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, 2024
Happy New Year!
Our children and teenagers got to enjoy a couple of weeks off from school for their winter break. They had a special surprise during this time. Romanian national soccer player Marius Marin came to the orphanage to share about what success and perseverance in life meant. Plus, he played soccer with everyone. The teenagers were so excited. Some of the other fun things that they did were ice skating, Christmas caroling, movie night, youth night with another church, go karting and participating in a Christmas play at church.
Valentina also took everyone on a couple of trips. They went to visit friends in another village. The girls stayed for a couple of days. They also went to Timisoara to the mall to buy each other Christmas gifts. Each one had a name and they had to think about what that person would like and then purchase it. The children and teenagers enjoyed buying gifts for each other and then giving them the gift. So, it was a good vacation for them. They had a lot of fun.
A private nursing home in Timisoara was being renovated and they needed new beds. Beraca was able to purchase some for the home. This project was such a blessing for the elderly people who are living there. Beraca was also able to help another elderly lady whose electrical system was not working any more in her home. Many of the homes in Romania have systems that are over 50 years old. The older people do not have the money to have them updated. And many of them do not have family to help them. We were thankful that we found out about this need and were able to help her. She could never have done it on her own.
A poor family with six children needed food not only for Christmas but as an ongoing need. Beraca bought them enough food to last for a couple of months. They were so excited and blessed. A lot of extra clothes were given to the orphanage that the children did not need. Valentina is organizing the clothes so she can give them to those who need them. There are needs all around us. We just have to keep our eyes and ears open to those near us and be ready to help them.
Thank you for all the help that each of you have given to the ministry in Romania. It has been a blessing for so many. We pray that this year is your best year!
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com