April 8 NOROC update
Update as of April 8th: Thank you, God above. The forty churches that makeup PDP have doubled their sacrificial giving to NOROC to a total of $61,000.00
Where do you see Christ? Matthew 25: 35-36 “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me.”
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I have been thinking a lot about this passage and our NOROC staff in Tulcea, Romania, and how I can support them. As the Mission Co-Worker to NOROC, that is my job! They have always been our frontline workers and our feet on the ground, but the war has sharpened their focus even more as they minister to the Ukrainian refugees coming across the river to Romania in hopes of finding safety. Could it be that all of their training and experiences in working with children of trauma in the state orphanages have prepared them for this moment in time?
Historically, the countries of Romania and Ukraine have not always been best friends, with lingering issues from WW2 and the Cold War era. However, our NOROC staff and the rest of Europe have put past differences aside. They meet the refugees with open hearts and open minds as they provide for their acute and immediate needs of the transportation, food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. But our NOROC staff doesn’t stop there. They are looking beyond these tangible needs as they minister to the needs of the mind and soul as well as the body. Sometimes it is as simple as a comforting touch or word. Sometimes it is help coping with the trauma of their situation, or the separation of family members left behind to defend their country. Sometimes it is just finding some respite from the awfulness of the war. Pray for us.
Please continue to spread the NOROC word and thank you for your continued deliberate giving. Carol Schempp
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