One of the most meaningful moments this week didn’t happen on a stage or during a program—it happened around a dinner table.
We were sitting in the home of a Ukrainian pastor and his family, sharing a simple, homecooked meal. As the conversation unfolded, they began sharing what it’s been like to leave everything behind because of the war and start over in a new country. There was both heaviness and hope in their story, but what stood out most was their faith and their desire to keep serving others, even in the middle of rebuilding their own lives.
This summer began for me with a familiar joy—welcoming a small team of university students to join our missions work Romania!
Just days ago, four young women from Azusa Pacific University arrived to serve alongside RTC this summer. I could see in their faces a desire to embrace new rhythms, a different culture, and unfamiliar places. I also saw in them a resolute trust in God to work through every detail.
I knew the date was coming, but I didn’t expect it to feel quite like this.
Without telling me, my wife reached out to people from different seasons of my life and asked them to write. I expected a few kind birthday notes. What I didn’t expect were these to be the kind of messages that make you slow down, read twice, and quietly thank God.
Around 81% or Romanians identify as Orthodox, greatly impacting the culture as well as the calendar. Today, Andy and friends are in Romania with local RTC churches to celebrate Jesus together. RTC has been a part of planting and walking with 15 churches in Romania and already has another on the way! Each of these special congregations are on our hearts today as they live in the new life God has given.
One of our favorite things to hear is how God brought specific people to Remember the Children. Why are they involved? What ignites the passion in their hearts?
We were excited to hear from Melissa Bolton, a long-time supporter of RtC who has gone on mission trips with us. She’ll share why she is involved in this ministry. We hope it’s an encouragement to you!
We’re all probably aware of the famous line from the Wizard of Oz that says, “there’s no place like home”. Even when I go away for an exciting vacation, business trip, or just take a relaxing day trip, I’m always so glad to get home where I feel safe and comfortable, where I can relax and unwind, sleep in my own bed and be with family and loved ones. There I can truly rest. Home is definitely where the heart is!
I want to thank you for the trust you have given to Remember the Children in meeting the needs of the Ukrainian people. It’s been one of the busiest weeks for Remember the Children in years. Phone calls have flooded in, varying from faithful partners, organizations seeking help, to refugees needing places to go in Romania. The response, support, and prayers we’ve received from kind people like you has been overwhelming. Thank you for all you’re doing to assist those fleeing from this terrible war.
