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
January, 2023
Happy New Year!
We pray this new year is one full of God’s blessings and good surprises for all of us. Our children and teenagers celebrated New Year’s Eve and Day in Valentina’s mom’s hometown. They had been there before and had made some friends. So, they wanted to visit again. It was a fun-filled couple of days for everyone.
Everyone had a wonderful time before Christmas and during Christmas. The children helped to make packages for people in need and distribute them. This was a blessing both for those who received them and our children. They also went to a Christmas choir concert which was excellent. And, they did their own caroling as well. This is always a fun time to visit people and sing to them. There were many more Christmas activities including a Christmas meal, presents, special church services and performing a Christmas play at church.
During the children and teenagers’ Christmas break, Valentina took them to Sibiu. It is an old German town which has a beautiful old center dating back hundreds of years as well as some old churches. They also visited the zoo there and a neat park. It was fun for them to go someplace new and see more of Romania’s history. They continue to do fun activities in Timisoara, too, when they are there for church. Valentina has also had our teenagers participate in her home group, which they enjoy. And, Marcel has started to take piano lessons along with Andrada. He is improving.
During their break, everyone participated in a course called, “Why did Jesus come?” It was very good and gave our children and teenagers things to think about. We are thankful that Valentina continues to provide opportunities for them to examine what they really believe and establish a firm foundation that will keep them throughout their lives.
The food bank continues to bless people each week. Valentina’s sisters are now running it for us. Our other faithful worker couldn’t do it anymore. It is neat to see how God always provides so His work can continue in Romania.
Thank you all for your financial support and your prayers. They are so important to our work in Romania. We are thankful for each one of you. Things are going fine for our family. God is such a wonderful provider.
With our love,
Ruben, Karen & Bianca
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com