Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Dear Friends,
Winter here in Romania has been fairly mild. We did get enough snow once for the children to build snowmen. They also built a fort and had a snowball fight. They love to be able to get outside. And, the caretakers are thankful for them to be able to expend some energy.
This past week was vacation for everyone as it was semester break. We were able to do several things. First, we took everyone bowling in Lugoj. Some of the teenagers did very well. On Sunday, we went to Timisoara for church and then on to the mall for lunch. Afterwards, the teenagers went ice skating. That night we had the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl with some friends. It was a fun night.
Another day we took the young children to Timisoara to McDonalds and the mall. There is a play area there that they enjoy going to. They loved it. The following day we went to
the nearby mountains to go sledding. The snow was perfect. We all went up and down the slopes all afternoon. It was great. On the way home, we stopped at some friends for tea and snacks. It was a wonderful day.
On Saturday, we took the teenagers to join a youth group from Timisoara for a cook-out. Our teens enjoyed interacting with new friends. They played games all afternoon. It is so good for our teenagers to be around other teens who are following Jesus. On our way home, we stopped in Lugoj for ice skating again. The owner of the rink found out that our teenagers were from a children’s home. He let them skate as long as they wanted to for no extra charge. The next morning, everyone was sore but very happy.
This week the routine of school started again. It is nice to have free time but with so many children, a stable program is good, too. Please continue to pray for each one of our children and teenagers that they put their best effort into school. We believe that God wants to use each one of them in a very special way.
Thank you all for being a part of their lives and ours through prayers, financial giving and visiting us here in Romania. It has made an impact on the children’s lives and ours. We are very grateful for each one of you.
With our love,
Ruben, Karen and Bianca
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com