Romania

Romania is searching for a new identity amidst its dramatic change from communism to capitalism. Romania suffers economic displacement, the AIDS epidemic, and rising ethnic struggles.

Click here to visit the new WMF Romania website!

Click here to read David Chronic's 2007 report on issues affecting Romania.

Vision Statement
WMF Romania serves Jesus among the most vulnerable: at-risk children, street youth and poor families. Christians from Romania and other nations come together from various local churches to seek the Kingdom of God in community. Through ministry on the streets, educational programs at a community center and a family-style home for the family-less, we strive for a transformed society in which the poor are redeemed and empowered

Children on the Streets
WMF works among street children through programs on the street and at the WMF Community Center named Casa La Vale,or Valley House, because of its location in a low-lying poor neighborhood. There are 100 to 200 children on the streets in Gala?i. WMF works with about 20 kids on a daily basis, providing food, clothes, basic medical care, showers, recreation, worship, Bible study, counseling and educational opportunities at the Valley House. WMF also meets with two groups of boys who live on the streets at two central locations in Gala?i. This year, a recovery program, “Pas cu Pas” (Step by Step), began as a way to encourage boys searching for freedom from drug and alcohol addictions.

Education Programs
WMF Romania assists destitute children in education – helping with school expenses, advocating for the children at their schools and providing tutoring, meals and medical care at the Valley House. With the help of volunteers and staff from the local church, 34 at-risk children were assisted with their education in 2006. Thirty attend regular schools, two attend a special school for those who have missed years in school, and two attend vocational schools. Through monthly parent meetings, the community has begun to build relationships, raise awareness of issues involving children and share the truth of God’s love to families in the local community. Special events for parents this year included a Mother’s Day celebration and a parents’ summer camp in the countryside. 

Residential Care and Rehabilitation
Casa Lazar or Lazarus House was created to offer the street boys a safe place to live in a family environment. In order to understand the boys’ needs, the staff continue to receive training on counseling, alcoholism and working with children with attachment disorders. This year, the boys’ home helped two boys experience family life and make positive steps toward maturity. Both boys returned to their families’ homes, and the community is seeking the Lord’s guidance for the direction of the boys’ home. Bela Ispas and Fanel Ursachescu began serving as caregivers in Casa Lazar this year.