FMN is currently raising funds to replace their van.  The ministry had "outgrown" the previous van and it finally quit and was beyond affordable repair.  We are now looking to replace it with a 15-passenger transporter van.  This van will not only be the daily safe transport for the children back and forth to the village, it can also serve to help in transporting teams when they are visiting.  For more information, please see the flyer under ""Latest News".

What a beautiful day for a race! The Northside Christian Church Romania Mission Team held their 2nd Annual Hope for the Children 5k Run/Walk on March 10, 2012.  The sun was shining and off the 165 racers went on a beautiful stroll through Community Park and nearby scenic neighborhoods.  The family friendly event had runners, walkers, and even little tots take part. 

The proceeds from the event will go towards a week long VBS program for over 200 Roma (Gypsy) children in Tinca, Romania which includes lunch, games, and crafts as the team shares about the love and hope of Jesus Christ.  Proceeds will also be used for the Isaiah Center and the Katartizo Lodge for items like minor construction projects, supplies, and painting

The Romania Mission Team wants to thank all our wonderful volunteers who helped plan, organize and orchestrate the event - we are so blessed.  Also to all our awesome sponsors who, with their generous donations, funded the cost of the race.  And lastly, to all our race participants - thanks so much for taking part in the event and allowing us to be the hands and feet for God as we love, teach, and share the hope for our Savior to the Roma children in Romania.  We are so blessed to plant seeds of hope in the children and to be able to go back each year to water and cultivate those seeds.

To review the race results, please click on the following link:  http://www.warrior4miler.com/results/RTT.htm

For additional pictures from the day click "Read more" below

God continues to mend little hearts that were shattered, enlighten those who had received no education, and bring peace and stability into the lives of those who have seen nothing but violence, abuse, witchcraft, and abandonment.  One such child who has overcome such trauma and obstacles in her life is Mariana. Mariana was abandoned by her family and raised in a state institution for the first three years of her life.  After that, her family came back to get her, but Mariana had many adjustments to make.  She could not speak her family's native tongue (the Roma Gypsy language) and living in a Roma village is a complete different world.  When Mariana first came to us, she was very wild, unruly, and had no social skills (just as many Romanian children act who have been institutionalized).  However, God has taken Mariana on a beautiful journey and brought her much further along socially (she now loves to play house with the other kids and shares everything).  Mariana is now a loving and good listener, and is writing beautifully and has caught up with her class.  We are so proud of Mariana.  Many said that she was a lost cause and she did not have the capacity to learn, but God once again, showed the power of His love for His children.  We are so proud to have our beautiful Mariana as part of the Isaiah Center family!

 David and Naomi are two of our newest members of the Isaiah Center and we have loved getting to know them and their family.  The children's father, Adrian, is a hard working, loyal, and caring father and husband who works very hard to try and provide for his family of 7 children and his paralyzed wife.  Adrian is also a man full of faith and loves the Lord with all of his heart.  David is 4 and when he first came to the Center a little over a year ago, he was very wild, knew no boundaries and would bite.  Now, David is so loving and very well behaved.  When Naomi, who is 7, first came to the Center, she was painfully shy and had not had any schooling at all. Now, Naomi has made friends at the Center and loves playing with all the different children and is studying hard to be ready for first grade this fall.  We are excited to come alongside this family and work with them as they are a great influence and encouragement to those in the village.  Adrian holds prayer meetings in his home and is a great example to the other Roma (Gypsy) men around him.