Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

     Many times, in past ministry newsletters, our focus has been on presenting the stories of little children that enter our family. Most of the children God sends us have heartbreaking stories of tragedy in their past.  However, the goal of our ministry is not just to rescue children in need, but to guide them and walk with them along life’s journey toward a relationship with Christ. We want them to grow up to lead successful independent lives.  

     This month we want to share the story of two small boys, Catalin and Ilie, and their journey.  Life had already shown its teeth to these young boys when they joined our family in 2007.  They came from different towns, but both were from large families, in poor and desperate circumstances.  “ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy ” [John 10:10a], was a very true verse in the life of these young boys.  Satan’s plan was already taking place in their young lives.

    Soon after arriving at the orphanage, these boys, similar in age, became fast friends and as they grew in age so did their friendship. I remember when I (Debora) first met Catalin and Ilie, some 7 years ago. The two were almost inseparable and always had a smile on their faces.  Their lives had already become so much better than they could have ever dreamed, but God was not done.  As they grew older, Catalin and Ilie developed character, becoming dependable workers and role models for younger children. Both boys participated in Bible class and assisted with chores with pride and gladness. Catalin was always joking and playful, while Ilie was a little more on the quiet side.  Catalin worked on the farm, in the warehouse, and sometimes traveled with us to feeding centers to help when we hosted visitors from the states.  Ilie also helped around the Orphanage and farm, and was a part of the “Meals on Bicycle Wheels” program. I remember one winter following along behind in a vehicle as he pedaled through the snow to reach the elderly with food. I was so amazed at how diligent and cheerfully he completed his task, with no regard to the weather, not just on that day, but every day.  

     Time separated them for a while as Catalin moved to our YTP in Bucharest and Ilie remained at the Orphanage. Then later, Ilie , too , came to Bucharest.  Today, 10 years later, Catalin and Ilie are no longer frightened children, afraid to face life. They have found their place s in the body of Christ. This year Catalin enters his final year in college, and is now the Bucharest warehouse manager for Bread of Life. Ilie has also graduated high school and works a full time job where he has earned the appreciation of his employer for his good character and work ethic. Together with the other older boys in our YTP program, Catalin and Ilie make up our ministry logistic team, which keeps the warehouse orderly and takes care of supplying the feeding centers with food, clothing and needed items.

     Why do we share this with you now? Imagine the scenario of their life without our help. To some it might look like we have found the path to success and we no longer need as much help, since our children are growing up and beginning to live independent lives. However, the reality is that there is always a new generation to rescue, and we cannot reach them without your help.  We are glad the earlier verse does not end with despair, but continues on to offer hope and a solution, “ I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  [John 10:10b]. We believe with all our hearts that God meant for us to have life and have it abundantly and that He included the Bread of Life children in this statement.  With your help Bread of Life can be part of that solution, part of bringing that abundant life to these children, both physically and spiritually.

     Whether these children are at the Orphanage or one of the Feeding Centers, it takes all of us working together to bring God’s hope to the children. We could not have seen Catalin and Ilie grow and progress as they did without your help.  While we praise God for the turnaround in the lives of these two, we cannot stop hurting for the ones who are now at the beginning stages. We hope this story encourages you to keep praying for the Bread of Life ministry and stay involved in any way that you can.

Debora B.