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
November, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving!
Next week everyone will all be taking time to be with family and friends and to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is the first time in a few years that our family (except for Marta) has all been together to celebrate with Karen’s family. There are so many things to be thankful for. God has done incredible things in our lives and the work in Romania. We are very thankful for Valentina who continues to do a great job for us in Romania. God has provided for all our needs here in the USA, too. Being thankful enriches our lives and gets our focus off ourselves and onto God and others.
Besides doing a lot of homework and going to school, the children and teenagers have gone on a few fun trips with Valentina. They went to a nearby town for a three-day vacation. There are a lot of things to do and see in this area. Everyone enjoyed being in a new place for a few days. Valentina also took them to the Timisoara Philharmonic. Afterwards, they all said that they wanted to learn how to play an instrument. Valentina is already teaching Andrada how to play the piano. And, another time everyone went to the ballet. It was an experience for them to see something new.
A team from Norway came and did a course with the children and teenagers on “How to reach your dream.” It challenged the teenagers to think of what their dream is and how they can work towards achieving it. It is good to have them start to think about it at a younger age so that they can keep it in their mind and not get off track. Besides doing the course, they had a lot of fun playing games and doing things outside with them.
Valentina took the children and teenagers on a couple of shopping trips. One time they went to Lugoj to buy food for the widows. Then they made up packages and took them to the widows in Jdioara. The people always love to see our children and have fellowship with them. The biggest struggle for the elderly in our village is loneliness. Another time, they went to Timisoara to a sports store to buy soccer outfits and balls. They play soccer every weekend and during the week when there is time after school.
Finally, the children and teenagers helped for a couple of Saturdays with repairs to the orphanage and the yard. It is good for them to learn to work together and make their home a nicer place. After working, they had pizza one Saturday and a barbeque the other one. Valentina continues to take them to church on Sunday as well. It is an enjoyable time with church and then a meal out somewhere as a family. She is doing a good job at enhancing the children’s and teenagers’ experiences in many different areas of life.
The food bank is still doing well. Thirty to forty families come for food each week. We continue to get a few food donations from Timisoara but most of the food is bought each week by Beraca. It is one way that we can help those who are in real need and cannot provide for their families. We have also been able to help other families in different communities with food, clothing, and other needs that they have. We are thankful that God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others.
Thank you all for being a blessing for Beraca ministry in Romania as well as for our family. Your gifts and prayers are so appreciated. We pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoying family and friends.
With our love,
Ruben, Karen & Bianca
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com