New Beginnings Romania

April 2009 Update

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:28:03 +0000

As the first few months of the New Year, come to an end New Beginnings has gone through some changes. January 2009 brought the return of the Anderson family from trip to the States, and a question of what to do about house parents for the Covaci Family Center. As of August 2008, the family center was without house parents. For the first few months four New Beginning staff members rotated on shifts with the children, but the continuous change and not having consistency was influencing the children negatively. So, until we are able to find a Godly Christian couple to be house parents, the girls are living with the Missionary Pastor and his family, and their brother is living with the director of New Beginnings. This has been an adjustment for both the children and the household. Pray for the children as they adjust to new rules, new homes, new people, and a new atmosphere. Pray for the adults to show God’s love through this hard time in their lives. Pray that we find house parents for the Covaci Family Center. Another minor change is moving the office to the ministry house, and this has helped cut some administrative expenses to be able to use it more for the children, and save where we are able to because of the economic situation. Each of the Family Centers is well and healthy. They all appreciated the boxes of clothes sent over. What a blessing it has been for each of the homes. This summer we have our yearly kid’s camp coming up in August. Pray for God to use this time to touch the children and change their hearts, and to grow in their knowledge of Jesus. Pray as the leaders prepare not only the lessons, but their own hearts and minds as well.

October Update

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:37:28 +0000

Philippians 1:11 NLT May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. The other week at the children's hospital, a volunteer went to hold a baby girl who looked as if she didn't have a mother there with her. There were no toys in the crib and the baby was wearing a set of donated clothing tagged with a number. When the baby was picked up, the began to smile a bit and then suddenly a young, teenage gypsy girl appeared in the room. She smiled at the volunteer and then the baby and offered to take the child. The young girl began to coddle the child, rocking her back and forth slowly and kissing her on the cheek. When I asked if she was the baby's sister, she said no but instead told me that she was the mother. The young girl looked no more than 12 years of age but did tell me that she is actually 16 years old and that her baby girl is 2 months old. She lives in a nearby village and is not allowed to attend the church there – either because her baby is a distraction or because she has had a child, unwed and at a young age. I wasn't able to understand for sure which reason it was. She explained to me that her grandmother helps a little with the baby and loves the baby very much. The father is 24 years old and lives in a village a couple hours from there. He wants nothing to do with the new family and is not a good person, she said. My heart went out to her and we talked for quite a while sharing about our lives. When I told her that Jesus loved her very much and loved her daughter, she beamed with joy and said she knows that God loved her. I talked to her more about her life and shared mine with her. It was a time of both happiness but also a time of sorrow as I realized that she has no one to really help her, much like the other teen gypsy moms from that same village. There was also a lady there at the hospital with her who may have been from her village and seemed to demand things and be stern with her, all the while the young mother continued too cradle her baby. I left feeling sad for this young mother. This is not an uncommon story here in Romania and is something that I'm anxious to be involved in here – not only in ministry to the children but to the young parents. In the same village, a friend of mine has started a mentoring program for teen girls. At our first meeting, we had 7 girls come! We took them out to McDonald's for a special treat and many had not been there before. It was a wonderful time that we'll be doing once or twice a month. During our time together, we'll be doing special activities as well as talking to them about hygiene, teen issues, etc. I'm really excited to be a part of this ministry and know that we are reaching girls who need to be encouraged and accepted when the general Romanian culture does not treat them well due to their gypsy heritage and social background. The girls asked if they could invite more friends next time, and of course they were told yes! We have a new Bible study that is now being held in my apartment. We're studying the book of James and our pastor's wife, Andreea, is teaching. It has been a good time of fellowship, laughter, girl chatter, and study! This was something that has been needed here to connect all the women together and to build more unity and friendships. I love having everyone over and being able to open up my home in this way. Please pray for us as we meet every other Tuesday. I am continually amazed at all the Lord is doing here in Brasov and all the new ministries that are beginning. As our family center will be closing later this month due to lack of funding, the Lord continues to raise up new opportunities for me to pray about becoming involved in. We are praying for the Lord's guidance in new placement for our children and for continued connection in their lives. Three of the siblings will be able to return home to their parents once we have enough funds to support them in a better apartment. The parents currently live in a small shack behind a gypsy market and both work full time jobs. They are all eager to be reunited and so we are actively looking for an apartment and raising funds to pay for rent for the year. I am happy to be able to continue to be involved in all the lives of our family center children when I return from a short visit to the states next month. However, as the children will be separated into different villages and as I become more involved in ministries both within and outside of the Brasov area, I am in desperate need of a vehicle by January. Until now I have been able to share with the wonderful missionaries I live with but access to borrowing a vehicle will not be as easy in the new year. I am praying for God's provision and for Him to keep me connected with all everyone more easily. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for the ministries that I'm involved in. You make a huge difference in the lives of the people here and bring hope and joy to their lives. It truly is a pleasure to work with you to reach Romania for the Lord. God's blessings on you as you begin to celebrate the holiday season! If you would like to help with rent for the Brasov Polgar Family or to support me financially in these ministries please use the online form, select Romania, and the appropriate donation box at http://www.chapelmissions.org/getinvolved/donateonline/tabid/637/language/en-US/Default.aspx or mail checks to Calvary Chapel Missions (designate: Amanda Towle - Brasov for personal support or Brasov Polgar Family for rental assistance to help reunify them) and mail to 123 Auto Drive Boise ID 83709 House of Joy - September Prayer Requests Monday, September 22, 2008 6:54 AM

September 2008 - Bistrita update

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:12:56 +0000

September brought more than just cold nights and wet days. The beauty of the changing seasons reminds me of the change God is bringing about within our hearts. Uncertain times within the world's financial stability has us constantly looking heavenward for answers and hope for the future. God re-assures us in Matthew 5:25 saying, "Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you should put on. Is not life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better they they? God has used each of you to help the children placed in the care of New Beginnings. Through the financial instability, God continues to provide for each need we have; from school supplies to each meal provided. September's colder weather also brings stuffy noses and sore throats. Pray for a healthy winter for all the kids, parents, and missionaries. The Covaci family center is still in need of house parents. Pray we find a Godly couple soon. Not having a permanent couple is taking its tole on the children at the family center. Visi is taking it hard, especially while at school. Acting out physically and verbally to all around him on the playground and in the classroom in order to try to show that he cares about nothing, yet inside the frustration of once again being abandoned builds. Each child in the family center shows their inner emotions in a different way. Pray for wisdom in helping the children emotionally through this tough time while we search for house parents. God is faithful to care for these needs. As Matthew wrote the words Jesus spoke.."is not life more than meat..." Please pray for the emotional well being of the children. Thank you once again for all your prayers. May God bless each and everyone of you more abundantly each day.

Bistrita August Update

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:34:54 +0000

August has brought joy and fun into the life of the children, while some uncertainty into New Beginnings. Uncertainty for us in the case of the murdered child. A year and about six months ago, three children were placed with a maternal assistant. (Although this maternal assistant has no ties with New Beginnings, it may affect us in some ways.) The four year old was tortured and murdered through asphyxiation. The authorities are in the process of investigating this sad situation. We will know soon enough what repercussions will take place from this horrible event. How then will this effect us? We are sure to have the authorities come again to check our files, children, and parents. This may also effect us in hiring new house parents. As of September six, the Covaci houseparents are no longer employed by New Beginnings. The new houseparents may have a hard grueling task becoming certified maternal assistants. Parents may not be willing to become maternal assistants with all this horrible publicity. Please pray for our Department of Child Protection here in Bistrita especially. Pray that they will be able to work through this and the Lord's will be done. We know He is in control, and may we never forget that. On a brighter note, Kids Camp! In the first week of August Calvary Chapel Bistrita, along with New Beginnings, took 14 children to Camp up in the mountains. For three nights and four days the kids had a wonderful time learning about the life of Samson. From fun games like capture the flag, to scavenger hunts, everyone enjoyed it immensely. Dan Cornel came up from Bucuresti to help with the camp. The children loved playing games with Dan. He was a tremendous help at the camp. Pray for the children as school is about to start in a couple weeks. The children from the Unirea family center took a day trip to the zoo. From lions, tigers and bears; to anacondas, alligators, and camels, each child enjoyed the time they spent roaming the zoo, seeing the animals, and just being able to get away for the day. Please pray for houseparents for the Covaci family center. Pray that God would send a couple with a true calling to work with children. Pray for New Beginnings and the best way to help the Department of Child Protection any way we can. Help us be a witness for Christ there. Pray that our relationship with DPC will not be effected by the latest events. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We cherish each and every one of you.

August 2008 Update

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:29:21 +0000

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming." Psalm 27:8 The Lord has been developing in me a more fervent heart for prayer for our children at the family center and for this country. My cousin, who is with me for the next two months, and I will be fasting and praying every Wednesday for these children and close friends. We are praying against the heavy spiritual darkness and oppression that dwells so richly in this country and in the hearts of our children and which seems to increase more intensely as time goes on. We are praying for healing and revival of their hearts that they would know the Lord as their Savior and be hungry for truth and a life after Christ. We are eager to have you, as our brothers and sisters, join us in praying unceasingly for the family center House of Joy and for us as we minister here. The need for prayer is urgent as we seek to make the Lord known to the nations and to our children here. Their names are Niko, Dani, Nicu, Sebi, Andrada, Remus, Bianca, and Ema. After many 24 hour shifts, a friend using his vacation time to help us, and your prayers, we have two 24 hour workers now for our family center and a social worker! This is a huge praise and we are very grateful our Lord for bringing these people to us. Please pray for them and for the New Beginnings team to be able to share the Lord with them and minister effectively to them. We are still praying for missionaries to come and serve as house parents and alongside us and look forward to the Lord answering this prayer! Last week my cousin and I took the children to the Cabin of Hope in the mountains of northern Romania where they were warmly received and enjoyed a time of Bible teaching from the book of Daniel. The gospel was presented to them and we are praying for it to take further root in their lives and that the old roots of religion, tradition, pain, and abuse would be dug up and healed by our precious Jesus. The children also enjoyed campfires, games, smores brought from the states, and picking wild raspberries in the woods. The Lord provided several opportunities for me to minister to Niko and Sebi one-on-one and share my testimony with them. It was the Lord’s perfect timing as they had open hearts and minds and eagerly soaked in truth and promises from God’s Word. As Niko will be moving from our family center soon to join other teenage girls in a center nearby, pray that God’s Word will be firmly rooted in her life and that she will learn to walk in Him. After many dangerous incidents and after much prayer, it is necessary for both Niko and the other children that she be placed with others her age and also participate in a program where she will learn adult skills like budgeting, job interviews, independent living, and cooking. While she will no longer be directly under New Beginnings, I will continue to remain in contact with her and pray for opportunities to pour God’s truth into her life. Please pray for the Lord’s continued healing and guidance in her life. With many volunteers coming and going from Brasov’s children’s hospital, it has been wonderful to be able to share the gospel with those who come. After much prayer and Christians here sharing in a 17 year old Danish girl’s life, Anne has accepted the Lord as her Savior! She is now back in Denmark with her family. Pray that the Lord will send people to disciple her and bless her. Praise the Lord for our new sister in Christ! Your prayers and ongoing personal support are being used to bring glory to the Lord and His kingdom. The Lord uses you daily to remind me of His faithfulness and His love for me and for the children. You are His joy and His crown! Thank you for being part of this work. If you would like to financially support New Beginnings, please see these instructions for donating. To join my prayer support team or to send a note of encouragement, please contact me at amandatowle@yahoo.com.

July Brasov Update

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:19:11 +0000

Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for the ministry here in Brasov. The month of July has tested our faith and pushed us past where we thought we could possibly bear. We praise God for the move into our new family center home in the nearby village of Ghimbav! The home is wonderful and has large rooms, a backyard, and sheep next door. The children have been thrilled to make neighborhood friends with another center down the street. They excitedly said with huge smiles, “The kids are just like us!” We give God all the praise for the small things that bless our children. Unfortunately, with this move, it is too far away for our workers to travel and we will have no workers at all by August 1st. We had looked for a place closer to Brasov but there were no homes or apartments available to house all eight children. There has been little to no response for our ads for workers in the paper and around town and through local churches. Please pray for us! This is too much work for those of us who are missionaries here without the workers. We need added support and are actively praying for Romanian workers or house parents as well as another missionary couple to live on site. We are in desperate need of both long and short-term help as well as stability and mentorship for our kids. The new friends that the kids have found are encouraging our children to participate in activities such as smoking, drinking, and promoting other negative behaviors. We are in need of mentors for the children as well as Christian friends for our children. Additionally, a few of our children have been displaying more negative behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression due to certain circumstances, the move, and uncertainty with the future in addition to their struggles with having secure attachments with those that love them. Never cease in your prayers for us and for our kids! They are always needed and encourage us more than you realize. They give us strength, joy, and hope as your remind us of God’s faithfulness to answer our prayers. We know and firmly believe that the Lord is the giver of all good things, that He has our steps ordered before us, and that He will not abandon the work that He has begun here in Brasov. Though we are overwhelmed with much more than what is listed here, we praise God for the small things that give us hope in these situations and pray that we might have more faith to catch His vision and see the fullness of His provision as we learn to trust Him more. Praises: For two camps that the children will be able to attend in August. This will allow us an extra week to search for workers and the children will have a wonderful vacation at the Black Sea for one of the camps. For all that the Lord is doing here even when we are in need. For unity within our team and our pastor and his family volunteering weekly to help with activities for the children. Prayer Requests: For workers, missionaries, and teams to come help. For our children to know the Lord and be changed into His likeness. For peace for the children and for those of us involved as all these things take place – that we would keep our eyes on Jesus and be encouraged. Love, Amanda

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Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:40:06 +0000

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