This past June, we had the joy of welcoming two short-term mission teams from our generous partners from the USA: The Refinery Church, Phoenix, AZ and Living Hope Church, Memphis, TN. Their visit brought energy, smiles, and encouragement to our children and staff alike.
The teams served kids and youth, beneficiaries of our Children At Risk programs. Whether playing board games, engaging in fun activities, enjoying a walk, or sharing a meal in the city, the team prioritized relationship-building and being there for the children.. These small gestures helped the girls feel seen, known, and valued, providing a sense of belonging and joy. One particularly meaningful afternoon involved sharing personal testimonies.
Thank you, Refinery Church and Living Hope Church, for visiting us and partnering with our ministry!
Daniel Reed, from Serve Youth, Northern Ireland, UK, returned to Timisoara, this time as a mid-term volunteer at Children at Risk. Daniel will be with us for the next six months and will help the CAR team with the day-to-day work. Thank you, Daniel; we are happy to have you with us.
This is what the girls said about the visits:
,,I appreciate that they took time out of their schedule to visit us, talk to us about God, and help us learn new things.’’ – Paula
,,I thank them for the time they dedicated to being here with us.’’ – Raluca
,,I like that they are funny and creative.’’ – Denisa
About the Programs:
- Deborah House is a licensed residential center for child protection, consisting of two family-style homes. Since 2002, it has provided a space for healing and hope to over 150 underage girls who are survivors of severe abuse. In this safe space, the girls receive post-traumatic counseling, therapy, education, vocational training, and holistic care that supports their reintegration into society.
- The Back to School program supports around 150 children and their families from the Recas area. These programs transform lives by combining educational and spiritual support with practical resources—food, school supplies, and hygiene products—while providing biblical counseling to mothers and children alike. The goal is to break the cycle of abandonment and juvenile delinquency through lasting change rooted in Christian values.
- Harmony serves around 170 youth ages 14–22 from the Buzias Educational Center each year. Many come from hardship backgrounds, but through Christian education, counseling, and life skills training, these young people gain new hope. Harmony works to reduce recidivism and increase the chances of successful reintegration into society.
