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
May, 2019
Dear Friends,
Many things have been going on this past month. The children and teenagers were off school for a couple of weeks. We took the seven younger children to Timisoara for the day. We all had so much fun. We started out at the children’s park where everyone played on the equipment there and rented special bikes to ride. Then we took a boat ride down the Bega river which is right by the park. Some of the children had not been on a boat before so that was an adventure for them. We then walked to the center and saw the beautiful decorations and booths before we headed to the mall. After they ate at the mall, all of them played in the play area for an hour and a half. Even after that, they still had energy. So, we stopped for ice cream in the center again before coming home. It was a quiet ride home as most of them were asleep.
Another day of vacation, we took a few of the boys to the last volleyball game in Lugoj. Our team won so that was fun. One Saturday, we had a cook-out at the orphanage. Whenever food is involved, our children and teenagers enjoy themselves. We also made food baskets for our widows. It is always such a joy to see the gratitude on their faces as we hand them the food. It helps to make their life a little easier which is rewarding for us.
This past weekend our special friend, Pastor Gaylon, came. He brought us four suitcases full of medicine for our medical clinic. The medicine is such a blessing for our village and for us. It helps us financially since we don’t have to buy the medicine here. Plus, the quality and quantity are much better in the USA. Besides bringing the medicine, Pastor Gaylon is such an encouragement to us. It is so refreshing to spend time with him sharing about many different things. He has been with us from the beginning of Beraca. That means a lot. Another orphanage from Timisoara which has only boys came to visit for a few hours this weekend, too. Our boys had a great time playing soccer with them, roller blading and bike riding. We cooked out for them as well.
We wanted to share that Mihaela, our oldest girl who turned 18, is branching out on her own now and will no longer be with Beraca. We are still paying for her to stay in the dorm until she finishes school. Then she has the opportunity to go to Italy and work for the summer. When she comes back, she will continue with school for the next year. She is excited about this new opportunity. She is in Lugoj, so we are close by to help if she needs something.
It is exciting for us how God continues to provide each month for our financial needs through all of you. Thank you for being so faithful with your gifts and your prayers. We truly are blessed by them.
With our love,
Ruben, Karen and Bianca
Beraca Foundation, P.O. Box 674, Jacksonville, IL 62651; karenpopet@gmail.com