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June 2007

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:3,9

Dear Friends and Family,

Once again it is our pleasure to update you on the Lord's ministry in Petrosani. Through out the years Andrei and I have shared our hearts with all of you; our desires for the Romanian people, especially those in Petrosani and the neighboring towns. I have seen this ministry grow from Saturday Kid Studies to weekly outreaches to the children of Betania Orphanage and the Family Program. All praises to our loving Father!

Children's Day (June 1st): Thank you for your prayers and support of the Children's Day outreach! The entire day went smooth and without a hitch. When we arrived at the orphanage we were greeted by all of the children asking us questions about the days writing and drawing contests and of course asking, "So, when are we going to get the balls out and play!" The day was filled with volleyball, sidewalk chalk, games, paper airplanes, and God's love. I could tell you a lot about the fabulous BBQ we had and talk about the amazing artwork on the pavement, but I want to save the space to share with you the winning essay of the writing contest. The contest was in two parts: 1) What does Children's day mean to you and 2) How have you seen God's provision in your life? What does this tell you about God? The winner of our contest was Florin, a 15-year-old boy with beautiful brown eyes. Here is his story translated... Please read this, it will show you the hearts of the children that we minister to every weekend. Enjoy!

Children's Day

Days pass... some are days of national celebration, others are birthdays -- but all of them pass the same: happy or sad.

Today is Thursday... the 31st of May, a day with sunlight; everything is the way it should be. I sit and look at a swallow's nest. There is cheerfulness in the nest near my window; inside I can see three or four chicks. A bird comes with food in its mouth and is feeding one of the chicks, the cheerful chirping returns and it flies away. Another bird comes and feeds another chick, it flies away. This is repeated continuously, so I sit and watch...

I think of today, of tomorrow and ache. Tomorrow... June 1st!! International Children's Day. And I am a child... I don't live in the house... the house I was born in. At the doors entrance I do not see the mother who brought me into this world or the father I wait for. Again I look at the swallow's nest and tears begin to fall on my cheeks. I feel ashamed and I look around me. Does anyone see me? I am big, I am 15 years old, I consider myself a man but my soul... my soul is one of a child. A child wishing for the stroking of a mother's hand, the advise of a father. I continue to cry, I desire my home. Maybe the love and care I see being given to the swallow chicks brings to my soul this homesickness, all these strange feelings.

Tomorrow is the day that all children wait for with patience and happiness: Children's Day. They organize competitions that children want to participate in, and parents happily watch. I hear a noise and I realize that it is not my mom but it is a woman who takes a mothers place for me and other children like me. In my mind comes different thoughts... happy thoughts of when I was sick and they took care of me, happiness, playing with the other children here at Betania and all the others here that take care of us with goodness, attention, and affection.

I want to thank them, but I don't know how. Anyways, I look ahead in the years and know that I will always have these memories of my home at Betania in my heart. Tomorrow, Children's Day, is also a happy day for me! I don't have parents to watch me at the competitions but I have people who take their place. People who are happy about our success or encourage us if we don't receive first prize.

To them we are children, and to us they are our adoptive parents.

Happy Children's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had the children read their stories out loud in front of everyone. Florin is one of the quietest children at Betania. Florin read his paper very bravely, I could see his hands shaking as he read each word. After he finished reading all of the kids were quiet, many were crying. After a few seconds the kids shouted "Bravo!" and clapped for him. Florin put his head down and smiled. God bless the neglected and "forgotten" children of Romania!

Baptisms: YEA! I am glad to announce that three of the children from Betania were baptized this month! We were thrilled for them and praised the Lord together for His faithfulness! Their names are Georgiana, Cosmina, and Ionel. We made a big deal of their decision and of course celebrated with a lot of food!! Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to serve their King!

Family Program: This week we took three of the girls from Betania into the Family program at the Ministry House. We had a great time of cooking, playing, and laughing. The highlight of their visit was when Andrei demonstrated how to play "Dance-Dance Revolution" on the Play Station. HAHA! It was a blessing to have the one-on-one time with the girls, I was sad to see them leave.

Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Another highlight of this month was the big give-away at the local church. Many of you have been so wonderful to donate blankets, children's clothes, kitchen supplies, and much more to Sufficient Bread Ministry. Well this last Sunday we laid out all of these blessings on tables and blessed the church body. Smiles filled the fellowship hall as God's beloved found exactly what they needed. Many of the young mothers of the church had tears in their eyes telling me how thankful they were for the baby clothes, toys, and blankets. Thank you Tabitha's Hands Ministry again for your blessing of flannel baby blankets. We were able to tell the story of Tabitha with every blanket given. Many were blessed, especially Andrei and I as we walked home empty-handed and with hearts full of Joy!

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." For years Andrei and I have wanted to start a Family Center here in Petrosani. The Center will be something a lot like Betania but with more of a family setting. This is on our hearts, but it is the Lord who will show us the steps to take. Please be in prayer with Andrei and I as we seek Him. In our next newsletter I will send you more information about our plans and how you can help us make a difference in children's lives for Christ!

God's Blessing on you all, with love,
Andrei, Kelle and Baby Andries

Prayer Requests:

  • We are flying to the States on the 20th of June to stay until Kelle has the baby. Please pray for a restful flight and comfy seats.
  • Pray for a safe pregnancy.
  • Wisdom with our new opportunities with the Joshua Center.
  • Prayer for the finances to purchase a safer car when we return to Romania
  • Please pray for Adela Leban, for her Leukemia to subside and for the salvation of her and her family.
  • Pray for the Lord to send us helpers. We desire to have fellow missionaries/friends. We are praying that the Lord bring us a couple with the same heart as us to serve in Romania. Also, we are still praying for a pastor to come and start a church in town.
  • Pray for peace in Petrosani and a softening of hearts towards God's word.

Praise Reports:

  • The Popescu children have returned to Betania!
  • The baptisms of Georgiana, Cosmina, and Ionel