Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
March, 2022
Dear Friends,
These are very interesting times. Many people are asking us about the situation in Ukraine and what is going on in Romania. Romania is not in danger now. Our orphanage is about 600 miles from the border with Ukraine and 1200 miles from Kiev where the fighting is taking place. Romania has stepped up and is helping the refugees with housing, food, transportation and whatever they need. They are making provisions for those children refugees who are staying in Romania to be able to go to school. About 150,000 people have come into Romania. But more than half of them are only in transit to Western Europe. They have relatives there and/or work waiting for them. We have been able to help by providing medical supplies from our clinic and money for transportation to take those supplies to Ukraine. Also, the family who stayed at the orphanage last summer has been separated with the husband in Belgium and the wife and little boy in Ukraine. We were able to help them unite in Belgium. We are looking for other opportunities where we can help and minister to the refugees.
Romania has lifted the mask mandate completely, indoors and outside. Our children can go to school mask-free. They are so excited about that. Also, people are able to enter Romania without a negative PCR test. It makes traveling so much easier.
March 8 was Women's Day in Romania. We had a pizza party for our women workers and our girls. The boys also participated to eat the pizza! Many Sundays when we are leaving church, someone gives us money to take the children and teenagers out to lunch. It is a blessing for us so we don't have to make lunch when we get home. Plus, everyone enjoys the pizza or MacDonald's or the food court at the mall.
The family which was living at the clinic has moved out to live in the home that they have built. We have an American missionary family living there now. They needed a place to live for an extended period of time. We are thankful that we can help them in this way.
Karen's scan showed that there was no change in her condition. She is trying a new treatment which she can do in Romania. Please pray with us that she can return to Romania very soon. Also, thank you for all of your prayers for our ministry and for our family. They mean a lot. And, thank you for your financial support. Because of your faithfulness, we are able to do the things that God has called us to do.
With our love,
Ruben, Karen & Bianca
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com