Everyday we hear about children all over the world who are starving for food, clothing, education, medical care and opportunities to improve their plight.  We are blessed to be living in the United States, even in the face of the economic and political crisis before us.  The difference in poor children in the States and children in “third world” countries is this: any child in the U.S. can receive medical care from the best qualified physicians in the best hospitals.  Any child in the States who is hungry can receive assistance.  In many countries outside the U.S. this is not the case.  Since the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe in 1989, Americans have been blessed with opportunities to help children and adults who had been abused, neglected and starved for many years, living under the tyrannical rule of Communist dictators.

Christian missionaries have been allowed to work in Romania since 1990.  This work began by offering English classes and giving humanitarian aid to hospitals and orphanages.  There are now approximately 200 members of the Bucharest Church of Christ, where Dale and Imogene McAnulty serve as missionaries.  Imogene is the Romanian representative for the Christian Relief Fund (Amarillo, Texas), and with contributions from sponsors in the States, she is able to provide food, clothing, shoes, medicines, medical supplies, and Christmas gifts for thousands of poor children and adults each year.  It has been our privilege to assist the McAnultys in their work since 1999.   The Romanian economy and government assistance to hospitals and orphanages have improved in the past few years, but there are still many children and facilities who desperately need help.

This December, we will travel to Bucharest and work with Dale and Imogene, helping to prepare Christmas gift bags for 4,000 – 5,000 poor children in hospitals, orphanages, day care facilities, as well as the Bucharest Church members.  These children are poor, and for some, it is the only Christmas gift they will receive; they are thrilled to receive what we consider a small package with clothes, toys, candy, school supplies, etc.  The doctors, orphanage directors, and parents are so grateful for our help, but mostly they are thankful to know that someone in the U.S. cares enough about them and their children to return each year.   The Church members are also encouraged by our return visits, and we are blessed by their humility and hospitality.

Our main goal is to show the love of Jesus.  We hope that the care givers will be moved in a way that will encourage them to nurture the children in their care.  We cannot solve all the problems these children will encounter, but hopefully they will be able to grow in a stable environment, be educated so they can provide for themselves and their families, and that they will know God’s plan of salvation.  The combined efforts of everyone involved in this work are needed to accomplish these goals.   We appreciate the support of the Ashville Road Church elders and her members.  Please continue to pray for our travel and work in Romania.

-Jim and Gloria Harrington
-Chris Lee
-David, Beverly, and Melissa Precise (Scottsboro, Alabama)