The Celebration Continues!

We had a full day today, and loved every minute of it.  We started out early this morning at the Isaiah Center to meet and care for the toddlers cared for through the Seeds of Hope Program.  The Seeds of Hope Program's purpose is to come alongside young Roma families, encouraging them with love, care, assistance, training and knowledge; equipping them with tools to independently raise themselves out of poverty and break the cycle of abandonment, while introducing them to a relationship with Christ and hope in Him for the future.  In the Roma culture, girls ages 9 to 15 are pressured (or forced) to into marriage.  The Roma typically average 14 pregnancies each.  Often, due to the lack of birth control or financial provision (living in extreme poverity) for their children, they abandon them.  Around 9,000 babies are abandoned in Romania annually, with the numbers increasing.  At this time, there are five young families cared for through the Seeds of Hope Program that FMN Ministries began last year, which was ran by Michelle and Urb Wagner from Charlestown last year, and is now lead by Chris and Stephanie Watkins.  For $30 per month, you can provide an at risk child with diapers, formula, supplements, medical care, and medicine or one large food package. 

It was such a blessing to see the babies and toddlers at the center.  They are bathed and fed two meals each day.  The mother's come once a week with the babies that are too young yet to be in the program, and are assisted in how to bathe them and care for them.  The mother also has the opportunity to bathe themselves.  These children are so happy, and play and just love to be loved.  That's easy!  They have a Bible lesson which is adorable and planting the seeds and hope of Jesus Christ. 

We got ready for the Christmas party for today and couldn't wait for the families to arrive.  We start out with a family portrait.  The families appreciate these so much, as this is not something they would ever have.  Then we bring them into the Isaiah Center for a welcome and some food and treats, a program by the children at the Isaiah Center, and then a surprise visit from Santa!  The kids did great today, even the little ones.  They are so excited to see Santa and to receive their gifts.  Each child receives an outfit and a toy.  We finish up each party with some words of encouragement for the families, and make sure that they understand why we come to celebrate this special time with them.  Jesus is the reason for the season!  We end with a prayer and then hugs.  Christmas in Romania is a tradition that we've been able to share for several years, with the monetary gifts and prayers from many of you following us along our journey.  It takes all of us, and we thank you for being part of our team. 

We are in awe of how the ministry has grown, how the children and families have grown, and so thankful for Rachel Ross, who formed Forget Me Not Ministries.  Her heart is pure, her vision incredible, and her love for Jesus is evident in all that she says and all that she does.  Dave is a huge part of the ministry, and does anything and everything needed.  The Wagner's and Watkins' have been a blessing in assisting to expand the ministry.  The staff at the Isaiah Center is awesome!  Many teams come to Romania to work alongside FMN.  Each and every one is being used by God in a mighty way.  We are blessed to be here to walk and work alongside them, and see the work that He is doing in Romania. 

As we had dinner, shared about the day, uploading pictures for the blog and wrapping more presents for tomorrow, Rachel, Dave and Stephanie were working at the table, talking about future plans, applying for grants to further the work of Forget Me Not Ministries, and what other programs can be implemented to care for even more families in need.  All we can say is thank you, thank you, thank you for their love for Jesus and their love for the Roma people. 

Through the pictures we share, please pray about how you may be part of the work of Forget Me Not Ministries.  Plan and form a mission team for a short term mission trip.  Visit the web site for information on child sponsorship, family sponsorship, Seeds of Hope sponsorship, special projects, and information on the work of Forget Me Not Ministries.   www.fmnministries.org