Most of us can’t even come close to knowing the full extent of what it feels like to be called an “orphan.” Most orphans feel abandoned, neglected, and unloved. Most have sinful parents, and because of their selfishness the children pay the cost. However, God has raised up many faithful servants within the SGA-supported Orphans Reborn ministry, who faithfully love and encourage the hearts of these children.   

In the story below, Andrei regretted many things about his life, but he remembered with thanksgiving, the woman who visited the orphanages and cared for him in a most neighborly way. She not only gave him food and warmth, but also was an example of Christ.  Please continue to pray for the many orphans that are being ministered to through Orphans Reborn. Here is Andrei’s story as told by Orphans Reborn coordinator Luda . . . 

Greetings to you! I would like to share with you the story of Andrei. One day, I went with Bogdan to the store. In the store, I met Andrei, who worked there as a promoter. I asked him how he was doing and what he was doing. He gave us some leaflets, and I told him, “Thank you”, and Andrei said, “You’re welcome, thank you for my happy childhood!”

Andrei is now 26 years old, and he is a former graduate of a boarding school. His mother died from alcohol, and his father hanged himself. A woman took custody of him and his brother, and they lived in the house next door to me. He used to come to my house in the evenings, out of desperation (for food and warmth) because his guardian mistreated them. My children gave him toys, and he always went home late at night. When I met Andrei, he asked if I still visited boarding schools and orphanages. I told him that I continued to visit them. He asked to accompany me on another visit, so I took him with me.

The topic of discussion with the children at the orphanage was the Lord’s Prayer. Together with the children, we studied this prayer and learned it by heart. Andrei also took part in the discussion. His words conveyed great sadness about how he had lived on the streets and about the mistakes he had made in his life. He wished that God would protect them from evil when he spoke about temptations. Andrei also strongly encouraged the children to beware of bad actions that always have irreversible consequences, to trust God, and to always be in prayer.

It was a great blessing to me, and I was amazed at how God showed us the fruit of our ministry. I realized that everything was not for nothing; everything was not in vain. The children in the orphanage became friends with Andrei since he was one of them. The director of the orphanage was also present during our meeting with the children. Tomorrow, we will attend the boarding school where Andrei studied. He is also coming with us.