Today is Tuesday November 4, 2003 my first day back in America after returning from a 12-day trip to Botosani, Romania and the Hand of Help Ministries. Emotions are all confused as I reflect on the past 12 days and see what God has allowed us to be part of. As we look at Romania, the second poorest country in the world, even through the suffering and pain in many eyes, Jesus was reflected in the hearts and lives of the Romanian people.
As we walked the villages and saw the hearts of Pastor Mike and Virginia Boldea, saying goodbye Sunday night was one of the hardest challenges of my life. The feeling that I wanted to stay and hold their hands to heaven and help carry the responsibility of the ministry was overwhelming. Hugging and kissing the children that we had played with, flew kites with, and gave candy to, who had touched our hearts and became part of our hearts and lives forever, was a memorable experience.
Romania and Hand of Help needs the help of the American Christian to see and feel the heartbeat of this ministry. Romania is ready for the harvest of souls, but let us not forget soul winning costs money, and lots of it. As I write this article at Pastor Mike¹s request, tears are flowing down my face as my heart cries, Lord I want to return soon to my friends in Romania.
Let's talk of the widow, raising 16 children with a monthly income of $62, but trusting God to provide. Let's talk of the 80 year old lady, living in a small one room hut with winter coming, as God provides money for a two room house made of mud and straw block, thanking God for her miracle. Let's go to the village with a mother and young son living in a little one-room hut, that in America we would not put animals in. Who will care? We must care, and now.
Thinking of the 124 children in the orphanage and the responsibility of feeding, clothing, and providing for their medical needs, and their school supplies, I ask myself the same question over again, who will pay? Who will provide? The Hand of Help ministry is waiting for Christians to care with funds. I watched as 200 pounds of potatoes were used daily, this means 10 tons is needed for just one year. Jesus tells us in the word, to take care of the orphans and widows but the need is today, not next month.
I could write a book for the events and sights we saw firsthand, but I will share only one more with you. Pastor Mike, our church youth leader Dave, my daughter Misty, and myself stood on a piece of land purchased for a new church building. The land had been purchased form a lady in her 80s, designated for a church. The lady came over to us and shared her dream of seeing a church building on this piece of ground before she dies. She shared the dream of walking in the new church, and worshipping before the Lord takes her home. We are taking on this dream with her, and with God¹s help she will walk in this new church building before she walks he golden streets of heaven. The new church will cost around $15,000 complete. Jesus said, go, for the harvest is ready. Romania is ready and I want to be a part of it. We are planning a return trip next year. I encourage each of you reading this article to go to Romania and be part of the harvest and Hand of Help's vision for Romania, and see firsthand what God is doing.
The harvest is ready today, only God knows what tomorrow holds. God bless Romania and may God speak to your heart, the call of the harvest today.
Pastor Kenneth D Taylor
Algoma WI
Another year has gone by, and another trip to Romania for me. This time, for 10 days. I'm grateful to pastor Ken Taylor of Wisconsin for letting me go with his team.
I once again saw firsthand the happy faces of the children at the orphanage. The wonderful dedicated staff. I also heard of their (orphanage's) needs of more food, finances, shoes etc. When you have a family of over 100 there are always needs.
We went to villages and gave money for wood, and money to finish some widow's homes before winter. Their winter is like ours here in North Dakota.
One 70 some year old widow made her own bricks out of straw and mortar, to save money. The day we were there, 2 men were laying the bricks. Some family members and friends gave me money to give over there. I gave this widow $84 she cried after she counted it, and said t would finish paying for her house, and she would have some left over.
God is good. The inside of her finished house will be about the size of a king-size mattress! Think about that as you look around your own house. I did, and I felt guilty for days because I have a big house and so much stuff. Then I began to thank God for the way He has blessed me so I can be a blessing to others.
One day Virginia got a call from the Child Protection Agency and they had some children for her, and asked if she would take them. They brought out 5 little girls little dolls, ages 8 months to 5 years old. I couldn't understand what they were saying and soon the nurse took the little 2-year-old she was holding and left. I lost it then, and started to cry wondering how Virginia can pick who goes to the orphanage and who stays behind. My heart ached for Virginia. As it turned out the little girl wasn't a sister of the others, and she had been approved to come with us, and she did.
I heard the other four are coming, and so are the sister and brother we met 7 more added to the family in a week- the need is so great.
Please pray for Pastor Mike and Virginia as they deal with this almost daily, and as they lovingly care for the orphans, widow and hurting families every day.
Pray too that money will come or someone will give them a 4-wheel drive vehicle. They need a 4-wheel drive to get to the remote rut laden villages.
Instead of wanting a blessing this season or any time, won't you be a blessing to someone and send a generous gift to Hand of Help? On the check memo just put where most needed. They knows where it must go. Trust her. Then as you are blessed, continue to send each month, quarterly, or as the Lord leads you. It is tax deductible. With tears in my eyes I ask that God will richly bless you as you give.
Harriet Halvorson
Jamestown North Dakota
