Bringing Light Into Darkened Corners by Mission Without Borders International

Bringing Light Into Darkened Corners CHILD RESCUE INTERNATIONAL Romania 1990 - 2010

MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

Table of Contents 4

Introduction: Twenty Years of Ministry

Chapter One: Reality Revealed Media Coverage Children and Orphanages The Children’s Needs Coordinators’ Testimonies

Chapter Two: The Early Years Relief Reaching People for Christ Trust and Stability Testimonies from an Educator and an Orphan

Chapter Three: Bringing Future and Hope Summer Camps Bible Correspondence Course Vocational/Educational Training Emotional Support Acceptance and Integration Ana’s Testimony

Chapter Four: Fostering Lasting Changes Individual and General Needs Expansion and Reduction Testimonies from Home Director and ES Coordinator

Chapter Five: Passing on the Torch Contributing Factors Emotional and Spiritual Work Continues Vasile’s Testimony

Epilogue: Pressing Onwards

D E D I C A T I O N We are especially indebted to former CRI children, Vali Soreanu and Vasile Belteki, who willingly and honestly shared with us their personal stories of trials and triumphs. Through encounters with them and thousands of Romanian children who grew up in orphanages and whose lives bear the experiences described in the following pages, we humbly dedicate this report.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

Twenty Years M

ission Without Borders, formerly called Underground Evangelism, was first founded in 1960 as a call to help the persecuted Christians of Eastern Europe. Among the countries it operated in was Romania. Back then, Underground Evangelism, with both financial and spiritual support from people of democratic nations, was involved in smuggling Bibles and other material aid to Christian brothers and sisters who lived under oppression in the satellite states belonging to the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

These and other harrowing images burned themselves into the minds of the viewers and revealed to what extent Romanians suffered at the hands of the Communists.

During the latter part of the 1980s, after decades of persecution and oppression, both revolutionary spirits and ordinary people risked their lives by demonstrating and calling out for democratic changes. Although hundreds of thousands of lives were lost in this fight for freedom, ultimately, the spirit of the people won over their totalitarian states. As a result, the once infamous Iron Curtain started to fall all across Eastern Europe. With the symbolic and physical fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany in 1989, the Cold War also ended the feud between the democracy-loving Western nations and those of the Eastern Bloc countries. Romania was one of these countries that had long waited to cast off the yoke of Communism. In Romania, the dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, had wielded absolute power over the lives of all Romanians from the period 1967-1989. His ousting from power and summary execution by the people in 1989 brought about a new era for Romania as well as the demise of his communistic regime. When the Iron Curtain began to crumble, viewers across the world gathered around their television sets to watch history unfold with bated breath. Images of celebratory young people thronging the streets-singing, Reagan asking Gorbachev to “tear down that Wall!” and tears of elation and joy were among the most unforgettable to appear on the screens. However, there were also other images which shocked the viewers and evoked their reactions of horror and disgust. Live footages were shown of Romanian orphans chained to their beds, huddled together like caged animals, with little care or attention directed their way. These reports also uncovered systematic abuses perpetrated by the caretakers in the institutions upon their charges. These and other harrowing images burned themselves into the minds of the viewers and revealed to what extent Romanians suffered at the hands of the Communists. It was images like these that served as the impetus for re-directing Mission Without Borders’ ministry activities. MWB wanted to bring light to the darkened corners of these children’s daily existence and

of Ministry to contribute toward alleviating their suffering. Thus, the desperate plight of these maltreated and forgotten Romanian children led to the creation of Child Rescue International (CRI). In the early 1990s, when the program first started, MWB immediately started to provide acute material and educational needs to many of the more than 100,000 Romanian orphans residing in state orphanages. In addition, MWBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coordinators visited these children on a regular basis, provided health/medical assistance where needed as well as taught Sunday school to those who would take part. In time, MWBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work within these state-run institutions garnered respect and praises from both orphanage staff and the authorities running them. Now, in the 21st Century, the Child Rescue International program comes to its natural closure in Romania and a phasing out of the program is necessary. This report, then, presents a walk-through of the history of Mission Without Bordersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CRI programfrom its inception during the early years to the challenges and triumphs of two decades of ministry. Furthermore, as new challenges arise and new areas of concentration come to the forefront of our overall ministry, it is also time for passing on the torch.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

Reality Revealed Media Coverage EXTERMINATION CENTERS: CIGHID

1989 marked what is called “The Autumn of Nations”. It is the year when within just a few months Communism collapsed in Central and Eastern Europe. Although in other countries the revolutions were bloodless, in December 1989, Romania was the only country to fight communism brutally. Street demonstrations culminated with the execution of the Ceausescu dictators and the death and injury of nearly 5000 victims. The Revolution in Romania stands out because of the deaths of so many people, but also because of the reality revealed to the world at the beginning of 1990. The world saw the cruel facts that were so carefully hidden before: people waiting in long queues in front of empty stores hoping that they will buy some food, persecution of any form of minority, repressed culture and extreme censorship and social extremism with regards to social categories. Some of the most appalling images were shown at the beginning of 1990 by a German television. The film was made in Cighid Forest (Bihor County) in an institution for handicapped children. It was actually a real extermination center; none of the children entering these walls ever came out. No one knew about their existence because the official story was that there were no handicapped children in Romania. The film showed emaciated, naked children covered in their own feces, condemned to die a slow death with no food, light, heating, medicine or affection. At the mere suspicion of a handicap, institutionalized children were condemned to death in one of such centers. It was estimated that more than 60% of them died within the first year spent in these institutions. STRIKING CONDITIONS

Immediately, Romania came under the spotlight. Media from all over the world started to present the appalling living conditions of over 100,000 children under the state’s “care.” The so-called “orphanages” looked like prisons. They were large buildings for hundreds of

children, most of them trying to cling to visitors and call them “mama” or “tata” with the hope that they would be saved from that environment, and that they would finally have a family. All of them were malnourished and looked shorter, much younger than their actual age. They did not know how to talk in a normal tone – they only communicated through screaming. Fear and desperation filled their eyes. The visitor’s steps would make an ice-cold echo on the long corridors leading to the dormitories and the bathrooms. In every room, an obscure light bulb revealed a few dozens of iron beds with some ragged blankets covering hollow mattresses, bare cement floors, humidity scorching the paint off the walls and cockroaches trying to hide in the cracks. Broken hinges were barely holding the doors and the windows together. There was no warm water running from the rusty taps, and cold water was available only a few hours a day. The toilets were an infection outbreak. Kitchens and dining rooms were not better. Food was a thin broth in which you could count a few pieces of carrots, beans or potatoes, served in metallic plates with a small piece of hard bread.

Children and Orphanages WHY SO MANY ”ORPHANS WITH PARENTS”?

Nicolae Ceausescu was stubbornly trying to change the poverty he himself grew up in and aimed to create a “new man” for his new ideology. For that, he needed to start from scratch with the “Children of the Decree” – children born in a new era, children who could be brainwashed and educated to be completely dedicated to his beliefs. Decree 770/1966 banned abortions and provided a baby boom. Maternity and birth control became a political issue and a state affair, while infantile death rate was the highest in Europe. The main goal was to increase the population, without considering that the external debt was starving them. The “majestic projects” included a forced, chaotic economical

the counter with “My first en recking. It w erv ne orphans was tacked children at felt like the ate that er sp de that me – it was me. It ing to grab they were try et. rg fo r ve I will ne was a day ate er sp de w ho I wondered andon a such a her be to ab her child in could a mot she forsake d ul co w ns. I felt still, ho ered questio baby, and ll of unansw fu as w nd, kiss d ha in m my place? My them hold eds. I them. Letting ne lp r he ei th to fy le tis so unab fficient to sa su in ed ve em to gi to me se r a Christian me or hug the place fo as w is th realized that n to him. od has give from what G eing them orld was se shook my w at th ct p of water. pe cu al Another as other a met ch ea to g uld not passin d the staff co eating and children an of ds re like savand tly hu acting violen There were ildren were ch special e a Th . ed em ed ne handle th g. A person llin ye as w uca, MWB e staff eorgeta En ges and th a place.” (G ch su in k or 97) calling to w 17 since 19 r in Cluster coordinato

development and astronomical constructions that wasted every financial source. The general disastrous situation was completely ignored and the media – entirely controlled – propagated the people’s elevated living conditions. At the beginning of the 80s, the country’s economy was at its lowest.

Imports were stopped and everything that Romania produced was exported. To mask the lack of food, they imposed on the population the “rational nutrition” program, which stated that a person was not supposed to have a diet that exceeded 3000 calories a day. Basic food supplies (bread, sugar, oil, flour, rice, etc.) were rationalized to the extreme. In order to purchase rare items such as meat, butter or coffee, it was more important to have the right connections than to have money. Heating, electricity, gas and water supplies were constantly interrupted and gasoline was a luxury. Romania became a trap that very few could escape. Very brave or very desperate people risked their lives in attempts at crossing the borders, and so many of them paid for this with their lives. These are the circumstances in which thousands of unwanted children were born to under-aged mothers and to large families who did not have enough to eat. These children were namelessly abandoned in maternity wards and ended up in Orphanages until they were 18 years old.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

1 Most of the “orphans” were children who had at least a parent. The lucky ones kept in contact with their families or even visited them on school holidays, but invariably returned to the Orphanages because their parents and families could not provide the daily bread for them. TYPES OF HOMES

Children were labeled starting from their abandonment, when they received the name of “orphans.” They would keep their stigma name, regardless the type of orphanage/ home they would go to. At first they lived in a Baby Home. When they were three or four “Ten years years old, they were ago I moved in a Preschoostarted ler Home. Then, the to work as a Mission Without Borders’ volunteer. age of seven was a very I remember the children-how poorly dresse d important milestone they were. They had no shoes and lacked school supplies and toys. We would gather - it was the decisive in the school yard or in a gym hall, talked and moment when they sang together. At these moments, they forgot had to go to school about their hardships. They loved being with us because we treated them nicely, never (they were kept away scolded or hit them.” (Valentin Bolocan, Christian Input from the world and volunteer, Cluster 17) isolated from the other children in separate schools, in the same location with the home). The school was related to the type of orphanage they were going to be in for the rest of their childhood: either a Regular Home or a Home for Slow Learners. If the child was shy or scared, as it was normal for a child when being evaluated and scrutinized by a group of strangers, the child was labeled as a “slow learner.” Intellect was not the only criteria the children were divided by. Selections were also made by gender. Boys

and girls were usually sent in different institutions. When reaching adulthood, they were sent in the world that rejected them when they were mere babies. The only home they ever knew would be gone. Children with different impairments were confined to Homes that fit their handicap: sensorial, physical and mental. Severe Handicap Homes were the worse. There was no chance of improvement here, no escape. This type of orphanages did not exist officially. Like orphanages for slow learners, they were located in remote villages, out of the eyes of everyone. If children in other orphanages would have rare occasions to “visit” the real world, the handicapped children had a narrow universe limited by the tall cement fence surrounding the building. DISCRIMINATION AND NEGLECT

The children were discriminated and neglected from birth, as rejects of society. Gypsies and dark-skinned children undermined the creation of the new generation. Handicapped children and slow learners were unhappy accidents – consumers only – and the regime could not gain anything on their expense. Small babies would lie in their tiny cribs and they would not cry because they were not used to being held or changed very often. The staff would show favoritism to cuter children, and boys were preferred to girls. To the employees, the children were not human beings – they just came with the job – and their paycheck came at the end of the month regardless of the way they treated them. The staff in the Homes was there simply to watch the children, who were not caressed but beaten – sometimes for no reason. The children’s educators saw children as not worthy of any ideals, sense of identity or self-esteem. Psychology was considered subversive, and specialists in child welfare were given poorly paid, unqualified jobs. Instead, people with no training were promoted as educators because they believed or promoted Communism. Of course, there

were also some staff members who really loved the children and tried to help them the best they could. Having no role models, the children started to discriminate amongst themselves. Children who were new in an orphanage were given a cold shoulder by the rest. Older children were beating the younger children, who would beat the ones that were younger, and so on.

tor since a coordina “I have been act with the nt co st fir y M April 1994. ster for s a total disa ilchildren wa rked with ch wo r ve ne me. I have neer gi en an – I am dren before tered the n. When I en nds by professio irs of little ha pa e 0 10 t , abou rrounded m ce. They su Orphanage on at e m er sees ov l wa al k e oc m Another sh and feet ca all s and feet. n slept in sm to my hand and clung 10-20 childre : in ed liv were they ls ns ea itio M nd d. n be ing the co ded in an iro t or three crow anagemen rooms, two the home m re he w t, men were se ps ba cu e e th th and served in . The dishes rs dining room ve me shive arranged a cold and ga s wa ng hi er yt Ev . al et it.” m nt to qu made of ade me wa r 17) ine, and m unty, Cluste down my sp r in Dolj Co to na di or I co CR a, uc En (Adrian

The Children’s Needs MATERIAL NEEDS

These were the immediate needs that quickly surfaced. They were related to basic elements such as nourishment, warmth and hygiene. Food was never enough and it was of very poor quality. The children lacked nutrients found in meat, diary products, fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, they were underweight and unable to fight the simplest cold. Clothing items and shoes were always of the poorest quality and they were always worn out. Pajamas, socks and underwear were scarce. Shoes were broken and unfit for the colder seasons, because every child was entitled to only have two cheap pairs of shoes per year. Summer was the only time their frail bodies were warm and comfortable. Shaving the children’s heads was an attempt to treat parasites such as scab and lice. Illnesses had to be controlled because there were so many children and because simple hygienic norms were not taught and respected. EMOTIONAL NEEDS

It was very easy for a child to feel lost in a mass of hundreds of children. They were all dressed alike. There were too many children with the same first name, so they were addressed to by the family name. Even when introducing themselves, they

would present themselves as “Popescu,” instead of Maria or Daniel.

All of them had emotional scars, and all of them tried to look tough. Vulnerability had to be masked, or else older children or educators would see that as a sign of weakness. They felt abandoned, insignificant. They had to keep their tears inside, or let it out at night, when no one else would hear them. They would cry because they missed their parents, or their lost siblings who were moved to another Home. Even older children would rock themselves to sleep – it was a desperate need to be held and caressed. As they grew older, behavioral problems started to occur: hyperactivity and aggression in boys, and anxiety and depression in girls. They did not know how to receive and how to give love. INTELLECTUAL NEEDS

Intellectual development depended on the child’s early years. Both from an emotional and intellectual point of view, it is crucial that a baby feels secured, loved and encouraged. Being called stupid and punished at the smallest mistake was not a motivation to study. It was quite common that the teachers and educators lacked the proper training to teach. Teaching aid and school supplies were very limited. School curriculum was not kept and lots of classes were replaced with social education (classes when they were brainwashed and taught about the benefits of being a Communist from an early age).

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

1 Normally, at the age of eighteen they were supposed to graduate from high school, which was considered a high form of education and which was not available to most of them. The great majority went to preparatory schools or completed high school at night schooling. When leaving the system, they were completely unprepared for the new life ahead: they lacked elementary education and real professional training. No employer wanted to hire them. SPIRITUAL NEEDS

From an early age, children were taught that there is no higher power to be responsible to. If there is no God, there is no need for morals. By annihilating God, Communism annihilated opposition in order to have perfect little soldiers who would do anything for the Party. They had no access to God. Unlike children in families who had parents and grandparents to tell them about God, the orphans had no one to tell them that there was hope, that there was more to this life and that God was their Father who loved them.

s were very “The early year ent was a perman e chaotic. Ther ty. xie an d inty an state of uncerta d an n re ild ch s of There were lot staff. d unqualified out for the insufficient an d did not look an e tiv la ipu an m s wa ff sta The erest. child’s best int

me and tantly around ren were cons ild ch er old ges. Since e Th kind of messa mmunicate all cern betdis t they would co no uld visitors, they co few ry ve d ha nveyed or they s could be co d of message interesting d ween what kin an out new inform me ab They were s. ng not. They would thi y da er y o common ev als t bu s, nverter co at m d organizing same time an ed en pp ha all talking at the is Th ging. m was challen They never sations with the e. ag an ph p inside the or I earned from my first ste m me. In time, rtunity to infor po op nt and da nfi missed an co n’s ildre became the ch d an st tru ir the advocate. large tremely poor: itions were ex d linen. be The living cond ut ds, worn-o th iron bunk be greater e dormitories wi tim the of t ildren was mos ch of r be m ag nu an es were The ailable. Orph ber of beds av using the ab than the num ild older ch or for girls. An o abused either for boys als ff sta e Th al. ren was norm younger child rious ways. hed them in va nis pu d an n the childre

ren were and the child s not existent, ram. Their og Leisure time wa pr ily y-like da d a strict, arm than the chilt always impose en fer dif h uc arance was m ; physical appe s were shaved all of their head ts: ee str the have uld wo dren from rls gi d suits an ar blue track thes. They boys would we re their best clo we se the d an er boots.” bb purple ones, ru sneakers or me old cloth Severin s ra either wore so Ca 8, ter Clus I coordinator CR , an Jiv an (Io County)

The Early Years Relief ENROLLMENT OF CHILDREN AND HOMES

Mission Without Borders International (MWBI) was present in Romania since the beginning of the 1980s (named Underground Evangelism at the time), providing Bibles and Christian literature to those suffering for their faith in God. Right after the Revolution, the organization freely acted under the name of Child Rescue International (CRI). The first Homes were enrolled in the counties of Sibiu, Cluj and Alba. Starting at the center of the country, within just a few years, the CRI work expanded to 28 counties, helping nearly 45,000 children in 234 Homes. That was nearly half of Romania’s orphans. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

The project was initiated in 1990, when the first Orphanages were enrolled to respond to the children’s immediate needs.

The project was initiated in 1990, when the first Orphanages were enrolled to respond to the children’s immediate needs. Material difficulties were very keen. Extreme poverty was general. The mute cry of the children was suddenly deafening. The state was now free to express the children’s needs and its incapacity to at least feed them. We were overwhelmed by letters from the Home directors asking for anything: food supplies, medicines, vitamins, glasses, hygiene items, clothes and shoes, bed linen, blankets, furniture, etc. There was not anything that they did not need. The equivalent of less than one dollar per day was allotted to each child, but in reality, as insufficient as it was, this money came very late or never. The Homes were in debt to utility providers and grocery suppliers as well. Huge numbers of trucks containing humanitarian aid started to arrive and were immediately distributed. They were received with the same greed as the ground draws rainwater after drought. It seemed that it was not enough. In many cases, the items delivered were complete novelties to the children. For example, they looked at canned meat and read the label, then asked us “What is meat?” Babies who were previously (under)fed with bread soaked in slightly sweetened tea, started to thrive after receiving baby formula and vitamins. Hygiene was greatly improved as children got used to using soap, shampoo or toothpaste. Tampons replaced the pieces of cloth or mattress fillings that the girls previously used. Cases of children with lice, fleas or scab were getting rarer. Bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms were equipped with furniture and appliances meant to improve the children’s living conditions. It is hard to assess the support given by western countries and give it a financial value. But looking back to where it all started, one can see the great difference.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

CRI EXPANSION

1990

Reaching People for Christ THE LOCAL CHURCH AND VOLUNTEERS

Publicly affirming your belief in God was forbidden and cruelly punished during the Communist regime. Evangelizations were illegal. Freedom of speech was among the rights that came with the 1989 Revolution. The Church was free to spread the Good News of Salvation. Over 1000 Romanian volunteers offered and pledged themselves to reach out to the children. They came from many evangelical denominations and all had one single purpose: to minister to the children and lead them to Christ. They were received with open arms, both by the staff and children, who had a great hunger for God and His Word. The children desperately needed to hear that they were loved by an eternal Father who will never abandon them. People from Mission Without Borders’ Affiliate countries (through financial and material donations) were joined in ministry with volunteers from the local churches. Although the Orphanages were still insalubrious and cold, the general atmosphere changed for the better.

seen ld normally be “Children shou ily m fa the d an lue, as a great va in their existence should guide the tly ac ex s ty wa life. The reali the the children in opposite with ly on t no did y state’s care: the or ngs like food lack basic thi ned ar ye o als y warmth, but the mind will y M e. lov l for parenta picture of printed with the th mechanialways be im of children wi p ou thing a gr th quietly, ba ir a caretaker ba the ok to ren ts. Some child en ently, em fer ov m dif l d ca y behave lot. Although the There d. re some cried a no ig lly equa affection was to their need for aped animals cks or foam-sh du er bb ru ter was wa rm were no Wa . ng bathi children while ything enter tain the days, so ever hours on Satur ee thr le ab only avail ne in a hurry. had to be do things they were so many volution, there and shoes, s Before the Re the pers, clo childhood: dia bles or ta ge lacked in their ve it, fru sh ods such as fre s greatly wa nutrient-rich fo ing , ever yth WB came to us us food rio meat. Once M va s, oe sh , ng received clothi se improved. We icines – all the lies, toys, med pp su ol ho sc s, pending on de , supplie rly ula reg y more) came t MWB’s items (and man thrilled to mee ildren were so ch e Th s. told them He . the need him th wi s nd ey became frie e often. or m ile coordinator. Th rted to sm e and they sta about Jesus’ lov , especially at lunteers’ visits ger for the vo re treasure: They were ea ra a s wa ft gi d Easter. Ever y ing they Christmas an m ceived so eth ey not only re t they have it was theirs. Th tha d rne lea w ir own; they no thday could call the ke and get a bir y could eat ca the t tha , ay ghts of the hli a birthd hig the re we t least, camps mmer gift. Last, but no d forward to. Su ing they looke eth m so d an oth er an er. summ e dull day after never again on vacation was d. We are He has provide for ever ything rs. We ask so on sp We thank God to the ff at MWB and sta the to l s rd many gratefu ministr y towa e the Mission’s lost path to the Him to continu ow will sh and that they n re ild ch y at St. Andrei need or since 1985, Buzatu, educat God.” (Ileana /3) me Slatina – 13 Family Type Ho

1992

1994

CHRISTIAN INPUT

Saturdays had a new meaning for everyone, especially for the children in the Orphanages. A week’s work was reduced to 5 days, and the volunteers dedicated every Saturday to the children. Mission Without Borders provided transportation, teaching aid supplies, sweets and Christian literature to the children. The Bible stories had a great impact because of the real people and real events depicted in it. From these examples, the children learned to be kind, to forgive, and to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The songs were learned and sung with passion - not only during the weekly meetings, but also on their own. The staff noticed the transformation in the children’s lives, and appreciated them embracing a Christian way of life. Christian Input meetings were never seen as lessons. They were interactive and fun, so no wonder that the children could not wait for them. Recreational activities such as sports, games and crafts were part of these meetings, which were like a breath of fresh air.

1996

Trust and Stability RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE DIRECTORS AND AUTHORITIES

Once the borders were open for material aid, many foundations, churches and people from the West got involved. Having great intentions to help, many came to collect interviews and pictures to be used for fundraising purposes. In time, the Homes received less and less support. The directors of the homes saw organizations coming and leaving, but over the years, a steadfast relationship was formed with MWB – its staff and sponsors. Mission Without Borders was the only organization which remained constant in their visits and donations. FRIENDSHIPS WITH THE CHILDREN

Amidst their hectic lives, children saw our staff and volunteers as a faithful, dependable factor. To our staff and volunteers, listening and talking to them was imperative; holding and caressing them was normal. Aside from the material help, these children received someone’s time and care. Our coordinators and volunteers were there when children aged two, three or four took their first steps or uttered their first words.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

CRI EXPANSION

1997

Children able to write were encouraged to write letters to our colleagues, and share their thoughts and worries. They always received a reply with a kind word of encouragement. These children felt that they finally mattered to someone.

s moved to th grade I wa “In the four r county. he ot an me in another Ho was I e d becaus I was very sa ng I knew: hi yt er ev hind leaving be familiar educators, my friends, from le op pe e th places, and ildren in the s about 100 ch re we r food. I wa e er MWB. Th ly fighting fo nt ta ns co so re lt we fe I . ey th other boys Home, and oom with 15 rise it was ared a bedr t a nice surp ha new and sh W . em of th id ra new af s th I wa esent in e alone and was also pr meone t that MWB so ou et d m un I fo d I an when nt to camp, and summer I we li Bolocan, Home! That me was Va na s Hi d. en st name. y fri fir m e e m m sa ca e th who be e we shared doned him becaus I was aban at first I liked ld him how to d an t lo ent to me.” ma hi em th ag wi ur d co I talke s a great en ripi de ung. He wa pe Home “A while very yo 24, Family Ty ed ag w no u, an re So i (Val ) aiova – 17/4 Serafim,” Cr

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Non CRI

SINCE 1990, THE CRI WORK IN ROMANIA HAS EXPANDED TO 28 COUNTIES, HAVING GIVEN ASSISTANCE TO OVER 45,000 CHILDREN IN 234 CHILDREN´S HOMES.

Bringing Future and Hope 3

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

The CRI program was enhanced as it developed. In addition to the immediate, urgent material needs, Mission Without Borders addressed other needs of the children through various projects.

Summer Camps This project was started in 1995, with a number of 500 participants. It was a totally new term and experience for the children. Until then, summer break was simply a period of time with no school to go to. There was little they could do in the Home during the summer vacation, with almost no toys or sport equipment. They had almost no knowledge about the real world outside the orphanage walls. Summer camps for these children were not even a dream because it surpassed their imagination. The orphanages could not afford such a social event because they simply did not have enough resources. All of their struggles were related to immediate and minimum needs.

The purpose of Summer Camps was to take the children out of the grey walls of the institution and take them to a new, bright and colourful environment; it was an attempt to give them a taste of their lost childhood.

The purpose of Summer Camps was to take the children out of the grey walls of the institution and take them to a new, bright and colourful environment. This place, defined as camp, was about varied and sufficient meals, games, songs, laughter and friends: it was an attempt to give them a taste of their lost childhood. It was about changing the scenery, about learning that there is more to life than what they were accustomed to. It was about fellowship around the bonfire, about getting to know new children from other orphanages, as well as new adults (volunteers); it was about a healthy environment. The children needed to know that there are people who care about their problems, that there is hope and joy in life, that there is God, who loves them and His love is shown through this camp. This camp was to have a double purpose: to provide a wonderful time for the children and to offer the children an opportunity to learn about God. Although the children were not told or forced into Christianity, Mission Without Borders staff and volunteers presented to them a new way of life. The 9-10 days of camp were a fuel for the whole year. The only problem was that not all the children from the Homes could go to camps and that the camps ended too soon.

Bible Correspondence Course The Bible Correspondence Course was a natural continuation of the summer camp. The summer camp was a dream that they did not want to end. During camp the children had a taste of God, and they wanted more. During camp, the children learned that there is a different kind of life than what they have been used to in the Homes. After spending a week together with them, the coordinators and the volunteers realised how much these children needed to have a meaningful relationship with a constant person. The adults in their lives were called by their occupational titles: directors or educators, teachers

CHILDREN HELPED THROUGH THE CRI PROGRAM:

50000 40000

250 Children helped

30000 20000

200 150

Children sponsored

10000 0

100 50

1990-1991-1992-1993-1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009-2010

1990-1991-1992-1993-1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

3 or supervisors, cooks or nurses. What they lacked was a friend, a friend they found in the BCC workers who did not only send them the Bible course, but also personal letters. Insufficient, underpaid and with no specialised training, most of the Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; staff supervising them lacked the time, the will and ability to approach the children. No teacher had such careful listeners as these children during camp! They were avid for words. They had been barely caressed, hugged or talked to, thus they all missed the love and care every child needed to develop into an emotionally and psychologically healthy adult. Bonds with educators and family members barely existed and the children had no opportunity to learn the social skills they were to need later on in life. They needed hope and they needed to feel a sense of achievement; they needed stability and they needed to know that they were loved and accepted just the way they were. Moreover, they needed to be listened to, not just to listen to others. The children lived under the Communist regime for a big part of their life. They were used to hearing that there is no God and that the Bible was an old book with stories

invented by fanatics. This was imposed on them, and because of that, they did not dare to argue or ask further questions. Spiritual matters were now openly discussed, so the children had some information about the Bible, but also a lot of questions. Every Bible lesson was a novelty to them, and every answer they received, gave birth to new questions. Their questions were related to the Bible, but also to matters that were not explained to them before, such as positive attitude, confidentiality, forgiveness, acceptance, loneliness, puberty and sexuality, self- victimisation, etc. Thousands of children were enroled and graduated over the years. We consider it a great gain when some of these children came to realise that they needed to be saved and give their hearts to God.

Vocational/ Educational Training Unless still in school, at 18 years of age, the young people in the Homes had to leave the only place they called home. Every year, approximately 2,000 young men and

HOMES SUPPORTED THROUGH THE CRI PROGRAM:

250 200

Homes supported

150 100 50

2002-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009-2010

1990-1991-1992-1993-1994-1995-1996-1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009-2010

women left the Children’s Homes. With little or no training, and carrying the stigma of having been brought up in a Children’s Home, their chances of succeeding in a society where unemployment ran as high as 20%, were extremely limited. Most of the children in institutions did not make it to High School. They would leave the Homes with merely a theoretical knowledge. Nearly 45,000 children were living in the 234 Homes where MWB was active. This meant 45,000 destinies. Without a family’s help, without economic or emotional support and without the know-how of finding a room to rent, getting a job or paying bills, they failed to integrate into society and thus were denied the chances of living a normal life. Because they were starting life on their own, the need was to equip these young men and women, and to provide training that would enable them to earn their living and be self-sufficient. They needed more than just temporary help; they needed a chance to help themselves. When investigating the job market, MWB discovered that tailors, car mechanics and carpenters were jobs in great demand and opened the three workshops: Tailoring in 1996, Car Mechanics in 1998 and Carpentry in 2002. At

these Centres, the students not only learned a certified trade, but also acquired important life skills that they did not have: knowledge of labour legislation, how to write a resume, how to find a job and do job interviews, manners, setting the table, personal hygiene, etc. After producing over 720 graduates, each with a diploma, the workshops were closed in 2007. At the time, the results of our investigations showed that 72% of these young men and women found jobs, were able to support themselves and were successfully integrated into society.

Emotional Support This project was initiated in 1992 under the Medical/ Emotional Support project of the Child Care Program. In 1999, Mission Without Borders organized the first medical conference. As a result, a clinical study has been made which was followed up on and a second medical conference was held in 2000. This study was conducted in Romanian Children’s Homes in 10 counties, and its focus was on observing the characteristics and needs of institutionalized children. The Emotional Support project

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

a Macavei ”My name is An rked as a Bible and I have wo e Course coornc de Correspon cember 2004. dinator since De ace, I have gr d’s Through Go of y of being part this opportunit y. str ini m ul a wonderf

officially began in 2001 under Child Rescue International program. The purpose of this project was to attenuate – as much as possible – the effects of institutionalization on the children’s lives.

olved in my I used to be inv and worssinging praise h, urc ch e involved in m ho g to be more llin ca I felt God’s this ministry to e hip songs but m d lle d ca le for Christ. Go op pe rresponing Co ch le rea at the Bib wanted to serve Borders. ut tho and I sincerely Wi on ssi Mi department at dence Course d answered my ew that God ha kn I d, d to rte sta t MWB acknowledged that due to institutionalization, When I firs the Word of Go ing ar sh the privilege of ve ha I s. er ay pr children became emotionally impaired, and in too many sithe children. tuations, this deficit lasts a lifetime. Children residing within out to more nted to reach this ministry, I wa re children institutions grew up in special circumstances and faced many we re When I started the t tha I noticed e children and ung age or yo m ir d the an emotional problems. Other traits were also noticed: children because of t be reached ring a du er, who could no lat ar ye out a were commonly unable to experience joy or sorrow, suffered pairments. Ab r affiliate or different im d by one of ou tly encourage ea gr s wa from depression and had no one to discuss their feelings with. I it, actice but I Field vis thoughts into pr I tried to put my s. ue this through. ag rry lle ca co In addition, many children were victims of abuse or neglect. ed to aterials I need m the d fin t and he gave could no ited our office The staff in the Homes was overwhelmed and poorly trained tch sponsor vis I had a start! s. That year, a Du rie Biblical sto ings depicting to deal with these serious issues. As limited as they were, the we placed a us some draw er, ch tea ol ho our Sunday Sc We children’s relationships with the staff were discontinued when Together with d these sheets. s and multiplie ing aw dr the r y could the t unde t tex tha so ren ild the children were sent to the next Home according to the them to the ch Course. started to send rrespondence of the Bible Co rt existing system. They lacked consistency and a reliable adult in pa be d an colour to reach their life. ng and a tool is a great blessi e urs co d hanple an e This sim dless of their ag ’s hearts, regar positive us nt se to the children es Hom In striving to provide the minimum means of existence, the ucators from the ed of s to be ts Lo wa s. ren dicap cited the child told us how ex ular reg institutions could not afford to organize birthday parties or other for es urs feedback and ven co dition to the se ad In . s. es thi of urs a part events. Seeing the children’s need to experience joy, to celebrate ht colouring co rrently have eig children, we cu special events, to feel special and to feel loved, Mission Without children aze me. I visit the s continue to am Borders took up the parental role and started to be involved in each e se to joy God’s blessing l is a mutua camps and it build our n in the summer these activities. If not for MWB, these children would not have ca we t tha e. I am glad way they other face to fac other. In thisholidays had the opportunities to celebrate birthdays, Christmas and other t closer to each ge d an n help ips sh ca I t relation me easier, so tha with, or to provide them with special days in which to remember. mselves up to hear to y pp can open the ha s alway It them and I am were baptized. them. I pray for ts to God and ar he ir the ve of such s rie sto e or when they ga m e and sire to hear mor is my heart’s de .” changed lives

Acceptance and Integration

It is paramount to house, feed, clothe and keep children physically healthy and safe. But there is more to being a child than having the bare essentials met. The children also needed an education and spiritual guidance. They needed to be loved and cherished. They needed to know that they are accepted and appreciated. In all of its projects, Mission Without Borders aimed to respond to the various needs of the children, thus enabling them to become healthy and independent adults.

Fostering Lasting Changes 4

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

“…By involving those it serves, Mission Without Borders recognizes the dignity of the individual and strives to help build capacity for self-sufficiency.” This excerpt from the Mission’s Statement is fundamentally related to the beneficiaries’ needs. Mission Without Borders identified and responded to Spiritual, Emotional, Educational and Material (SEEM) needs.

Spiritual Needs Being a Christian, non-denominational foundation, Mission Without Borders is primarily concerned with the people’s hunger for God. Summer camps, puppet shows, Bible Correspondence Course, special Easter and Christmas events or Christian Input meetings on weekends were all meant to share the knowledge of God and to help children get closer to God. Children were never encouraged to adhere to a church denomination, because the only purpose has always been reaching them for Christ.

Emotional Needs

How else could children acknowledge God’s love, unless manifested through our staff and volunteers’ acceptance, kindness and availability?

The term “orphan” is a mark of disgrace and discredit that the children bear. The term used to define the institution was changed from “Orphanage” to “Child Placement Center,” but the children’s needs remained the same. Through the Emotional Support project we promoted each child’s self-respect, a healthy self-image and their importance as human beings. The spiritual and emotional needs were approached together. How else could children acknowledge God’s love, unless manifested through our staff and volunteers’ acceptance, kindness and availability?

Educational Needs During the early years after the Revolution, it was nearly impossible for a child from a Placement Center to pursue a higher form of education. They were oriented towards preparatory schools only. The students were completely isolated from other children their age and went to school within the same Placement Center they grew up in. Every Placement Center had its own separate school. In time, these schools were closed and the children were given the possibility to attend mass schools (elementary and high school). As a result, children from the Placement Centers received better education and were ready to compete with the other students in order to be accepted into college or university. They did their part–study and get good school results–but soon faced another problem: the lack of money needed to go to college. After closing the Vocational/Educational workshops in 2007, Mission Without Borders started a new project that was greatly welcomed by the students: the Scholarships project.

In each of the SEEM domains, for all identified needs, we proposed ways of solving these goals as well as provided WB since rking with M follow-up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started wo d a few volunteer, an

a 1994, first as l Supan Emotiona as r te la years amazed am I r. to na port Coordi in the God worked to see how and see n re ild ch e s and hear ts of th as grown-up d of them an them today so many of ose to each cl ll sti e ar e ry W ist . in ns m tia r ris ou ation that devoted Ch the confirm en part of sed to see d to have be we are bles re no ho . I am in va es,â&#x20AC;? in liv r en thei has not be d be part of for Christ an em th ng hi reac dinator) lan, ES Coor (Daciana Bi

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

4 The project offered varied opportunities for the student’s individual development. It was not oriented and dependent on the offer, but instead, on the student’s demand. As a result, the students did not accept any education available, but they could follow an education that was in agreement with their dreams, aspirations and abilities. The Scholarships covered the students’ school taxes, accommodation, meals, school supplies and personal use items. Studying and graduation were the students’ only concerns towards self-sufficiency.

medicines, hygiene and school items, etc.), equipment (washing machines, cooking and heating stoves, inside and outside play equipment, medical devices, etc), school items as well as medical interventions for teeth repairs or glasses.

Material Needs

Expansion and Reduction

The material situation in the Child Placement Centers improved in time. The state welcomed the help of NGOs such as Mission Without Borders, which made a huge difference in the children’s lives.

AREA OF WORK

Over the years, Mission Without Borders identified and responded to a great number of needs, which included: personalized needs specific to each child, as well as general needs, common to all children in a Home. These needs included all kinds of supplies (food items, clothes, shoes,

These needs were covered either from the large quantities of general Gift-in-Kind donations which were appreciated by all institutions, as well as Special Projects created to meet specific needs of individuals or groups of children.

In 1990, Mission Without Borders started with 4 counties (called “clusters”) with about 500 children sponsored in 24 Homes and expanded to 28 clusters, of the 234 Child Placement Centers and 45,000 children (of which more than 15,000 were sponsored) in 1998. In the late 1990s, MWB was present in 28 clusters and a coordinator was responsible for 8 -16 Child Placement Centers and 1500-3000 children (of which 5-700 were sponsored).

life of the olvement in the ective, your inv e. We siv en “From my persp eh en compr r Center has be ren when ild children in ou ch the for out decent living Border can not talk ab Mission Without eds are great. ne ial er at enriching the their m by g nin gin be from the very meals supported us providing the d many times an – ls ea was m y ’s ntr children en our food pa ber in 1998 wh d we an lp he entirely. I remem for d . I aske d literally empty food, which of completely an ns ca us rio eived 5000 va e. immediately rec quite some tim ren’s meals for ild ch the d provide me), e (Hospital Ho ifics of our Centr ne. There gie Given the spec hy on us s put a great foc ounts we have alway eived large am es when we rec tim y an m so nts and were ge ter de r ula from the reg rted of diapers, aside Ever since I sta were so useful. ich ea wh ts, tan ec ve to purchas disinf ha t no did as a Director, we the funds d ha ve working here ha would air (not that we Mission. single wheel ch donated by the re we s m ite to)–all these ccination ifested in the va ildren was man towards t or pp The care for ch su d ere patitis. MWB off He B e Typ ecialists in st sp again time when the recovery. At the ct, MWB gle ne or the children’s e us ild ab t talk about ch no , thanks did 00 ia 20 an In Rom se subjects. nference on the ntre in ce er organized a co oth an it y to vis the opportunit to MWB, I had mation on oc valuable infor e m so d rne ed to the pli ap lly Holland. I lea sfu es succ rapy which we cupational the n. tio titu ins r ou children in ial furniture for received spec ateful to have pact, we are im We are very gr ial er at the m ren. But above ild ch d loves the ire dy pa im support. Nobo the emotional am aware I rs! so grateful for tee lun and vo Mission’s staff the as d teenagren an ild ch these children sy to work with leap. I ge hu a that it is not ea lly tua is ac le step forward litt from y an ing d ult an res s, er eatest benefits t one of the gr of the staff ity tal would say tha en m of ge ent is the chan MWB’s involvem e. ntr from the Ce s not for Misre today if it wa have been he We would not u!” rders. Thank yo 8/9) sion Without Bo me in Oravita of Hospital Ho tor ec Dir , iuc (Virgil Robc

In early 2010, the overall picture was drastically different: 16 clusters, 93 Child Placement Centers, 6,505 children in total (of which 1,487 were sponsored). Starting in 1999, the number of children being placed in the state’s care went down. Children 18 years of age and older, left the system. Hence, some Child Placement Centers were closed and the children moved to other existing institutions.

Coordinators’ Caseload THE COORDINATORS’ WORK WAS ALSO AFFECTED

In early 2010, the coordinators’ workload collapsed. Ten of the twenty-two CRI coordinators remained and the average workload per coordinator diminished to nine Child Placement Centers, 650 children in total, of which 150 are sponsored children.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

Passing on the Torch 5 CONTRIBUTING FACTORS The children in Child Placement Centers became a political object. One of the conditions imposed on Romania’s entry into the European Union in 2007 was the reduction of the number of institutionalized children. This had to be done with no external help. A new strategy was developed in order to close down Homes and to reduce the number of children. ADOPTION BAN International adoptions were officially banned starting October 2001. Allegedly, foreign adoptions were just a cover for black market trade and baby-trafficking. Internal adoptions were supposed to be a solution, but that was not realistic: the families who in the first place put the children in the state’s care were just as unable to provide for them. Although inter-country adoptions were not very numerous, many children were denied the chance of having a permanent, loving family–even if that was abroad.

FOSTER CARE Foster care measures were taken when internal adoption was not possible. Foster care was envisioned through two methods: family placement and maternal assistants. A certain amount of money was offered as an enticement. In the event that the family placement was not possible or if the child’s extended family was unable or unwilling to take the child from the Placement Center, the second method was applied. Anyone completing a 60 hours course in maternal assistance was able to take a child from the Placement Center, after being evaluated by social assistants. FAMILY-TYPE APARTMENTS Family–type apartments were the final solution if internal adoptions or foster care were not possible. The children would still be in the state’s care, but they would live in an environment closer to the “family-type” set-up. Six to

ten children were placed in an apartment (as opposed to living in the large Placement Center) and were supervised by a so–called “social mother”–an employee of the local Child Protection Department. These facilities provide a warmer environment so that siblings can live in the same place. Family-type apartments still belong to Child Placement Centers which continue to exist under the Child Protection Department, even if the number of children is not so high anymore.

Emotional and Spiritual Work Carried On CHRISTIAN MINISTRY All the help given by NGOs like Mission Without Borders to Child Placement Centers contributed to great material improvement in the children’s living conditions. However, the spiritual aspect is a great need that still stands out. Over the years, the local churches faithfully provided volunteers that worked alongside Mission Without Borders colleagues. After acquiring long-time experience in working with children, many Christian Input leaders were formed. They teach and help other volunteers in the ministry and proved to be reliable to carry on the ministry that was started 20 years ago. These volunteers will continue their visits to the children to share the Gospel with them. Mission Without Borders will not suddenly stop being involved in the ministry. MWB will still be present and support the local churches and the volunteers with Giftsin-Kind items and Christian literature. In this way, the children will not be abandoned and our goal of reaching people for Christ will continue to be carried out.

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

. He ned at birth 25 years ago Vasile Belteki was abando tionship and has rela ual cas a of lt resu was the unwanted ledged paternity. The only a father who never acknow was to give him a name. thing his mother did for him ves a childhood trauma still lea Although an adult now, his ther. mo my w kno to ted ays wan mark on him: “I have alw er chiloth ing see and d chil ll I remember being a sma elf r parents. I would cry by mys dren being visited by thei .” me see e to all day: no one ever cam od in different Centers – deHe spent his entire childho he the maternity ward where pending on his age. From then e, Hom y moved to a Bab was abandoned, he was Resita. From here, he was in e Hom rs’ ole cho to a Pres gova. Until then, he only Tere in transferred to a Home staff in Resita. knew the kindness of the Home in Teregova was like “The first contact with the er boys immediately star hitting a stone wall. The old e com I did re Whe I? was ted to interrogate me: Who e and by whom? I do not from? Why was I moved ther ed, but I do remember the remember what I answer ead of a welcome. I was inst ed beating I was promis r, night. Then, a few days late seriously beaten that first off me w thre they : me they promised to “baptize” cotta stove and caught me from a 2 meters’ tall terra I was covered in bruises, in between two iron beds. broken, I was considered but because nothing was a hero. parties held in our I remember the Christmas st beautiful day of the mo the was as istm Home. Chr entire year. I loved the songs and I liked singing with the volunteers king they left I was eagerly thin who visited us. Every time the older boys took t tha e car not eting. I did and waiting for our next me the reason why I eived. Candies were not all the sweets we each rec so close to them. felt I , son in. For some rea wanted them to come aga ome a Christian, but and say that I would bec The boys would mock me I never believed that. was closed. I was de, the Home in Teregova When I was in the 6th gra hardships would be the t Varadia. I hoped tha moved to a new place in than the previous se wor was it s, In some way over, but I was so wrong. – I never knew too. I could not trust anyone place. The staff was abusive ds from MWB frien my t tha find relief was to who would hurt me. The only r visits, some did e children appreciated thei visited this Home too. Som . ing com happy to see them not. The educators were not I received very r through the foundation. I knew that I had a sponso t the older children tha r r. I told the coordinato nice gifts from my sponso rdinator let me coo the on, day t them everything. From tha give to me ned ate little belongings. thre my stalked me and e. I did not trust the staff with the goodies in the packag all the 8th grade. ate I in l unti and 17 him was I with . stay s sponsor came to see me Swis my n whe was life s me. She brought The greatest joy in my l I saw her coming toward but I never believed it unti e, com ld son on Earth wou per she nt me They told like I was the most importa the boys in the Home. I felt short. The very was joy The . me sweets and clothes for all for ng d God for doing somethi nke tha r eve I time first and that was the

Vasile´s Testimony r was t. She said that my sponso t me for becoming arrogan in. aga me visit next day, the educator bea t no one would e I had no family, and tha t is why tha and , feeling sorry for me becaus side r thei on g me t the Christians want to dra Another educator said tha the sponsor came. ause I church in the village bec 18. I started to attend the ed turn I r late one took nths no mo ice, A few r the evening serv church talked to me. Afte my return n Upo ! ner liked how the people in the din for r contrary, I was invited ove the on but me from y Home. the awa the food al than the other boys in t I had a much better me to the Home, I was sure tha thrilcame with a big cake. I was people from the Mission the , day w birth kno my not on r, did I That yea some pictures in it. eived a photo album with all in boy the was I led and overwhelmed. I rec t tha ator told me pictures. Then the coordin e she what to say about those she had received ever sinc tos pho rly yea the all t r kep nso spo My time I s! first ture the pic se tho me to have. It was she made some copies for e of hav I tos pho started to sponsor me, and only the are I have grown. In fact, those how and ked loo I how realized me as a child. only one who is still going. few other boys, but I am the a with rch chu to never go to I started carried me in his arms and only Parent I ever had. He but the tized bap be I realized that God was the and Christian will, I chose to become a Home the r, afte n let go of me. Out of my own Soo lt. adu an , even though I was legally out educators did not allow me what I wanted. Mission With and I was allowed to do d nge cha to me led who management was ple peo just as the volunteers were there, not Bible study. I am the Borders’ coordinator and with me ed help ily. They are the ones who a volunChrist, but also as my fam rch in Resita and I am also ministry at the Baptist Chu th you the me.” for e don e now involved in hav ers oth t wha ders, because I like to do teer at Mission Without Bor Home spends his weekends at the a bakery shop in Resita. He Vasile presently works at to the in Varadia, being a witness kinds all es bak children there. He ed nag ma He . them for of treats ked to find his mother and loo food after her by bringing her her of e aus Bec . ney mo and died lifestyle and choices, she , son her g etin me r shortly afte e met hav to py hap is ile Vas but l. and witnessed to her as wel was “My encounter with MWB at gre a but nt, not an accide God t tha re awa am I g. blessin peworks his miracles through w kno I how is t tha ople, and MisHim personally today. The ugh thro sion was by my side the good and through the ,I hard days. Thanks to you d.” chil ’s am now God On graduation day from the Children´s Home. Vasile Belteki on the far right

BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS

Epilogue:

Pressing Onwards A s we look back on the evolutionary changes during

these critical years of 1990-2010, since Child Rescue International was first established in Romania, we at Mission Without Borders ask ourselves whether or not the goals originally set forth twenty years ago have been accomplished. Has the Mission’s overarching vision of reaching people for Christ been met? With respect to the children- the main motivator for starting the CRI work in the first place- has our ministry contributed towards alleviating their suffering? Have we managed to present to them a message of hope and a future? Have we fulfilled the goal of bringing Light to individuals that we’ve encountered along the way? In attempting to answer these hard questions, we are reminded of the Lord Jesus’ words found in the book of Mark, chapter 10. While teaching his disciples, little children were brought before Him. His disciples wanted to send them away but Jesus rebuked them, stating, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” By His words, Jesus not only affirmed the significance of these little ones as persons, but He also elevated their status in the overall scheme of life as well as their importance for eternity. Mission Without Borders’ staff and coordinators, along with the hundreds and thousands of volunteers from partnering local churches, have through the years, stood shoulder to shoulder and attempted to do exactly this: to bring little ones to Jesus. They have sacrificially given of their time, their efforts and their hearts to caring for children in great and desperate need. In season and out of season, they have spent countless of hours traversing the vast Romanian landscape delivering material assistance and aid, visiting them in the institutions, sharing about God’s love with them, communicating with them and acknowledging their presence. Along the way, our co-workers have been privileged to become their friends- friends that they could trust

and confide in, friends from whom they could receive counsel and comfort. They have endeavoured to reflect and manifest God’s love to each child they met, and on many occasions, MWB’s workers experienced the profound joy of leading little ones to Christ. As a Christian ministry, Mission Without Borders has done its utmost to address the basic needs of neglected and abandoned children residing in institutions throughout Romania. Nowadays, renovated and well-functioning Homes are part of the norm and the living standards have increased. Furthermore, the general welfare of these children themselves has radically improved. These are just a few examples that attest to MWB’s presence and contributions throughout the twenty years. However, the greatest measurement of our success and one that causes great rejoicing is the personal testimony accorded to us by one such as Vasile Belteki in the previous page. When we read of such an account, our hearts are quickened to the fact of how God works to change lives and to bring the lost to Him. We are further humbled because we are reminded that at one time, we also were lost. But in His goodness, He has chosen to use imperfect, ordinary people to accomplish His good purposes by enabling them to do extraordinary things. At Mission Without Borders, we have witnessed exactly that: His using the organization to reach out to those in need. After twenty years of addressing the plight of children such as Vasile Belteki, the scope and breadth of the CRI work will now receive less focus in Romania. From here, wherever and however the Lord leads us at Mission Without Borders, our main aim will continue to be “reaching people for Christ.” We will continue to press onwards with our involvement and ministry activities to bring light into other darkened corners of the world- not only to children- but also to men and women of all ages so that they may encounter the true Light.

PRIMARY WRITER: CRISTINA RANCA | SECONDARY WRITER/PROJECT COORDINATOR/EDITOR: SREYLEAK KAYSARN-HEM GRAPHICS DESIGNER/LAYOUT: HANS KROGH | PHOTO EDITING: LINE M. CHRISTIANSEN | PHOTOS: MWBI ARCHIVES

CHILD RESCUE INTERNATIONAL Romania 1990 - 2010

MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS