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We spontaneously accepted Alina, 15 years old. Her parents and siblings live in a small village in the South. The parents just do not have the means to feed the children. Alina is a well-behaved and diligant girl. Maria registered her with the Christian Secondary School in Sibiu (which is run by the local Baptist church of Sibiu). |
In the last circular letter I wrote about the campaign "winter parcel". It raised many good briefings, and approximately 40 recipients could be conciliated. I hope to be able to connect the rest as well. Yet time and again I receive new inquiries and requests from Romania. I just do not manage to answer no, also with Ruben (13) and Laura (15), children of a nurse who works in a doctor's office and continuously helps our girls. Mrs. Trif would be grateful if we could support her children with some clothing.
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Mrs. M. Subtirelu had head surgery 4 times, and recently she had abdominal surgery. As already mentioned several times, you have to give the physicians "Euro cash assistance" in order to get adequate medical care. So the familiy got into financial difficulties. They are very grateful that we give them a hand.. |
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Again and again I hear in conversations (and have to restrain myself) " With all the misery in the world and especially in our country my little bit will make not much of a difference". To me this is an excuse to avoid lending a helping hand. Often it is so easy to relieve distress with only little means (from our abundance).
Wishing you all a sunny summer time and beautiful vacations,
with cordial greetings of blessing, Yours Ehrhart |
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Dear All,
As already reported in the last circular letter, the 3 "runaways" are back again. Upon my latest visit I could tell how glad and
grateful Marianna, Viorica and Irina are to have gotten another chance. I am so glad that their previous employers have employed
them again because they are willing to work, and they are diligent.
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We are very concerned regarding the sisters Gheorgehta and Irina C. Their psychological problems have
otten so severe that we had to give them to a hospital for times. Both have not yet been in working life, and so they cannot
claim any social welware according to Romanian law. So we were demanded to pay 100 Euro per day for them to the hospital (they
only accept Euro as means of payment). Only through lengthy and elaborate intervention and the still good relationship from
our Director Mimi to the authorities we achieved that the girls received treatment free of charge. Since their condition
hardly changes, Mimi tries to get a certificate of disability for them.
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This again means struggle with authorities. The certificate of disability entitles the girls to
receive a small pension which the government often tries to avoid. We would like to accomodate them for still some time with
us and hope they are getting better. Also, the agencies they could move to are totally overcrowded because the government
tries to shut down half of these facilities. The former home residents are allotted to the other homes that still exist or
given to "godparent families" who in the most cases are after the money they get to support these people and not to really
be there for them. You can imagine the chaotic conditions in the rest of those facilites. These procedures ought to save money
and to display to the public:
"We solve this problem. We have a decreasing number of these facilities; everything is getting
better all the time."
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As we informed previously we provide some families with warm meals on a regular basis, with the
leftovers of the food for the 50 workers. Mimi noticed recently that at a petrol filling station there is a meeting place of
street kids. The owner allowed her to bring meals there, too. She mentioned to me that she would love to take some of the
children to the House of Hope. Sometimes we are close do despair that we cannot relieve the distress of all people that are
in need.
We send you all cordial greetings,Yours Ehrhart
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Dear Friends and Brethren,
It is amazing to me that inspite of increasing problems we may render our ministry here.
Unfortunately the opinion becomes louder and louder here: Romania belongs to the European Union now and does not need any help anymore.
Yet there are still far too many people in Romania who cannot participate in the boom, especially large families, the sick and pensioners.
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I think of a visit with Mihaele S., a young mother, age 27, with a 3-month old baby.
She has a tumor in the abdomen and has lost so much weight and is so weak that she cannot take care of her baby anymore. Therefore her husband had to give up his safe workplace in order to be able to provide for his family (there are no grandparents that could help). The upcoming surgery can only be a usual Romanian surgery. For a good surgery Euros are necessary. The hospitals do not have any more money - patients have to buy medication by themselves ! We would love to support this family for one year with 20 Euros per month. We would be very grateful if you knew someone who would offer this limited help.
Another visit I think of is the one with the family of Nicolaie S. Her husband had to enter pension very early because both of his legs were completely amputated, and he can only move forward in their flat a little bit with much effort by means of an old dolly. She is very ill. She recently got an artificial anus (artificial opening for the bowels), and together with them in their appartment lives their 30-year-old daughter with down syndrom. The low pension is not even enough for a regular warm meal.
Doina P., an elderly single woman who is a pensioner, pays for her very small and poor flat in a very old skyscraper 40,-- Euro rent a month, while she gets only 100,-- € Euros Pension a month. She is quite healthy, so she is lucky enough to be able to earn a littly money through an additional occupation.
We have to look at this in light of the fact that prices for food and energy have nearly reached our level!
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Maybe you noticed in the media that in the last Winter many people died in Romania in their flats
because they could not pay the heating costs any more. Due to the help of our American friends we could insulate our house
and expect an essential reduction of the heating costs.
Recently we got a guest area in our house, and a part of the rooms below were rented out to a construction company from Austria.
Approximately 50 workers can have their accomodation there and they have board and lodging through us. So we get some more
money for the next 2 - 3 years and will be able to accept 6 additional girls in the future. A comment on that: Not before
long severe floodings in Moldova were reported in the media which is one of the poorest areas of Romania. Especially the many
families have to live without any roof above their heads. In their despair many parents gave their children to orphanages.
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We decided that our leader Maria will go there in order to pick up 6 girls and bring them to our
house. You can imagine that Maria has a very hard time to choose some among these many needy children.
In July many leaders from non-state orphanages and similar agencies got together at a conference for information exchange.
There have been a lot who had to give up due to financial reasons or resigned because they could not see any success.
It is encouraging - and I think we may be a little proud of it, too - that we have one of the few institutions where it
works partly to help young people stand on their own feet. We have the great privilege to have found sensitive and patient
employers for the girls.
The house parents Lenuta and Nico have much more work now through the lodging of the workers of the construction company. 3
women were employed additionally for the kitchen but inspite of that it has become more difficult to look after the girls. A
young woman from the church in Behania has volunteered and asked if she could help us attend the girls. She studied
Psychology and works with the missions agency "Light without limits" in Sibiu. So we experience time and again the
providence of our Heavenly Father.
I am always impressed by our leader, how she finds dreams and idees to obtain further help. Many things remain a dream due to
the known circumstances, but some other things can be put into practise with only a few means.
There are enough leftovers from the food for the workers so that 5 families can be provided regularly with warm meals, among them the two families I mentioned above.
In Germany socalled "soup kitchens" or "dining tables" are normal, but in Romania the people do not know such a thing - a beautiful dream to get that up and running there.
We would like to thank you so much on this occasion who have supported our ministry, some for many years already, and also those who cannot afford that anymore. Our Heavenly Father may bless you richly, and He may give you strength in your situation. We want to thank, of course, also all those who have been helping in various ways.
Many cordial greetings,
Yours, Ehrhart
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Dear Friend of House of Hope,
Greetings to you after a very long pause in communication from this side of the world. I apologize and want to get you up to date with events at the girls' home. Your gifts and prayers have made a difference in the lives of the young ladies who call House of Hope home.
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| The houseparents who came in 2006 continue to serve the girls and manage the activities that take place. At present
there are just 6 girls, but this will change in the near future. Four of these girls have been at the Home for awhile and
are maturing and learning how to survive on their own. In July one of the girls and one of the former residents were
baptized at our local Baptist church. It was a day of rejoicing for Ana, Mariana, and the rest of us. House of Hope began
its ministry 5 years ago. Mariana was one of the original girls, and is now living successfully on her own. It takes about
5 years for a girl with an orphanage background to get on her feet. |
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Many of you are probably wondering why there are only 6 girls right now. One of the main reasons is financial. The
money that is given through Greater Europe Mission can be used only for special projects, building upkeep, or special
needs (such as furniture, vehicles, etc.) In other words, one-time needs. The money cannot be used for the daily operation,
such as for food, salaries, or utilities. Over the past year, we have not received much from our donors in Europe through
another organization, who funded money for day-to-day expenses. Two things have recently been done to produce more income
for the operational expenses.
To save money for heating in the winter, it was decided that the building needed to be insulated. This was not a common practice when the original construction took place. The way insulation is done in Europe is for panels of styrofoam to be stuck to the outside of the building. Then that surface receives a special treatment, is plastered, and painted. The project is almost finished and most of your donations in the past several months have been used for this process. Below are pictures of the beginning of this project and the progress, especially on the front of the building. Many people tell us the fuel bill could be cut significantly, almost in half. That will be a huge savings. |
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Recently a construction firm from Germany that is working in the area rented out one part of the building. They built a
separate entrance and their area is not connected to where the girls live. The money they pay in rent will also help to
sponsor more girls. They will most likely need the space for 2 years. There are 2 more girls who should arrive soon and
the plan is to have 16 in a few months' time. |
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Meanwhile the girls are working at their jobs, learning in the kitchen, and attending church. Pray that Ana S., Simona,
Geta, and Ileana C. will give their lives to the Lord. Pray for wisdom in finding girls who will do well in the program.
We recently found out that a transition house similar to ours has closed down. It could be that some of the girls from
that place will move to the House of Hope. Pray for a smooth transition for those girls. Pray for the remaining costs
from materials and labor to come in to finish paying for the insulation project.
Thank you so much for your faithfulness to this ministry over the years. It continues to be needed and provides a place of hope for the future for girls who thought they had no future.
God Bless You, Bev
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"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore
I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers
and toward the poor and needy in your land.
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The Bible - Deuteronomy 15:11
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| Dear Friends,
At first I would like to share some personal observations: Although Romania has been European Union member for 1 year now, and at the edge of the cities factories, companies and shops spring up like mushrooms, and there is a direct flight connection from Hamburg to Sibiu, there has been no change in the rural areas.
Prices - especially with groceries, rents and energy - explode, and the income does not grow likewise (gasoline nearly reached our pricing; groceries are partly cheaper in our country!). There is a working place for everyone who wants to work, but the rural population do not have the possibility to get into the city due to inadequate infrastructure. Actually Romania has become EU member too early.
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The young people from the church in Rosia (Rotberg) asked us if we could help some families who have to live in the slums of the town, at least with some clothes. We visited a family then, and even I - despite long years of experience with the poverty in Romania - was shocked at the degrading living conditions. We would not even expect our animals to live in such ruinous sheds.
Weak and just skin and bonesbecause the cannot afford regular meals these people are not in a position to stand a working day with 8 hours of work (see above). Although our possibilites to help are limited - we have got to help there.
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| Lately we could accept 7 new girls. All of them have been in an orphanage since birth and never have come to know their parents, for example the twins Ileana and Gheorgeana C.. Since Gheorgeana is mentally ill (but always lovely and merry), her sister Ileana takes care of her in a very loving way and always watches over her.
The government started to pay allowances when companies employ handicapped persons, so we could also obtain a working place for Gheorgeana.
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| Sadly, still newborns are left back in the hospitals, and mother / parents disappear without a trace. In the first quarter of 2008 in Sibiu 300 children were left back.
It is customary that - when the orphans finish the 8th school year in the orphanages and sometimes do an apprenticeship, they have to leave that orphanage - merciless. That means the most of them become street people then. Those who are psychologically or physically disabled so that they would not even be able to survive on the street, are put in a mental hospital. For quite some time a rumor has spread among the girls in the orphanages that whoever is put into that institution in D., never gets out alive. The reason is the cemetery next to the instititution, and the rumor says you soon end up there then. No convincing arguments make this rumor cease.
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The two photographs on the right are supposed to display the difference how the atmosphere in our house changes the lives of the girls positively. On the left Marta - when she arrived she was sad and reserved, and today ... Vali, only 2 days in our home, not approachable, totally afraid of the instution in D. .... I am sure when I will meet her again in October, she will be changed also. This is our motivation again and again so that we do not grow weary in helping them.
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At the time we were building the house there was no need in Romania to insulate the buildings due to the cheap energy prices. Hence, because of this omission, we now have to pay 2000 Euro every month for gas in the wintermonths. By now these expenses could be compensated by renting out empty rooms to holiday guests and during conferences that were held. Unfortunately nothing is left for necessary regular repair and maintenance, let alone for new investments due. We have no idea at the moment what the insulation will cost. We sent some inquiries to companies and hope that maybe one of these companies will sponsor a part.
Like everywhere in life there are heights and depths, joy and sorrow. Let us trust together and not grow weary in believing that God knows everything and will speak and act in His time.
With cordial thanks for your faithful and continuous help
and many warm greetings,
Yours, Ehrhart Weider
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Dear Friend of House of Hope,
It is time to send you an update about the House of Hope. In fact, this update is much later than I originally planned. The last time I wrote an update was at the end of 2006. Yes, the ministry still is going on. First I will explain why it has been some time since you have heard from me.
After writing the last letter, I started my first semester of Master's degree studies at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. The spring semester was from the end of January until mid-May. I was very busy with my studies and living in a new community. The first week in March, I discovered that I had very early-stage breast cancer. I had surgery to remove the cancer on March 13, during spring break, and was back in class the next week. However, I had 7 weeks of radiation treatments that required that I stay in Columbia an extra month. I returned to Ohio with just a month to go before returning to Europe at the end of July. I was in Europe for 6 weeks and now am back in the States for my nephew's wedding and a mission's conference. I would never have chosen to start my first semester of school the way I did. However, the Lord taught me that his grace and strength were sufficient to get me through all the hard work that was required. I am also very thankful that my cancer was found early and that I did not require chemotherapy. I am feeling pretty good these days and will return to Romania again on October 8.
Since I was in Romania for 6 weeks, I was able to visit the House of Hope a few times and see what is going on. Cornel and Mimi Barlea are still directing the home. Lenuta and Nicu continue to be the prime caretakers of the girls. In the picture Cornel and Mimi are in the middle. |
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When I last wrote to you there were 10 girls at the House of Hope and that number stayed constant for several months. Below is a picture of those girls taken while they were all still at Selimbar.
In the past few months some of the girls who had been at the home the longest amount of time have left to make it on their own. Five girls left to live in various places in town (Mariana, Irina D., Aura, Irina B., and Viorica). One new girl has come so far (Monica), and when I left in mid-September, other girls were being considered to come live at the Home. The other girls who are still at the home are Ana Maria, Ana S., Marta, Ileana, and Simona. Life is not easy for the girls who have left, but they are still working in their jobs and I am delighted to see them at church on Sunday. They have not forsaken this practice which was theirs when they lived at the Home and we praise the Lord for this.
The Home has been host to several teams that have come in the past year. The girls have enjoyed the interaction with people who come from the United States and from Western Europe. Since Sibiu is the Cultural Capital of Europe and is hosting many tourists, some have chosen to stay at the Home. Two or three of the girls are also learning housekeeping skills in preparing for these visitors. Several young people stayed at the Home for a week in September when Sibiu hosted a large youth conference. The housing of these guests helps to pay some of the bills, such as electricity and gas, since there is not much income to cover operational expenses. Also, an extra cook works in the kitchen during the times when guests come, since many meals need to be prepared. A few of the girls are sponsored and some money comes from our German friends. The money that you send in goes for special projects (van, furniture), improving the facilities (courtyard project, hooking up the sewer and gas), and purchase of the garden property.
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Thank you so much for the generosity of many of you this past year. Below are pictures of the courtyard. Most of the work is finished, except for the volleyball and basketball courts. You generously gave close to $9,000 in the winter and spring. Most of that money was used for the courtyard, but some new beds and clothing wardrobes (portable closets) were purchased for several rooms. Much of the original furniture was donated second-hand and was starting to fall apart. At the end of last year, when the rest of the money needed to be paid for the purchase of the garden area was due, a loan was taken out. The most recent money sent to the home in early September ($5,000) was used to pay back the loan. Unfortunately, right now the dollar's buying power has shrunk by at least 1/3 against the Euro, but the Lord knows about this and is taking care of the needs.
Since I will be in Romania most of this next year, I will try to keep you better informed about how things are going. We do hope to have many more girls in the near future. There is still a need for this ministry and many girls who have no place to live and no hope for their future. As always, donations can be sent to Greater Europe Mission, Box 1669, Monument, CO 80132.
Sincerely in Christ, Bev
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| Five minutes of help are better than ten days of pity. from Romania |
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What I have long dreamed of has finally come true, thanks to Romania's entrance into the European Union. No more waiting for hours, no harassment and no more problems with customs, just being able to drive right over the border into Romania. But whether or not Romania politically or economically ready for the EU is, is another question.
One thing we share with many other associations is the unpleasant but necessary financial problem. Because of this, time and again they must stop their work and close down the homes. For us this problem is mainly caused by the fact that many faithful sponsors have passed away and nowadays it's almost impossible to find young sponsors who wish to donate faithfully. Some reasons are understandable, taken the situation of life today, but not all. I don't wish to comment on that but wish to leave it all up to God, since to this day He has not let us down. The fact is that at the moment, the necessary costs that I accrue for this mission are not able to be settled.
We had given much thought to and have had many intensive discussions about how we can become independent from foreign investors in the very near future. This led us to quickly decide to rent a part of the cellar to a contracting firm. Between 30 and 50 of their employees are staying in the cellar rooms and receive a cooked meal from us once a day. The extra money that we earn through this has been able to not only cover the missing donations, but has also enabled us to admit a new girl into the house. |
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| First do what's necessary, then what's possible, and then suddenly you can manage the impossible.
F.v. Assisi
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Two girls from the house painfully experienced how difficult life can be without our support. The two of them wanted by all means to move out and take charge of their own lives. A shared apartment was found for them and they were allowed to go their own way. Two weeks later they came back crying, "Are we allowed to come back?". This experience was good not only for them, but for the other girls as well. I am glad that the house parents took this risk with them.
Three other girls, Ileana, Marianna and Irina D., have been in the house for 5 years. Next year they will be able to leave and start their life away from the home. All three earn enough to be able to support themselves. Of course for a time they will need to be accompanied until they are on their feet, but we are of good hope that they will be able to manage it.
This week our American friend and sponsor, Beverely C., had to undergo surgery for a sudden complication from her cancer. We hope, wish and pray that she will soon regain her health.
Many thanks to all of you who for many years have been able to faithfully help us, but who are not able to anymore. May God bless you in your new situations.
Also this time the girls wanted me to warmly greet you from them. They are very, very thankful that there are people who allow them to live and learn in the House of Hope.
In spite of all of our hard work in Romania, it will still take a couple of years before the house will be able to support itself.
Warm greetings and blessings,
Sincerely yours, Ehrhart |
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Dear Friend of House of Hope,
Greetings to you in the Christmas season! It's time to update you on how things are going
at the House of Hope. I returned to the States the first week of November, but would like to share the latest news and a few pictures with you.
Since I last wrote, some of the girls were able to take part in and help with three-day retreats held in the mountains close to Sibiu. They went
as their work schedules allowed. In the fall they were able to go on an "excursion" together with their houseparents. This is the first time they
have taken such a trip, which was paid for by some generous donors in California. The whole group saw some famous tourist sights and stayed one
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near a mountain resort. Even though these places are well-known, most of the girls had never been to the famous cities of Sinaia, Bran, and Brasov.
The garden is paid for and transfer of the title needs to be done by the end of the year. There was a bountiful harvest this fall, with enough potatoes, onions, garlic, and many other vegetables to last until next summer. Pictured are Lenuta, Nicu, and two of the girls working on a batch of "zacusca" (pronounced za-coos-ca). It's a combination of sweet red peppers,
eggplant, carrots, parsley root, and peppercorns. It's a great spread for bread and is canned to last all winter. I received 2 cans before I left and
enjoyed eating the contents right away! This is one of the many big batches that they made.
Work on the courtyard was started in September and was completed in November. Thankfully, this fall the weather was really good for working outside. The crew that did the work actually stayed at the Home part of the time and ate there (they were from about 60 miles away). This reduced the cost of the labor they performed. Their work included laying paving stones, putting a stone border around the property in the front, making a small fountain in the front, putting in some benches, and smoothing out areas for basketball and volleyball courts. Then dirt was brought in and grass seed sown for the grassy areas. As usual, the cost turned out to be more than anticipated due to the materials getting more expensive even in the time that the work was done. We have already received many generous donations, but at this time, there is still a need for $8000 (which represents one third of the cost).
At the present time, we have 10 girls, but hope to provide a place for 2 or 3 more as finances allow. There is still a great need for this ministry. All of the present girls have jobs and continue to learn how to act as employees. We are grateful for several employers who are willing to hire the girls to give them a start in the working world. Because they are working outside of the Home with established companies, they can already start to benefit from having a "work card" and can even earn money toward a pension plan. For many years to come, there will be a need for this ministry, even though things are changing in the country.
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Latest picture of the
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As of January 1, Romania will officially join the European Union. There were many areas in which the government
officials had to see that improvements were made. One of these "chapters" of required improvement was the orphanage situation. They have closed
some of the orphanages, but moved more children together in the ones staying open. Some of the young people who have left the orphanages are in
worse situations than if they had stayed there. I mention these things, because whether a young woman is "fresh out of the orphanage" or is not
properly cared for in the community, many will still need the kind of help that House of Hope offers for years to come.
On behalf of Cornel and Mimi Barlea (Directors), Nicu, Lenuta, and all the girls, I want to thank you for your prayers and financial support over the years that have made this ministry possible. You are greatly appreciated and we thank the Lord for you in our prayers.
May you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas! Best wishes for the New Year, as well.
In the name of our Wonderful Savior, Bev
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| Seek to love and not to be loved.
Seek to serve and not to be served.
Franz v. Assisi
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Dear Friends and Combatants,
It is so interesting and exciting to witness how Romania takes efforts to become "worthy" of the European Union. There is a kindness and courteousy never experienced before at the border without the "extra duties" that had to be given usually in former times. In light of the frontiers becoming increasingly open
ambivalent feelings rise in me: throughout the land West-European companies build new factories and large bureaus like Bosch, Siemens,
Continental … . Especially the Japanese buy up entire estates. Thus in Romania the unemployment figure decreases continually, but with us it
increases. In former times we had to pay 5 € / square meter, today it is already 70 € / square meter.
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Unfortunately this does not apply to the rural population outside of the big cities. Here are the same conditions as in the past.
This as a short insight in what is happening in Romania at the moment. All that does not make provision and maintenance for our house easier.
But until today our Heavenly Father has always provided us with the necessities, and He will for sure continue to do so.
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| We are thankful that our American friends provide financing of the outside facilities. I have always wondered if it would not make more
sense to accept further girls for that money instead. But Beverly, our American contact person, told me that it is American mentality that they
do not want to tie themselves down for a long period but rather fund a project that is "tangible" and immediately visible.
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We appreciate it gladly and leave it to our Lord and orderer, how and where things should go on.
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My brother in law, Hans-Peter H., and I were thankful to be able to work away in those days. Because "my" church in Rosia (Rothberg) had to
enlarge their house - always a happy event - we helped to build the foundation. We also helped Daniel, the youth missionary, with his roof.
I would like to extend special thanks to our scout group and the school class of the neighbour town Burg/Dithm., who packed Christmas gifts for the inhabitants of our House Hope and for Rosia's children. Too bad that I will not be there at Christmas and will not see their joy.
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Also cordial thanks to all of you who faithfully and continually make your contributions so that the costs for the house and maintenance
can be covered. God bless you richly !!
Yours in Christ,
Ehrhart
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He who only dreams of miracles does not have to be surprised when he misses them.
Dear Friends and Sponsors,
everyone of us will ask from time to time if there is such a thing as miracles. How do I define them for my life? To me miracles are surprises by which God fascinates me time and again. He lavishes his gifts on us often when everything seems hopeless.
Since Romania is eager to come into the EU, I gladly notice when I travel into the country that there is more order, correctness, and no "cash gifts" are necessary any longer.
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| Lenuta , a widow, has been working as a welder for 20 years. She has three daughters. Her youngest daughter, Elena, still lives with her. For 3 years both have been helping with children's summer retreats. Both have shown high commitment and love to help, no matter where. Our girl were also attending those retreats. There they got into contact. Since that time the relationship between Lenuta, Elena and the girls has become closer and closer. So Lenuta decided to work for us. Lenutza is a quiet woman, never becomes loud, and she has the necessary patience with the girls. She improved a lot of processes in the house, and there are hardly any more conflicts with the girls since. To Elena it is self-evident that she spends much time with the girls, too.
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Nico - how he is called lovingly by everyone - has 3 children, who are all married. His wife died at age 36. So he was forced to raise up his children all by himself. Meanwhile he is a pensioner. Since he has always been accustomed to work hard, he now has still the desire to work in "House Speranta" (House of Hope). He furnished a room for himself. I have the impression that by his quiet and loving attitude he has been accepted by the girls like a father.
The even greater miracle to me is that both, Lenuta and Nico, never met each other before, and they complement each other perfectly since the first day they have been working together - in caring for the girls and all other tasks that come up.
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Cornel could get 160 cubic meter sand/gravel on the last day befor we go home, for – believe it or not - 380 € (instead of 2300 € in a do-it-yourself store). We hope to get also the paving stones like that. The plants – bushes and trees – we will have to buy here. Only one example: The hedge plant “Tuja” (the socalled “tree of life”) was sold by them for 10 € per item, we can buy here for 1.50 €.
We are delighted that by means of your generous financial help that we were granted lately we could accept two further girls in December. We will let you know more details about their history in our next circular letter.
Wishing you all a hopefully long sunny time,
with heartfelt thanks,
Ehrhart Weider
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Romania: 20 dead due to floods
The people in Romania suffer from the most disastrous floodings of the last four decades. The floods of the rivers carry away everything: people, buildings, electricity pylons. Even streets are destroyed by the destructive power of the water which is in the process of withdrawing meanwhile.
20 people lost their lives due to the catastrophy, thousands became homeless, the government informed. At least 20,000 houses are severely damaged, more than 500 assailed. Streets of a total of 800 miles and more than 1,000 bridges were severely damaged and lots of gas and water pipes as well as electricity and telephone cables.
Behind the dry statistic there is an infinite suffering: In a flooded village nearby Bacau a woman laid a newborn baby into the arms of a helper of a humanitarian aid organisation without any comment and disappeared. "Help him" read a note in the diapers of the little baby boy that weighed 6.6 pounds.
The tragedy adds to the miserable social situation in the postcommunist country. After one week of heavy continuous rain powerful waters flood the land, but many rather risk body and life than to allow others to save their lives and leave their homes.They are afraid that their few possessions could be stolen. There were already fierce contentions between house owners and thieves that had been caught red-handed.
The rain decreased meanwhile, and the water sinks slowly, but the helpers still have loads of work: More than 14,000 people who had to leave their houses have to be cared for. Three-fourths of the Romanian administration districts are affected, especially three by the East-Romanian river Siret which had swelled by 20 times as much.
Bukarest will apply for financial means with the European Union and with the World Bank. Romanian media estimate that the damage caused will be more than 1 Billion Euro.
The international solidarity and help gives the Romanian people hope: Definite consents within the Caritas Organistaion have been given by Austria, Switzerland and Germany, according to the informations of Thomas Hackl from Tirol who leads the emergency aid of the local Caritas organisation. Also Hungary, Poland an Czechia offered help, Hackl said to APA.
The authorities want to finally clarify how far pollution of the environment also caused the floods. Specialists have no doubt about it that the uncontrolled lumbering of the forests is one reason for the floods in Romania that occur almost every time after it rained, at least minor floodings mostly follow. The Department of the Intererior mentioned that many constructors damaged the river banks by illegal gravel winning and thus made the floods even worse.
It is the third flooding that afflicts Romania this year. In April the lowlands in the West nearby Temeswar (Timisoara) were hit, and in May the Southeast and South, also parts of the areas afflicted now.
Sunday, 17th July 2005
Romania underwater: And a Tyrolese in the midst of it
Romania is afflicted by a once-in-a-century high tide at the moment. People died, thousands must flee.
Thomas Hackl coordinates the aid efforts for the victims of the high time of the century.
"Right now our people are on the go to bring humanitarian aid into remote villages that could not be reached by now", Thomas Hackl from the Caritas Organisation said. He coordinates the aid measures for the flooding victims in Romania.
Hackl's voice is calm. It is taken for granted that his staff jeopardize. Romania is underwater. "It rains all the time. Since last weekend it rained 5 liters per inch. That is incredibly much" he explained. The soil cannot absorb any more because of the continuous rain during the Summer. "I have been living in Romania for 10 years and have never experienced something like that. And no one of the people I know here can remember such floods."
14,000 people had to be evacuated up to now. "That is the latest figure. Today nine further villages and cities were vacated. Almost 600 villages/cities had to be given up so far. At least 20 people died in Romania and neighboring country Bulgaria that has been afflicted almost equally severe. And nobody knows what is yet to come. Word gets around that one of the big cities could be hit. "This message came via the local TV stations today But we will only know for sure when it will happen".14,000 people had to be evacuated up to now. "That is the latest figure. Today nine further villages and cities were vacated. Almost 600 villages/cities had to be given up so far. At least 20 people died in Romania and neighboring country Bulgaria that has been afflicted almost equally severe. And nobody knows what is yet to come. Word gets around that one of the big cities could be hit. "This message came via the local TV stations today But we will only know for sure when it will happen".
River Donau in the capital city Bukarest could flood the watersides.
"We hope that things are not getting worse". The people in the region were hit brutally enough. "The people tried to save what was possible. Often it was only their lives", Hakle tells about the dramatic fates of those affected. He warns: "The dramatic phase is not over. Now it will become even more difficult. When the people realize what really happened and that recovery can be achieved only very slowly, that is hard to cope with."
The rain and the floods are only the beginning of a whole different catastrophy that threatens the country. "The infrastructure was completely destroyed. Many cities and villages are cut off from fresh water." The danger: "Epidemics. Vaccinations are already given against various diseases, e.g. Hepatitis." Therefore the focus is on providing mineral water. "In spring there was a flooding in Banata. 1,000 houses were flooded, 3,000 people had to flee. The water level was many metres high, in some parts for two months. But epidemics could be avoided", Hackl says optimistically. It is also positive that there have not been even higher losses of lives. "The authorites had been better prepared this time". In the Fifties and Seventies minor floods resulted in much higher figures of victims.
For Romania the floodings are a heavy setback in their endeavor to approach the European Union zone in economical and social regards. "Visualize: More than 625 Miles of streets were destroyed. Hundreds of bridges were severely damaged and have to be reconstructed." Rebuilding will hardly be possible without help from the European Union. Romania already asked for a rededication of available European Union moneys. It has to be used for rescue instead of expansion of the instrastructure |
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We are not only responsible for what we do
but also for what we don't do.
Molière
Many cordial thanks to you all for your (regular) support to enable young people to live on their own.
Though many desires and dreams have not yet come true, our Heavenly Father has never let us down, and He has always given us what we need.
When we started building the estimate for the whole electrical connection was 20,000 € because various pylons and a transformer were intended to be installed. Yet God has done a miracle here. Due to constant negotiations and Mimi's pressing with the autohorities both electrical and gas connection can be build.
Once again we could dismiss two young women into autonomy. Angela und Athena married in the congregation in Rosia. They have got good work places. They thank all dear people who contributed to the happiness they now may enjoy.
A special highlight to me was the time with our scouts in Romania - a time of working (building sports fields) and intense fellowship (also with the house occupants). It was a wonderful harmonious time. It is my desire, also for the future, that such journeys will cause young people to rethink.
This year a group of girls who do a domestic economy schooling in the "Aufbauschule Heide" will have their class outing in Romania.
Most of the girls in that class come from similar circumstances like our girls. I'm curious about it.
For quite a year now I have not been in a position to raise the money for operating expenses anymore. So I am very thankful that due to the very good occupancy of guest days, conferences, retreats and vacationers donations come in that cover one third of our budget.
In Summer we need to take in three other girls if we do not want them to become streetwalkers.
We hope and pray that the necessary finances will be available then.
Again, I would like to express to you my cordial thanks!
Yours, Ehrhart Weider |
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- Making a difference -
A man strolling along a beach at dawn stopped to watch a young man pick up starfish and toss them
back into the sea. The young man said he was rescuing the starfish before the hot summer sun could
bake them. Sarcastically, the man who watched him said, "There must be hundreds of starfish here.
How can you make any difference?" The young man looked at the starfish in his hand before
throwing it into the waves. "It makes a big difference to this one," he replied.
Dear friends,
I was in Romania with a youth group for the second time. It was one of the most beautiful and
harmonious mission trips. With great joy and eagerness the young people built a basketball and
volleyball field and then "inaugurated" the site with the girls. Without fear of contact they were
playing, singing and celebrating together. They said their highlight was visiting the poor families
(with up to 15 children). Their heartiness and joy was almost inconceivable to them. For both
sides it will be a remaining memory. My personal wish for the young people is that this
experience will set them to thinking and rethinking.
It is very relieving to me that the finances that were lacking recently were covered through
vistors and conferences.
We may also be grateful for a large donation from Germany and the USA (10,000 € + 7,000 $) and that
the Electricity Society did us a special favor with the fix house installation. Also
Thank-you-mails and the marriages of Athena and Angela encourage us and give us joy to go on. "Yes,
it is worth it!"
So we may strain toward what is ahead and continue to trust that our employer and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, will provide the necessary means in His perfect timing.
With a big THANK YOU and cordial greetings of blessings,
Yours,
So we may strain toward what is ahead and continue to trust that our employer and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, will provide the necessary means in His perfect timing.
With a big THANK YOU and cordial greetings of blessings,
Yours,
Edith and Ehrhart Weider |
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Through severe thunderstorms and floodings at least eleven people died. Among the victims in the North-East of the country is a 9year old girl that drowned in the floods. Also in Bulgaria state of emergency continues.
Nearby Transylvania 1500 cubicmeter (= 60000 inches to the third power) debris rolled on a railway track. The Romanian news agency Mediafax reported that under reference to the Minister of the Interior Vasile Blaga. The stones are intended to be removed by blastings.
According to figures of the Ministry of the Interior 407 cities and towns of Romania were affected by the floodings. More that 1100 people were rescued from the floods; 4000 houses and approx. 700 bridges were damaged. Several hundreds of soldiers and policemen are on duty in the affected areas.
Since April there are floodings over and over again due to fierce constant rains. The metheorologist reckon with heavy continuous rain until autumn.
Through severe thunderstorms and new floodings in Romania 8 people died within 3 days. One person is missing. According to the report of the Romanian news agency Mediafay on thursday, a 70year old lady died in a town nearby Cluj in Transylvania with shock when the floods all of a sudden captured her house. Three people drowned in the floods, four were killed by lightnings.
According to reports of the government in Bukarest 21 out of 41 districs in the South and the East of the country as well as in Central Romania were affected by the thunderstorms and floodings. Solely in the South Romanian district Dolj the water captured more than 3400 farms, 42 houses were completely destroyed and more than 1000 damaged, Mediafax reported.
In the South Romanian district Valcea a car with its driver was carried away by the floods. |
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I trust this letter finds you doing well and enjoying the true meaning of this holiday season.
It is time to inform you of the latest news of House of Hope. I waited to send this letter until
I had the opportunity to take pictures of how your gifts and prayers have helped us in the
following months. We have much to be thankful for in this Christmas season!
In November there was a baptism at Bethany Baptist Church. One of the girls at House of
Hope has come to know the Lord and decided she wanted to be baptized. Irina D.'s picture
shows her with Pastor Ben. This was a very encouraging day for all of us connected with this
ministry. Pray that she will continue to follow God's plan for her life. At least one other girl has indicated her desire to be baptized the next time one is held. This spiritual fruit is our greatest reward!
The gas pipes have been installed and hooked up. As of this writing, we think it will be 3 more days until all the
paperwork is approved and the gas can actually be pumped into the building. The girls are surviving with heaters in their rooms, but it is urgent for this to be resolved. Thanks, again, for you part in allowing us to take this step that will be more economical, even though the price of gas is going up this year, just as I think it is where you live. I have included pictures of the digging and installing of the gas pipes. The work on digging for the sewer pipes has started, but there has been a hold-up due one property owner who does not want the city to go through his property to get the House. This is despite the fact that the city owns right-of-way privileges to a 4 meter strip of this land. Pray that this can be resolved without too much problem. This project needs to be done, but is not as urgent as the van and gas pipes were.
One other need that I will make known to you is the option that House of Hope has to purchase the land next to the building where the owner has allowed the House to have a garden the past 2 years. Even though prices for land have been skyrocketing the past 2 years, we may be able to buy it for less than $15,000.
The houseparents at House of Hope will be leaving sometime in February or March. They have served well for 2 ½ years and the girls will be sorry to see them leave. Please pray for the Lord's direction in finding someone else to take over this important task. Also pray for the girls as they transition to living with new people. It will be an adjustment they are not looking forward to. I have included a picture with the girls who are now there, plus their houseparents. Those in the picture taken at Bethany Baptist Church are as follows: Front row: Simion and Delia (houseparents), Nicoleta, Ileana, and Simona; Second row: Anamaria, Marta, Irina B., and Mariana; Back row: Viorica and Irina D.
Again, thank you so much for your interest in this ministry and your continued prayers. If you are not giving on a regular basis and the Lord leads you to give to the House of Hope, please send your gifts to Greater Europe Mission, PO Box 1669, Monument, CO 80132-1669. I apologize that I do not have return envelopes to include with this letter.
From all of us in Romania,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Bev Charles |
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Dear Sponsors,
I am well, and I got used to my work. I am happy to live in the
House of Hope and that I learn so much here.
I want to thank you for everything you are doing for me.
With love,
Nicoleta |
Dear Sponsors,
I am healthy and got used to the work very well. I am happy that
I can live in the House of Hope and that I learn a lot here. I want
to thank you for everything you do for me.
With love,
Irina |
Hochzeit Angela
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Dear Friends,
I am in good health, everything is well with my work, and I feel
very well here in House of Hope. I am very happy to liver here.
Aunt Mimi told us that a group from Germany will come, and
I can't wait to come to know them.
Marianna |
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