Buna (Hello) from Romania! My team and I have been in Craiova, Romania for over a week now and we have been able to experience working with an incredible organization. As I am sure you have heard, the war in Ukraine is getting extremely bad. Families are being ripped apart as men are forced to stay and fight, while women and children flee for their lives into foreign countries where they do not know the language, or the culture of their surroundings.
Our host this month is Hope Church Romania, and they are doing extremely important work to help with the influx of Ukrainian people that are coming into Romania. Some of the main things that they are doing to help are organizing convoys of food, clothes, and resources into Ukraine to deliver supplies to the people that have had to stay back, also helping Ukrainian people get transportation to other parts of Europe so that they can meet up with their families in other countries, and lastly supporting, housing, and feeding long-term refugees by meeting all of their basic needs.
It has been incredible to see the power of a body of people fight together to help people in the hardest parts of their lives. My squad and I have been able to help the goals of Hope Church in many tangible ways. This includes picking up food from food banks, organizing clothing donations, packing convoy trucks heading to Ukraine, getting to know the Ukrainian people, cleaning and setting up new houses to host more people, helping with the logistics of transportation, and even preparing for an event to help the Ukrainians feel more at home in Craiova.
Getting to know these people has been lifechanging. Even though they are facing some of the hardest times of their lives, they are still some of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. When we first arrived to meet some of them, they wanted to share a meal with us, and we had amazing Ukrainian food for lunch! I have loved getting to talk with one of the fifteen-year-old girls that is living in one of the houses. She was able to share her story of the last two months with me and I was so honored that she would trust me enough to let me hear and understand her life. It has been a privilege working with these sweet people so far and getting to help this genuine-hearted church!
Please pray for Ukraine! Pray for all of the people whose lives have been completely turned around in a horrible way, and for their safety. Also, please pray for finances to continue to come into Hope Church Romania so that they are able to continue this work.
If you are interested in donating to Hope Church’s work with the Ukrainian people, then you can do so at this link!
With love always,
Claire
Hi Claire, your stories are just amazing. I can understand the joy you get from helping so many people. God bless you and the people you work with.
Your parents snd I were at Laura’s the other day. Your mom filled me in on your next adventure. Paris sound like a great venture. Hope to see you before you leave for another year.
Take care and be careful.
Love ,Mary
Claire, you are doing amazing work. I can’t even imagine what the Ukrainian people are going through at this difficult time. You and your team are such a blessing! As always, keeping you in prayer and sending along tons of love and hugs!
HI Claire,
What an incredible opportunity to serve you experiencing. In each of your updates I can hear your joy and the love you have for people. Thank you for sharing this journey and loving people.
Prayerfully,
Lisa Orr
Hi Claire
So beautiful how Our God is using you and your group!! I’m sure the people from Ukraine are blessed by your encouragement!!
Mike Adamson
I’m so glad you got to be involved in this ministry. I know you touched many lives – some you were aware of and some you’ll only discover once you’re fully in the kingdom!