New Beginnings Romania News

Philippians 1:11 NLT May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

The other week at the children's hospital, a volunteer went to hold a baby girl who looked as if she didn't have a mother there with her. There were no toys in the crib and the baby was wearing a set of donated clothing tagged with a number. When the baby was picked up, the began to smile a bit and then suddenly a young, teenage gypsy girl appeared in the room. She smiled at the volunteer and then the baby and offered to take the child. The young girl began to coddle the child, rocking her back and forth slowly and kissing her on the cheek. When I asked if she was the baby's sister, she said no but instead told me that she was the mother. The young girl looked no more than 12 years of age but did tell me that she is actually 16 years old and that her baby girl is 2 months old. She lives in a nearby village and is not allowed to attend the church there – either because her baby is a distraction or because she has had a child, unwed and at a young age. I wasn't able to understand for sure which reason it was. She explained to me that her grandmother helps a little with the baby and loves the baby very much. The father is 24 years old and lives in a village a couple hours from there. He wants nothing to do with the new family and is not a good person, she said. My heart went out to her and we talked for quite a while sharing about our lives. When I told her that Jesus loved her very much and loved her daughter, she beamed with joy and said she knows that God loved her. I talked to her more about her life and shared mine with her. It was a time of both happiness but also a time of sorrow as I realized that she has no one to really help her, much like the other teen gypsy moms from that same village. There was also a lady there at the hospital with her who may have been from her village and seemed to demand things and be stern with her, all the while the young mother continued too cradle her baby. I left feeling sad for this young mother. This is not an uncommon story here in Romania and is something that I'm anxious to be involved in here – not only in ministry to the children but to the young parents.

In the same village, a friend of mine has started a mentoring program for teen girls. At our first meeting, we had 7 girls come! We took them out to McDonald's for a special treat and many had not been there before. It was a wonderful time that we'll be doing once or twice a month. During our time together, we'll be doing special activities as well as talking to them about hygiene, teen issues, etc. I'm really excited to be a part of this ministry and know that we are reaching girls who need to be encouraged and accepted when the general Romanian culture does not treat them well due to their gypsy heritage and social background. The girls asked if they could invite more friends next time, and of course they were told yes!

We have a new Bible study that is now being held in my apartment. We're studying the book of James and our pastor's wife, Andreea, is teaching. It has been a good time of fellowship, laughter, girl chatter, and study! This was something that has been needed here to connect all the women together and to build more unity and friendships. I love having everyone over and being able to open up my home in this way. Please pray for us as we meet every other Tuesday.

I am continually amazed at all the Lord is doing here in Brasov and all the new ministries that are beginning. As our family center will be closing later this month due to lack of funding, the Lord continues to raise up new opportunities for me to pray about becoming involved in. We are praying for the Lord's guidance in new placement for our children and for continued connection in their lives.

Three of the siblings will be able to return home to their parents once we have enough funds to support them in a better apartment. The parents currently live in a small shack behind a gypsy market and both work full time jobs. They are all eager to be reunited and so we are actively looking for an apartment and raising funds to pay for rent for the year.

I am happy to be able to continue to be involved in all the lives of our family center children when I return from a short visit to the states next month. However, as the children will be separated into different villages and as I become more involved in ministries both within and outside of the Brasov area, I am in desperate need of a vehicle by January. Until now I have been able to share with the wonderful missionaries I live with but access to borrowing a vehicle will not be as easy in the new year. I am praying for God's provision and for Him to keep me connected with all everyone more easily.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for the ministries that I'm involved in. You make a huge difference in the lives of the people here and bring hope and joy to their lives. It truly is a pleasure to work with you to reach Romania for the Lord. God's blessings on you as you begin to celebrate the holiday season!

If you would like to help with rent for the Brasov Polgar Family or to support me financially in these ministries please use the online form, select Romania, and the appropriate donation box at http://www.chapelmissions.org/getinvolved/donateonline/tabid/637/language/en-US/Default.aspx or mail checks to Calvary Chapel Missions (designate: Amanda Towle - Brasov for personal support or Brasov Polgar Family for rental assistance to help reunify them) and mail to 123 Auto Drive Boise ID 83709 House of Joy - September Prayer Requests Monday, September 22, 2008 6:54 AM