Issue No. 16 September 1999
Mirhaela and Mirela
New School Year Begins
Mihaela and Mirela could hardly wait for school to start.
The two girls with their new blue and white lace-trimmed
uniforms ran out the door to crowd into my van. The other
eight children squeezed together and there was room for
all. They had been waiting for weeks for this day to come.
It was their first day of school. Actually we were also
happy for the girls.
When Mihaela first came to us two
years ago, we had to put her and her sister immediately in
the hospital. We had to be so cautious with our super-sensitive
asthmatic girls. They were in the hospital many
times. We just thank the Lord that this is the first summer
the girls haven't been in the hospital nor had a cold. This is
a miracle for them.
Then our little Mirela - so quiet and
bashful - came to us just last year with her brother, Sorin.
They were the ones we found out on the hillside with the
sheep. Mirela was so shy it was months before we could
get her to say "Thank you Lord for the food." Now when
she prays you wonder when she's ever going to stop. She
seems to have so much to tell the Lord. We just thank God
for the change in these two little girls' lives. That helps us
to keep pressing on in spite of all the hindrances.
Our Blessed Garden
This spring and summer we were busy planting all kinds of
seeds and plants in our garden. We had a super harvest of
tomatoes, plus lots of beans, peas, squash, red beets,
cucumbers, onions, garlic and pumpkins. Our egg plants
set a record, bearing over 300 pounds.
Even the Romanians were surprised to hear about our blessed
plants. All of our freezers are full and I had to go buy
another one. Besides, all summer and fall my cook and the
girls have been canning veggies until they're coming out
their ears. We haven't had time to dig all our potatoes yet.
Our garden this year was a little too big for us to care for
by hand. Some days my staff was working eight hours a
day. I don't want them to think I hired them just for the
garden as we all have lots of other tasks here at Casa
Shalom. We are believing God for a tractor and most of
that money has already come in. We just praise God for
that sponsor. Now we need to get some machines for
plowing, planting and cultivation. I believe we will also
find these farm implements before spring comes.
Crisis in Orphanages
There is a very serious crisis here in Romania that will
affect thousands of Romanian children this fall and winter.
The Government here has not let the West know of the
financial plight of the orphanages, or state placement
centers, as they now call them. This year the elected state
officials voted that each county would be responsible for
the orphanages in their areas. They forgot to calculate that
many of the poor counties have more orphanages and do
not have the finances to run these state facilities.
In the last few weeks we have visited several placement centers
where there is no money to buy food, clothing, medicines,
or even enough money to pay the staff. Therefore, the
orphanages are cutting back on the staff.
Which children will eat?
Which will we let die?
In one hospital two ladies care for 130 babies and small children on the
night shift. How long do you think they can resist without
a salary? I have heard some centers had not received
money for food for several months. The children were
eating the vegetables the workers were bringing from
their own gardens.
One Director asked me, "What do I do?
We have no laundry detergent nor disinfectant. The sick
children infect the others." She begged me to help her.
Then she said, "I don't have money to buy food for all the
children so we'll have to select which children eat and
which ones we'll have to let die."
Even though we have our own plans for our big house we
will keep that on hold and help with this crisis. I like to
have a part in giving these children some love and hope. I
believe you all feel the same.
At the present time we are building our storage garage
and cellar for food. This building will cost us approximately
$30,000 dollars. Right now I have around one third of the
money needed but we need another $20,000 in October.
This will allow us to get the building finished in time for
the food and clothing container coming in December. We
believe this is another way we can minister to people. As
they see we care enough to bring food for the children
their hearts will be open to receive the gospel.
We have different companies that are willing to donate
food. We will also send new shoes and clothing for the
children. I have decided to send new things as it will be
easier to pass the customs inspection and everyone knows
children love to get something new for Christmas. We will
receive the food here in Bucharest and prepare it for
distribution for the different orphanages in our new
storage building.
Just recently Sorin and Nicoleta were with us visiting one
orphanage with lots of toddlers. We had taken Pampers for
the new babies that were abandoned. The kids enjoyed
helping us take the much-needed gifts into the orphanage.
When it was time to leave they hung on pretty close to us
and when the door of the orphanage opened who do you
think were the first ones back at the van? Yes, you're
right. It was Sorin and Nicoleta.
How You Can Help
In November we will be sending a 40 foot sea container
filled with food, new clothing and Christmas gifts for the
children.
Your youth group or church can be a part of this project.
We want to send the following items:
- For babies: sleepers or pajamas; small washable/
squeezable toys
- For children from 2-5 years: new shoes for boys and
girls; sweat shirts and pants; underwear and socks
We will be sending for Christmas gifts a shoe box or
zip-lock bag filled with the following items for hundreds of
children. Write boy or girl on the label:
- tooth paste and brush
- some candies
- crayons and coloring book
- stickers, glue stick
- small toy for boy or girl
- small items kids like
You can send your packages, zip-lock bags, or shoe boxes
to the following address (be sure to send the packages
before November 3rd):
Haven of Rest Farm
Larry and Sue Hartman
123 Kaufman Rd.
E. Chambersburg, PA 17201
If you have questions about your package or what to send
you can e-mail the Hartman's at
hvnrstfm@innernet.net
U.S. Mission Address
Christian Faith Ministries Attn: Casa Shalom
P.O. Box 50538
Denton, Texas. 76206
A note about sending packages: Please do not send packages to Casa Shalom. We cannot get your packages out of customs without great difficulty. Send any package directly to us:
Rebecca Dan-Walsh
str. Donitei 15, sector 6
Bucharest, Romania
E-Mail: becky@dial.kappa.ro
"Please tell me more."
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