Ministry and Love

 

Growing up in a family active in social outreach and ministry activities since 1994 was an exciting experience. Many times ministry and family life were overlapping. Sharing our homes with US teams, going on mission trips together, unloading containers and distributing them to the poor villages, and staying up late at night with family and friends to insert ministry letters in envelopes were all part of our life. I learned early in life that being involved in ministry is not a job but a calling, a calling that becomes an integral part of your life and family.

We hear about viruses almost continuously now with COVID-19, all around us. I would say that ministry and love are like good viruses that affect your family and close friends. Over the years, all seven of my younger siblings and many good friends like George Robitu and his family have become dependable volunteers for Bread of Life and some even staff members. George, who began as a part-time assistant and remained with BOL, is now in charge of our YTP (Youth Transition Program) in Bucharest. The “Love Virus” got him, and he has now been part of our BOL staff for more than a decade. His organized mind and God-given abilities are vital to keeping our YTP running smoothly.

A few years ago, my youngest sister Luminita married Edi, a young man from the Brosteni area who grew up in our BOL family. Edi came to Bucharest to become a part of the YTP. It was soon evident that Edi had also caught the “Love Virus”, and he stayed involved and officially went to work for BOL last year. He quickly became one of the most valuable and dedicated staff members here, being in charge of our Feeding Center program, among many other tasks. As Edi’s involvement with BOL grew, so did my sisters. Luminita began to volunteer with different projects and ended up partnering with Raeghan Bryant to help the girls in the YTP. You have read in our ministry newsletters how Raeghan came from Birmingham, AL to Romania one year ago to volunteer with BOL. Over the year she has been with us, she has used all her energy and knowledge to boost our programs to a higher level.

In a world dominated by the fear of harmful viruses, we are happy to see that there are good “viruses” that affect God’s people. All of these BOL team members carry on their shoulders the hardship of day to day responsibilities. The BOL success stories that we share with you have their fingerprints all over them. It is our love for Him and His children that capture our hearts, and we cannot escape. I think you know what I am talking about as I get the feeling you also have the “Love Virus”. The love we have for God, and each other will prevail.These members of our BOL team manage most of the operations of the YTP. Please keep them in your prayers as they need God’s protection and wisdom in their day to day ministry.

Thank you for your interest in Bread of Life Ministries. We have been able to accomplish a lot with the help of our supporters around the world. There is still more for us to do. Please prayerfully consider how you might help support Bread of Life as we provide support to children and families in need.

Become A Partner

Other articles you may be interested in

Little Miracles in the Middle of Winter

By Dorin Ciocan BOL Children’s Pastor • May 6, 2026
Winter in our region is long and bitterly cold. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make even the simple walk to school difficult — especially for children who only have thin summer shoes. At Bread of Life Children’s Home, we are dedicated to meeting the daily needs of the children in our care. During the winter months, heating, utilities, and food become urgent priorities. At times, because of these pressing expenses, replacing personal items like clothing or shoes must wait. Yet even in these moments, we see God working quietly behind the scenes.

The Silent Struggle of Winter

By Cezar Miron BOL Volunteer • May 6, 2026
In northeastern Romania, in Botoșani County, winter does not ask if anyone is ready. It comes suddenly and harshly, with long nights and a cold that seeps into the bones. For many elderly people in isolated villages, each day is a silent struggle — with the cold, with scarcity, with loneliness. Pensions are small, help is rare, and the silence inside their homes feels heavier than the frost outside. In Baranca, Hudești commune, we entered a home that has stayed with us. An almost 80-year-old man, struggling to stay mobile and weakened by illness, lives in very difficult conditions. Yet he is not alone — he cares for his 50-year-old son with a disability, completely dependent on him. A frail father who can barely move continues to carry the weight of caring for his child.

When Winter Should Be Ending… Survival Is Still a Fight

By Alin Panican BOL Co-founder • May 6, 2026
In March, spring begins to appear across America. Days grow longer. Temperatures rise. But in Eastern Europe, winter often lingers — and this year it has been one of the longest and harshest in recent memory. As winter stretches on, the hardest reality sets in. Food reserves are gone. Firewood is nearly finished. Strength is fading. What should be a season of transition instead becomes a test of endurance.