Maranatha Children's Home

Up and out early this morning on the icy pavements - me to collect my new spectacles - known as "progresiv" here but "varifoculs" back home. Wayne went to the bank - the exchange rate has improved since our last visit.  On our return we had a pre-arranged meeting in the apartment with Cipri - who runs the homeless ministry.  It was good to have a complete update on what is happening on the street and in the ministry  which the Charity helps financial support.  We will meet him again at the Clubul Gara on Saturday - which is a Christian Club for Homeless and Street People and Children.  The football tournaments have been going well in continuing to building relationships with Jesus in the Centre.  We also supply filled toilet bags and towels for the tournaments.

Pastor Jackie, Wayne, myself, Adina and her brother Danny (our capable driver and Father Christmas) later set off in the minibus complete with 50 shoeboxes for the Maranatha Orphanage in Hunedoara, a 3 hour journey away.  The roads were bad with snow and ice and we encountered a head on collision between 2 huge trucks with another incident of  lorry and trailer having skidded and overturned in a ditch.  Thank you Lord for our protection.

We were warmly welcomed by Pasta Hada and so enjoyed the Christmas programme performed by the 19 children and staff.   The costumes in the Nativity Scene were superb.  There has been changes at the Home since last year.  7 children had been integrated back with families but they had been replaced by younger children.  We also met a young mother and her 2 little sons.  She is a victim of domestic violence and Pastor Hada and his family who also live in the building are taking them in for their own safety.   

 Although the facilities are good this project is really struggling to survive with all the cutbacks.  Pasta Hada also runs a soup kitchen as an outreach for families who cannot afford food.   Shoe box gifts were also supplied for this essential ministry.  Father Christmas was such a hit in the form of Danny, our driver.  It was a joy to meet with some of the parents  who came along for the concert but are unable to care for their children at home for a variety of reasons.  Many of the children in this orphanage have had traumatic pasts and may never live normal lives.    "Reaching Romania" via sponsors helps to support 3 children.