to take a quick group picture!

Victoria (fellow intern) and I with Libero (staff) and his wife Ale on a weekend adventure!

Victoria and I with the amazing Sorinel!

Sweet cousin love from Vali and Coco with Simona!

Vali and Simona!

Mr. Libero with little Libero and I!

2016 Mission Trip Dates Announced

Another Child Foundation has announced their 2016 mission trip dates along with the 2016 theme of

 

LOVE IS...

 

 

October Mission Team

Some final prep work by the team

The team headed to Romania is making their final travel plans. Please keep this team in your prayers as they deliver humanitarian aid to the children of Romania. Please keep the timely arrival of the Project Respond shipping container in your prayers also. The 40 ft. shipping container is due to arrive on the same day as the team (October 9). Any delays in the unloading or the clearing of customs will create a need for this team to adjust their schedule. This also means that some children might not get their shoes delivered by the team.





Team members Liz, Margo, Phil, Alice,
Robin, Sue and Katelin

Team members include:
Phil Gronbach, Enjole Powell, Liz Koster, Lisa Baltikauski, Marnie Swanson, Katelin Johnson, Sue Bohlin, Alice Barman, Robin Duling, and Margo Schindel. This team will be led by ACF Executive Director Tim Oloffson. The team has worked very hard in preparing for this trip and are looking forward to getting on the plane this Wednesday afternoon. The team will visit a number of schools and group homes with a VBS program and  delivering shoes, socks and other aid to the children. The team will then spend 2 full days at the Point of Hope Development Center where they will work with the Pre-school, middle school and after-school kids at the center.

If you are interested in joining a 2016 Mission trip you can get additional information HERE.