The following report was filed by Jim and Gloria Harrington, who lead our work in Romania.  This coming Sunday, January 11, Chris Lee, one of our young men who accompanied the Harringtons on this trip, will make a presentation to the congregation about their work.

Workers preparing gift bags

We have returned from yet another wonderful and productive trip to Romania.  Our newest team member this year is Chris Lee, who is a UAB student and member of the Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, Alabama, where Jim and I are members.  Others returning were Beverly, David, and Melissa Precise (from Scottsboro, Alabama),  and Pam Fondren from Savannah, Tennessee.

We spent several days preparing 4,400 gift bags for the children, and we were able to visit some child care facilities and several hospitals.  We were also able to visit with many Church members, and they all were so grateful for our continued help and interest in their children.

Each year, we have been able to deliver prescription medications that have been donated and/or bought with donated funds.  These meds are used by hospitals, orphanages, and also for the Bucharest Church members who cannot afford to buy their presctiption drugs.  Dr. Radu Boari is a member of the Church, and with our help, he is able to keep a “closet” stocked with a variety of drugs for hypertension, cholesterol, prostate problems, etc, plus antibiotics, cough meds, and assorted over-the-counter meds.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is to see the growth of the Bucharest Church.  The attendance continues to increase, and many children we have known these past 9 years are now in high school and college, and some are married and having children of their own.  They and the older adults are all encouraged by our continued support and visits, and they all send their greetings to you all.  We appreciate your help and pray that we will be able to continue this work for many years to come.  Thanks again for your support.

In Christ,
Jim and Gloria Harrington