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!

A Hoot of a Good Time!

Greg, Kristin, Tracey and the kids!

Today, we spent most of the time with kids aged 3 to 11.  We broke into smaller teams which read Bible stories, did craft projects, led music, and led games.  Kris and I read the Bible story about Gideon to six rotations of kids, through a 16-year-old translator. And it went WELL!  Wow!  The energetic kids were attentive and would ask questions.  They were such a joy to be with.  They had such intense smiles!

After each session, we took individual and group pictures, which was a hoot!   We would take more serious pictures and then fun pictures.  When a kid wanted to borrow my camera to take a picture of me, several other kids ran to me to be in the picture.   They were so affectionate.  They liked to hug and give high-fives.  It was so easy to feel close to them, even though we didn’t speak the same language.  This was so rewarding for us, and I hope the kids take away from this week that others care for them from across the world.  They seem to know who God is.

A sadder activity was visiting families in the area which were in such poverty.  It is hard to know what to feel, but we will keep these families in our hearts and prayers.  We actually prayed with each of the families, and they were receptive to the prayers.
More tomorrow, and I can’t wait.    -Greg Johnson, Calvary Lutheran Church in Moline IL

   

Virtual Tour- Point of Hope!

Today we introduce to you a chance to tour the Point of Hope Development Center from the comfort of your home or office. As many of you know, Another Child Foundation has been helping fund and operate the Point of Hope for the past 8 years. Many of you have also visited the center at one time or another during a mission trip. But for those of you who have heard so much about this amazing place and have not yet had the pleasure of visiting this video was made especially for you. We hope you enjoy it!

A Day of Worship & Fun!

Bev Hart & Gabi Szabo at
 the Philadelphia Church in Tarneveni, Romania

WOW! What an amazing day of worship the Lord provided for us! We started our day with a delicious breakfast and a time of devotions. We worshiped with the gypsy population (Roma) at the Philadelphia Church. The team shared in their service with songs, testimonies, and words of encouragement. We all agreed that even though we cannot understand the Romanian language, the Holy Spirit was thick among us. PRAISE GOD!

After service we got to tour the Point of Hope for the first time. This is an amazing facility/school where we will be doing VBS on Monday and Tuesday to serve the children of the Roma population....Romania's poorest of the poor.  Without this facility, many of these children would be without education, food, shoes, medical assistance, etc. But most importantly, this is where they learn about Jesus and what the Christian life is all about. What a blessing to be able to work with these children and the staff! Thank you, Lord!

Team bowling!

After lunch, we were off to Targu-Mures, about a 30 minute drive. We had the privilege of meeting 10 outstanding kids who come from group homes (orphans), who are excelling in school and "earned" a wonderful night of bowling and a delicious dinner. These children are learning English and it was amazing to see the connection the Lord put in place, even with somewhat of a language barrier! Within an hour, we had connected with the kids and were"high-fiving" it through the evening. Several of the kids shared their favorite subjects in school...chemistry, trigonometry, etc.  Uh, are you getting the picture? We were feeling, shall we say, a bit intimidated! 😀 It was an absolute BLAST...a night we will never forget! We promised to keep this great group of kids in our prayers.

We closed our evening with group prayer and all agreed, stand in amazement of what the Lord IS doing and what HE is going to do. I wonder what is in store for us as we begin VBS tomorrow.
   -Bev Hart, Calvary Church of the Quad Cities

Roma women praying at the Philadelphia Church

Our tour of the Point of Hope Development Center

First Full Day- Sightseeing

An AWESOME team!

This morning the team was all bright eyed and ready to go. It was a very welcome sight to my eyes. The forecast was for cloudy with a good chance of light showers during the afternoon with a high temperature of 48 degrees. However, we were blessed with mostly sunny skies and a high temperature in the low 50's. What a wonderful autumn day it was!

After a great breakfast and a morning devotional the team was off the downtown Brasov. Brasov is a very historic city in Romania with many people visiting. Especially during the summer and fall months. The team got a chance to buy some Romania trinkets as well as enjoy a nice Romania lunch. The team was blessed and they didn't even know it. Typically the team eats at McDonald's (yes Mickey D's is everywhere) but today they enjoy a nice sit down lunch. After lunch the team made the final trek to Tarneveni. Tarneveni is where the team will call home for the next 6 days. To cap off the day the team went to a local restaurant and enjoyed some of the delicious Romanian soups that I talk about regularly.

Tomorrow the team starts the day at the Philadelphia Church here in Tarneveni and ends up enjoying the evening bowling and dining with a dozen kids from our Perform and Motivate program in Targu-Mures.

The final thing I want to share with you is that the team shared an extended time in prayer at the end of the day sharing with each other our joys, sorrows, needs and desires. I can tell you that this team has a tremendous level of faith and is coming together beautifully. I am excited to see what God accomplishes through this team.

October Mission Team has Landed!

The team has finally arrived in Romania. We are all safe and somewhat doing okay. We have a couple suffering from car sickness, which is not to uncommon after 16 hours of air travel and winding roads. But overall we are doing well and the team is resting well at the Hotel Dragului in Predeal, Romania.

We have had to adjust our sight-seeing schedule a bit to make up for the lost day but our missions coordinator Gabi has it all well planned. I am not sure what we would do without Gabi. So tomorrow we will go into Brasov for the morning and early afternoon for some trinket shipping and to visit the historic Black Church. In the mid-afternoon we will then finish off our drive to Tarneveni where the team will be for the next 6 days.

The prayers this team needs now is for their bodies adjust to the 8 hour time difference quickly and for some nice sight-seeing weather for tomorrow. I am sure the team would like to lift up the children they are preparing to help this week. Thanks to the entire Fundatia Buckner staff for hosting the team for the next 10 days.

Alicia, Emery, Kris & Bev enjoying first Romanian meal

Greg, Gabi, Tracey Jena & Lance also ready!

Emery and his Romanian cheese pizza!