Ministry Updates

Our updates give you an idea of the needs we have, the challenges we face, the victories we experience in the name of Jesus, and our prayer requests.

More updates can be seen on our Facebook page, HERE.

God's Artistic Nature - September 28, 2024

"A September to remember, an October full of splendor”... is what our kids had since the beginning of the new school year, witnessing God, the great artist at work in the nature around them, and also in their hearts.

They have just finished with the first of the 5 modules this school year is divided into. Blessed to be by their side! Thank you all for making it possible! - Alina

New Shoes for our High School Girls! - September 28, 2024

Hurricane Disaster Response - September 28, 2024

As most of you know, I am from and currently live in North Carolina. I am devastated by what I am hearing from my cousin working as an ER nurse in Bristol, TN. Our ministry decided to feed all ER staff and EMS workers in her hospital today and we will probably do it several more times. If you would like to donate, you can either do so through PayPal or via our CashApp. Please pray for everyone in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina! May The Lord comfort His children during this horrible catastrophe - Michelle Sims

Much more about our response to this disaster can be found on our Facebook page.

So Proud of these Kids - September 24, 2024

There is no greater joy than to know that the children from our educational project are the ones who lead worship in the local Baptist church in Fonau every Sunday. All the glory belongs to our Lord!

Summer Camp 2024: Explorers of Light - September 9, 2024

The most hard-working students in our programs enjoyed a great time in the camp this week learning from Joseph to live in the LIGHT of the Lord.

It was a blessed time with precious lessons that touched hearts, tons of fun and opportunities to strengthen relationships... What a great way to end the summer holiday! A new school year will start tomorrow here in Romania and our kids will be having fresh in their minds the challenge to look at the LIGHT OF THE WORLD and follow Him.

We are thankful to God for His protection and provision this week, and to all of you that made this camp possible.

A special thank you for our staff members and volunteers that made this camp a memorable one. May God repay your love and give us all the joy of seeing the seeds we planted this week grow for the glory of our Lord!

Alina 🙂

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - August 16, 2024

So Proud of the Students in our New Project! - July 1, 2024

End of the school year for the 12 children from the educational project in Fonau. Thank you all for the support!

Michelle and Karissa Speak of Romania Visit - June 23, 2024

(Karissa speaks at 30:00 mark, Michelle at 36:50)

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow... - June 17, 2024

We are so grateful to Nelu, Carla, and their daughter, Sarah, for traveling to Budapest with us and for all the hospitality they showered us with during our time in Romania. May The Lord return it to you ten-fold! We are journeying back home today and beyond excited to see Daniel and Elisha!

Please visit our Facebook page for MANY MORE updates and photos of our trip!

Blessings Down to the Second Generation - June 10, 2024

This sweet doll is the oldest child of our first generation of children in our first preschool and after school. She is so precious! What a praise to The Lord to see the second generation of children come through our ministry. May The Lord multiply the work He is doing through our ministry and our devoted staff!

Blessed to See the Fruit - June 10, 2024

I had to share this photo of one of the children who was in our orphanage. He was adopted by a precious family of faithful believers and today he is in seminary AND getting his masters degree in geography to be a professor!!! When I get to see fruit this beautiful, I must shout praises to Jesus! My cup truly overflowed today!

Safe Arrival! - June 7, 2024

We have arrived in Oradea thanks to the driving efforts of Nelu who spent almost 7 hours in the car today! His precious wife, Carla, had an enormous meal waiting for us. We are blessed and, as you can clearly see, exhausted, and ready for a long night's sleep!

Michelle

Thank You... - May 23, 2024

Sharing the love of God with every opportunity we get! Thank you for making it all possible.

Alina

Fire Victims - May 13, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we update you today with the news that one of the elderly Roma ladies in Santandrei lost her life to a fire on Friday. In addition to her house, 3 other houses were damaged with one being destroyed.

One of the children in the destroyed house is Edy, and he is in our after school. His little sister will join our preschool program in the autumn. View this news article to see the extensive damage.

If you want to financially assist these families, please mark your donation with the words "fire victims." You can click on "Donate" through this website, or mail a check.

Nelu is working to see where we need to begin and is already ministering to the families. Please pray for all of those involved.

Michelle Sims

Easter Crafts - May 4, 2024

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

With this truth in our minds and our hearts we are celebrating this weekend the death and resurrection of our Savior here in Romania!

Glory to God for the work of salvation accomplished for us in Christ! 💕

Alina 🙂

Happy Birthday to Nelu! - April 2, 2024

I have a million good things to say about this man, Nelu Cioara, to accompany the million happy birthday wishes I send to him across the big pond! Our ministry is at a different place than I ever thought possible with his leadership that is full of integrity and genuine compassion. May The Lord bless your upcoming year, Nelu, with lots of His wisdom and His powerful presence.

You are dearly loved by our family and your many precious charges in Romania!

Daniel, Michelle, Karissa, and Elisha Sims

Happy International Mom's Day! - March 8, 2024

🌷 Our moms in Gepis had a special time at our Center today. We wanted them to know how precious they are in the eyes of the Savior, and never forget that what ever burdens they carry, or needs they might have, "With God all things are possible!" And to carry this truth home with them they painted their first painting with the excitement of a child that discovers new things he can do.

Happy International Women's Day to all the women in our lives. May you share God's love and beauty all around! - Alina

Fare Thee Well! - March 5, 2024

Our day began with tears as we said goodbye to Dima (now Deyman) as he begins his next chapter in life. He became part of our hearts and we miss him so much. We praise The Lord that he was able to get his driver's license, work permit, and car while he was with us. May The Lord bless and keep him all the days of his life! - Michelle

Spring is in the Air- February 29, 2024

The kids in our projects have enjoyed preparing to welcome Spring this year by creating lovely "MĂRȚIȘOARE" (little broches the girls and women receive to mark the beginning of Spring).

Our friends from De'Longhi Salonta organized a Spring Charity Fair where four of our best math students were able to "sell" them and raise some money for the summer camp that they all anxiously wait for.

They raised about 5% of what we really need to cover the cost of the camp, and the fact that they know they have contributed to it means so much to each of them.

After the fair, the kids visited a nursing home in our area and gave each of the elderly there a hand made ”mărțișor” that melted the residents’ hearts... And taught our kids a precious lesson: ”It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

Tomorrow they will give, with a large smile on their faces, this symbol of spring to their moms and school teachers, a symbol that carries a little bit of their hearts and creativity.

Thank you all for making it all possible!

Praying you'll enjoy a blessed Spring! - Alina

Supporting an Education - February 13, 2024

Adriana is in her second year at pastry school. Due to the situation related to her fragile immunity, she does school online. For that reason she needs a phone with internet connection. Thanks to S.D.C for helping us to donate her a new mobile phone!

Feeling Blessed in Santandrei - January 25, 2024

Hand made cards with the girls from Santandrei project.

You are Appreciated! - January 16, 2024

Just a quick message to let our supporters know how much we appreciate your overwhelming generosity. In North Carolina, we were confronted with two homeless situations today and were able to provide shelter for a homeless young man that would surely have frozen to death tonight and for a family of 12 that were soon to be homeless. We were able to be the hands and feet of Jesus thanks to the giving of so many amazing people. THANK YOU!!! - Michelle

A Christ Centered Christmas - December 23, 2023

A Christ centered Christmas - It's what we want our kids to have... So for the entire month of December we have daily stopped for a few minutes to look at our Savior through the names He is given in the Bible. We discovered the meaning of these names for our daily life and the beauty and majesty of our Lord.

We also wanted for our Christmas tree to carry the true meaning of the holiday so we hand-made ornaments with the different names of Christ... Because indeed He is the reason for the season.

A Christ Centered Christmas is what we wish you all!

Alina

Christmas in Fonau - December 21, 2023

A special day today for our kids in Fonau that were invited by our friends from De'Longhi company to share the good news of our Savior's birth! They sang a few carols and enjoyed a great time with a fabulous team who did their best to make our kids feel special.

Thank you so much De'Longhi Salonta for your love! - Alina

Reunited! - December 15, 2023

Bring Dima Home! - December 12, 2023

Sing Praises! - December 7, 2023

Our elementary students at our new program singing a Christmas carol with gusto!

A Few Good Reasons - December 6, 2023

Here are a few good reasons to give to our ministry for your end-of-year giving!

Giving Tuesday - November 27, 2023

As we approach "Giving Tuesday" tomorrow, I wanted to let everyone know that we did not accept the changes to continue receive donations through FB. If you wish you give online, you can go directly to our website at www.childrenintheson.com and click on "Take Action" to give.

Many of you have friends and family that don't really "need" anything for Christmas and would rather have a humanitarian gift that helps others. Currently, there are several things our ministry is doing that could use sponsorship:

• $150 per week for a Christian trauma-focused counseling for a teen in North Carolina

• $75 per week for physical therapy for a Romanian student that suffered arm paralysis after an accident

• $200 per month for a pastor to travel to and from a rural church in Romania

• $35 per month to sponsor one of our many children that do not have sponsors

• $100 per student (13 of them) so they can have warm boots and a coat for winter in Romania

  There are many other items that I could list and please feel free to ask questions. These are just some ideas of how you could bless a child or family and give a gift. May The Lord direct your giving!

Thank you all for how you partner with us to be the hands and feet of Jesus all over the world!

Michelle Sims, Founder and Director

So Very Thankful - October 28, 2023

- Enjoying the beauty of autumn and counting our blessings! -

Our kids were challenged the other day to look around, see and recognize God`s goodness in every detail of their lives and create their own lists with 100 things they are grateful for. A great experience that opened up their eyes and hearts to the loving heart of the Father.

We encourage you to do the same and see how God truly changes your hearts.

Just to know, as we count our blessings as a ministry, we are also counting you, and praying for God to bless your life for your love and generosity that makes our work possible.

Alina

Reaching Out to Fonău! - October 3, 2023

🙏We are so thankful to God for the way He has opened a new door for us to minister to precious kids in another village... The third now after Sîntandrei and Gepiș.

🏠Today we took a tour of the village of Fonău, a remote village with many broken dreams, to meet some of the kids that will be part of our brand new educational program that is about to start here.

The Baptist Church in Fonău gave us permission to use part of their facility to reach the kids in the community. Lilia, our colleague, and her husband that is pastoring the church, worked hard this summer to help us renovate the spaces we will be using.

🛒We are now at the point were we need to equip our classroom and are so blessed to have people already involved in helping with this, too. You will definitely hear more about Fonău in the days to come.

☀️ Keep us in your prayers as we prepare to bring some hope in the lives of the sweet kids here.

👫If God puts it on your heart to help us make a difference in a child’s life here, please let us know. They surely need you.

Alina 🙂

Celebrate Life - September 8, 2023

What a special evening of celebrating life with some of our board members and supporters. Children In The Son is a proud sponsor of our local pregnancy center. - Michelle Sims

Christian Camp! - August 31, 2023

Many thanks to all of you who support our ministry so we can give these children a Christian camp experience! Please pray for our workers as they minister to the hearts of God's lambs!

His Adventure Begins... - August 21, 2023

Congratulations to Adi and his parents, Darius and Estera Cornean, on his first day of classes at Liberty University! May The Lord bless his studies and protect him!

Let the summer holiday begin! - July 3, 2023

Our kids have officially started their summer holiday this week, although they finished school two weeks ago. They enjoyed 2 weeks of fun activities at our Center that culminated with our end of school year party. We are so excited to see our kids GROW with every passing year. Two of our boys graduated the 8th grade and are preparing for another chapter in their lives as in September they'll be starting trade school in the city. May God guide them and prepare for them a bright future!

God was so good to us and provided for all our needs this school year also, through your generous giving. We are so thankful for each of you.

Pray with us for the safety of our kids this summer and also for wisdom for us in preparing the next school year activities and the camp we will have in August. - Alina

Hard work pays off! - June 22, 2023

And because we want our kids to know this we have a special STORE we open up twice a year (in December and June) as a reward for their hard work in school and also in our program. Beautiful toys donated to us by children that wanted to make sure others enjoy them too, sweets and fruits donated to us by the Local Food Bank, along with items we were able able to purchase thanks to your generosity have made the day for our kids in Gepis today.

Thank you all for making it possible! - Alina

Adi Declares: "Giving Up Is Not An Option" - June 22, 2023

I recently shared the story of one of our ministry children, Adi, who was adopted by his wonderful parents in Romania when he was a baby. He is now coming to the USA to attend Liberty University to a Christian filmmaker. This video was originally in Romanian, so I asked him to do one in English. If The Lord lays it on your heart to donate, he would be so grateful! - Michelle

To watch Adi's inspiring video, CLICK HERE

See our June 7th update for details on how you can support Adi —->

A Plea for Adi - June 7, 2023

I would like to introduce you to Adi Cornean, a dear young man who was adopted by his foster family through our ministry after being placed with them when he was only six months old. In 2020, Adi was hit by a moving truck while riding his bicycle. All of the nerves in his left arm were severely injured leaving him unable to use that arm now. His family has spent untold resources for surgeries, therapy, etc. yet his arm is still paralyzed.

But this terrible accident didn’t slow Adi down or damper his ambitions in life. Adi very much wants to follow in his father’s creative footsteps and become a Christian filmmaker. He has been accepted to Liberty University for their program but there is no financial assistance available to foreigners so he must raise the funds.

Our Board of Directors voted to use our ministry to help him raise the necessary funds. Adi plans to work at the university once he arrives but needs to raise $38,000 in tuition for his first year at Liberty. If The Lord lays it upon your heart to give to help Adi, you can either do so through our Facebook fundraiser, or by sending a check with “to Adi” in the Memo to:

Children In The Son, PO Box 99063, Raleigh. NC 27624

Every cent raised will go directly to his education at Liberty and no fees will be withheld as they typically are through online fundraisers. You may also use this website to give via PayPal, but they do take a 2.5% fee.

I can’t wait to watch The Lord provide for Adi’s Christian education! - Michelle

Children's Day - June 6, 2023

Children's Day... A perfect time to celebrate our kids and remind them how precious and unique they are! Pray with us for them to discover their worth and value in God's eyes and honor Him through their lives. - Alina

A Blessed Anniversary - June 1, 2023

Dear Family and Friends,

On June 1, 1998, I rolled across the Hungarian/Romanian border...

(CLICK HERE TO READ MORE…)

Congratulations Graduate! - May 31, 2023

This precious lady wrote history today for her Roma community in Gepis, being the first person ever to graduate college.

Anisoara got her major in TEACHING today and I trust God will use her to be a blessing and a role model for the children she will teach. She has raised the bar, showing everyone that nothing impossible with God.

Our paths first crossed 10 years ago when Anisoara started high school, and we stayed close ever since. With ups and downs, the shy countryside Roma girl that came to the city dreaming to be a teacher one day, and is today a blessed wife and mother and will soon live her dream to mentor and teach the children in her community alongside us.

It is encouraging to all of us here at Children in the Son to see the way God is working in her life, because He is the true hero of her story.

Anisoara, I admire your perseverance and hard work, and I pray God will guide you in all HIS perfect will. You have made us all proud... Especially your mom!

Alina

The Ascension of the Lord - May 25, 2023

“After having said these things, Jesus ascended, and while they looked at Him, a cloud took Him before their eyes." Acts 1:9 NTR

Origami - May 18, 2023

ORIGAMI workshops are some of the most appreciated activities by the kids in our programs lately. We have started them at the beginning of the year and organize them once a week. It is not just about folding paper it is about having fun, improving focus, developing hand-eye coordination, enhancing creativity, thinking, and problem solving skills... And the list could go on... Just amazing what a piece of paper can do! - Alina

Birthdays! - May 16, 2023

Happy blessed birthday to you!

Robotics! - May 13, 2023

Our children in Sîntandei have just started their journey learning robotics basics with LEGO WEDO 2.0. kits.

We have tried it with our kids in Gepis before and seeing how beneficial it is decided to also start a robotics group in Sîntandrei. So much excitment and sparkling eyes when our kids started to build and program their own little robots. ✨

*** The LEGO WEDO 2.0 kit is developed by Lego Education and allows children to learn about engineering, technology, coding and robotics in an interactive and fun way.

Alina

Birthday Party Time! - May 11, 2023

Happy blessed birthday to you!

Blessed Through Flowers - May 5, 2023

Our kids have planted flowers this week to add some color and beauty to our Educational Center in Gepis... but not only for this purpose. Opportunities to learn precious life lessons lie ahead of us as we care for and observe how these little plants grow into beautiful flowers. - Alina Cardoș

Michelle's Romania Travel Log - April 17, 2023 - May 4, 2023

We are exhausted and famished but we have arrived in Budapest WITH ALL OUR LUGGAGE! Praising The Lord because I thought there was zero chance earlier today! The guy helping us felt so sorry for us that he even treated us all to lunch in the airport! What a blessing to help ease my grumpiness!

In the days ahead, you will get to see what was in our baggage and why it was important to us. Now for some sleep in this beautiful AirBnB!

Expect obnoxious amounts of photos beginning tomorrow! - Michelle

From the Editor: To experience what God is doing in Romania through Children in the Son, please view the rest of Michelle’s travel log at our Facebook page HERE!

Pray for Our Trip to Romania - April 4, 2023

Our family would like to ask for your prayers as we plan to return to Romania after 5 years. We decided very last minute to make the decision to travel while there was no vaccine restriction for traveling to Europe. We are very excited to see everyone in our ministry and all our friends. We ask for your prayers given the current state of affairs close by to Romania. We plan to visit one of our Ukrainian refugee families in Budapest and we are thrilled to meet the people we prayed so hard for last year. We trust The Lord and His perfect plan for us as we travel. We will depart the USA on April 16th. Because all of this happened last minute, if you would like to donate towards the cost of the trip, please click on the donate button. Thank you so much! - Michelle

Spring Update - March 21, 2023

What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Matthew 6:9

Click here to read Michelle’s letter.

Happy Women's Day! - March 8, 2023

Today we welcomed and celebrated the sweet mothers and grandmothers of the children in our program, at a special meeting where God’s word reminded us all just how precious each of us are. May God restore and renew their hearts and help each of them spread the fragrance of God’s love in their homes and in their community!

Happy Women's Day to precious daughters of the King all over the world!

Alina

Gifts of Spring - March 4, 2023

This week our kids prepared to welcome Spring by making their own "mărțișoare". They gave them as gifts to their moms, sisters, teachers, friends and local supporters.

Here in Romania we celebrate the first day of Spring by giving, especially to the women in our lives, little decorative objects that have a white and red string attached to them; these are called ”mărțișoare”. Women and girls pin them on their blouses and wear them throughout the spring. It seems the tradition dates back to Roman times. Although the symbolism of this ancient tradition has different interpretations, we still practice it today to show love and appreciation.

For those of you who did not receive from us a tangible symbol of our love and apreciation now at the beginning of Spring, please receive our words of appreciation and our love for all you are doing to help us continue to minister to the precious kids in our programs.

May our God, who promised to make all things new, bring Spring into each corner of your hearts.

Alina

Direction - March 1, 2023

The Bible gives direction for life.

"Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost."

Proverbs 22:6 MSG

National Day of Reading February 11, 2023

Our little ones had a great moment of creativity as they wrote and illustrated their first book ever. With their little eyes glowing, each of them read to us their “books”. We enjoyed stories on astronauts, pirates, friendship, charming princes, and precious princesses.

Alina 🙂

World Read-Aloud Day February 1, 2023

Life Lessons Bring Blessings! January 20, 2023

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." Proverbs 14:23

This is one of the life lessons we want our kids to learn so all of their work in our programs, along with their good results in school are quantified in points they earn daily. The kids can use them all year long to "buy" from us all the school supplies they need. A couple of times a year we offer them the chance to get what ever they want (toys, school supplies, clothing, shoes, sweets...) from an improvised little STORE we "open" at our Center for a day. We just had a STORE these days. The kids got their "money" and did their best to use it wisely, finding the balance between what they want and what they can afford to get. Amazing how many precious lessons they are all learning this way.

Thank you for making it all possible! Alina

The Night Before Christmas December 24, 2022

What a tremendous blessing to get so many end-of-year donations in our post office box! I stand in awe of God's provision through my brothers and sisters in Christ! Thank you all so much!!!

Celebrating the Birth of Our Savior December 22, 2022

Today, our kids from the Comunity Center Gepis, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our guests was the kids parents and their youngest brothers. The kids present a story and sing carols. With the generosity of Teams4u The Charity and Friends, Hope for Humanity, each child received a shoebox.

Blessed Christmas to everyone! Nelu Cioara

Christ Focused Christmas December 16, 2022

Pure joy and excitement this week for our kids in Gepis that were invited by our friends from a local company, part of the DeLonghi Group, to share the great miracle of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.

More than the hot-chocolate, ginger-bread and generous gifts our kids received after singing like angels... they received the gift of love and appreciation from people they never met before, people that hugged them and reminded them how precious they are.

May we all have a Christ focused Christmas season sharing Christ's love with all the people God brings in our way! Alina Cardos

Making a Difference December 10, 2022

Adriana is doing online school and occasionally she needs to come in Oradea to her school. Last week, we helped her with new shoes and a new winter jacket. Thank you to all of you who support our programs. Together we are making a difference! Nelu Cioara

Sweets for Sweeties December 6, 2022

Sweet and happy day today for kids in Sintandrei!

Pray With Us Over Expansion November 9, 2022

Hi, everyone. You haven't heard from me in a while but it isn't because we haven't been busy! In fact, it is quite opposite. Because of the extreme generosity of many of you, we are praying about expanding into another village in Bihor County, Romania and another country in Eastern Europe. Our board met last week and we are gathering details for a timeline of how and/or when to begin. We ask for you to pray for The Lord to continue to guide and direct us and He has done for over two decades. We have saved lots of funds not unnecessarily traveling to Romania since it is the Romanians who do all the work anyway! We thank you for joining us in prayer and hope you will continue. The photo attached is some of our 12 Roma high school students! As you can see, we are having an impact where we minister! We are so thankful for how The Lord is changing lives through our work for His glory! - Michelle Sims

Discussion with Ukrainian Pastor October 12, 2022

This Preschooler Needs a Sponsor! September 21, 2022

Who wants to sponsor this baby doll to attend preschool??? Contact us today!

Preschoolers! September 7, 2022

Eight precious little lives that began our preschool program this year! We hope they grow in their understanding of The Lord and the Romanian alphabet this year!

Prayers for Adriana August 26, 2022

VBS August 15, 2022

After a great summer holiday we are all back in action. This week we have taken an adventurous journey into outer space and God's word in a VBS program that trained and equipped us to travel through life victoriously for the glory of God. May God help us all do it daily! — feeling excited...

Going Home August 5, 2022

After nearly 5 months of being with us, this Ukrainian mother with her children began their journey back home to Ukraine. The mother did not want to continue being away from their home, but the children didn't want to leave. It hurts my heart to think they could be killed by bombing at any moment although their city has (thankfully) experienced very little shelling. I ask you to join me in praying for a hedge of protection around them. Michelle Sims

Gifts for Our Guests June 28, 2022

Our Ukrainian house guests received a big blessing today!

Thank you, Banca Pentru Alimente Oradea and Auchan ! We are very thankful for the help!

Today We Celebrate June 25, 2022

Our ministry celebrates the Supreme Court of the United States of America's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and put the decision making into the hands of each state where it always should have been. We are not naïve to think the decision will ban abortions throughout the United States. What we do know is that our ministry and every other ministry and church needs to step up and help mothers who will decide not to travel and abort their baby.

Our ministry has always been pro sanctity of life AND pro quality of life. That will continue and potentially expand if The Lord so leads. We pray that one day our country turns back to The Lord and abortions are no longer ever desired. Until then, we will continue our mission to value the lives of all pre-born and all born children. May The Lord continue to shed His grace on the United States. - Michelle Sims

Shoot for the Moon! June 13, 2022

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Norman Vincent Peale

It is our prayer that each of our students will learn to dream big, work hard and trust God for their future. Last week we wrote together the final lines of another chapter in the lives of our sweet kids in Gepiş as they ended another school year. We wanted to celebrate them, their work and encourage them to dream.

Thank you all for your love and commitment that makes all of this possible!

International Children's Day June 1, 2022

Sweet day, sweet kids, sweet memories...

Celebrating CHILDREN'S DAY with our kids in Gepiş.

A New Chapter for our Students May 20, 2022

Such a great blessing to see our students preparing for a new chapter in their lives, and to stay by their side in the process!

Here is Florentina, one of our precious 8th grade students, after an interview she had yesterday to pre-register to Bethel Theological High School in Oradea. Bethel is one of the top high schools in our area. We are so proud of her and all the hard work she has done, and so thankful to God for the new opportunities He brings in her life.

A difficult national exam is in front of her in middle June and after that the high school admission process will start. Please pray for Florentina and the rest of our students as they prepare for high school!

Thank you for loving these kids. Alina

Irresistible Cuteness! May 11, 2022

Nelu did a food distribution today from the Oradea Food Bank and I can't handle all the cuteness, so I had to share some photos!!!

If you want to help with the increasing cost of food in our projects, please click HERE.

Thank you! Michelle

Celebrating Birthdays! May 4, 2022

Happy birthday to Bianca and Paul!

Blessings Overflowing April 30, 2022

Last week Carla took Lidyia and her children to a huge toy store and we once again witnessed the goodness of The Lord.

There was an American lady who heard the family speak Ukrainian and had the Romanian lady with her approach Carla. The American lady had been looking for refugees to help and The Lord brought her to the store exactly when Carla was there! It was explained to the American lady that they were about to do some shopping for the kids. The American lady offered to pay for $200 worth of toys and bought Lidiya a blood pressure monitor!!!

We continue to be blessed as we care for the ten precious lives God has brought to us! Although they are all thankful to be safe and are adapting well, Rita told me in a video chat she wants to be back in her home. I can't imagine the pain they must all feel as they wait and hear the horrific reports of things being done to unarmed civilians. We ask you to not stop praying for Ukraine.

He is Risen, Indeed! April 23, 2022

Our dear employees in Romania celebrate the Resurrection this weekend. Some of children in our preschool and after school projects made this recently to celebrate! Christos a inviat! (Christ is risen!)

Welcome to the USA! April 19, 2022

I got the BEST message today followed by the BEST photo of Sasha to date! Yep! She is FINALLY with her sister, Nataylia! Join me in welcoming her to the United States... Her new home! I think we may need to publish a book to testify about the faithfulness of God!

Leaving for the USA April 18, 2022

Today is a bittersweet day for our ministry as we said goodbye to Sasha and her darling children this morning. She was cleared by the doctor on Friday to travel and rejoiced that she had no signs of infection. Her Agape Home “family” for the last six weeks is pictured here with Sasha and her children right before their departure. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Sasha’s sister, Natalyia, through several telephone conversations. Natalyia and her husband will be meeting Sasha in San Diego after she enters the United States on Humanitarian Parole. Please pray for Sasha and her children as they make this long journey to join her sister in Idaho. They have three flights tonight, will have to spend time at the border being processed, and then rest for a couple of days followed by other flights to get them from San Diego to Idaho. We want to say a special thank you to Southwest Airlines for donating domestic tickets to Sasha and her children along with her sister and brother-in-law. God has truly made incredible provisions for this trip to include their lodging in San Diego in someone’s guest house for a few days after their long trip to the USA. As you can see from the photos, they were very excited for the adventure ahead of them. (Sasha sent me one after they boarded their first flight in Budapest.) Carla deserves a special thank you for thinking of absolutely everything for the children and Sasha before their trip. Victoria and Paul were well prepared with children’s backpacks full of activities, cookies, and other snacks. We are excited for Sasha and her children to begin their new life in the United States and look forward to meeting them one day in the future. May God bless them as they carve out a new life for themselves in the United States. Her husband was not allowed to leave the Ukraine when he tried to cross into Romania to join her and no one has a clue when he may be able to leave and make his way to the United States. Please pray for him and the many other men who are being forced to stay away from their families right now. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Happy International Day of the Roma! April 8, 2022

We are soooo blessed by the beautiful Roma lives in our projects! Here are our Roma students from Gepis holding the Romani flag they colored which represents their heritage of a wagon wheel, blue sky, and green grass. We love all of you!

Heartbreak April 4, 2022

It is with a heavy heart I share with you that the pregnant mother we are housing has lost her baby. Please pray tomorrow as she meets with the doctor and decides what medical care to receive and for peace in her heart during this difficult time.

Food to Ukraine April 2, 2022

Thanks to the generosity of so many donors, we were able to send $500 of much needed food and supplies to a Ukrainian pastor. To protect all involved, I will simply say he is in a city that has been heavily bombed and is working to feed the elderly and the soldiers. Carla met his wife the other day and she explained she was trying to get help to buy what he needed and travel to the border. They were able to pack two cars full and meet others at the border. Don't let Nelu's expression fool you into thinking he isn't happy, he was just blinded by the sun in his eyes! 🙂 Please pray for the pastor's safety as he continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus! I also ask for you to pray for Nelu and his wife to get some much needed rest this weekend. They have worked in some capacity daily for a few weeks now. We are soooo thankful for their servant's hearts!

Serving Our Guests April 1, 2022

Dima, one of our Ukrainian guests, received his new glasses today thanks to Nelu Cioara.

Pass-Along Blessings March 30, 2022

Yesterday, Rita, the young mother of the baby at Agape Home, volunteered at the Oradea Refugee Center along with her husband and his young friend, Dima. Carla said they worked for three hours translating, helping fill out paperwork, and even were featured on a local television spot. She told Carla, "I see how you help us so much, and we have to lend a helping hand, if we can, to help others who need it..." What a beautiful to thing to see when others continue to pass along the blessings they have received! (And how wonderful to see her smile!) We are thankful to be able to continue to help the families staying with us!

The Hands and Feet of Jesus February 28, 2022

For the last three days, I have been communicating with our staff in Romania regarding how we can help the women and children pouring across the Ukrainian/Romanian border. We hope to use Agape Home to begin housing women and children on Thursday and Nelu is working out all the details. I am heartened to tell you that I am part of a group and I have read HUNDREDS of posts from Romanians offering free lodging and meals for refugees. There are also churches organizing going from the Oradea to certain border crossings and offering free transport, massive food drives, and endless offers of general help. There are doctors offering free services, psychologists offering free services, and businesses offering more services than I have time to list. God IS ANSWERING prayers for the Ukrainian refugees by using the Romanians to minister to their needs when they cross into Romanian territory. My decade of service to Romania proved to me how wonderful and caring the Romanian people are and now the world is getting to see firsthand what I learned long ago. God bless you, Romanian brothers and sisters! You are the hands and feet of Jesus right now!

Nelu was able to resolve replacing a mini-split heater which was a major detail of us being able to use Agape Home to house refugees. We praise The Lord for His favor! - Michelle Kelly Sims

Prayers for Ukraine February 26, 2022

In the days to come, I will be updating on what we are doing in Romania to help Ukrainian refugees. We ask for your prayers for our Romanian staff as they consider how we might help Ukrainian refugees; please pray for Nelu as he works out the details. Also pray for my wisdom as I consider traveling there soon. God knows my heart to help the hurting, but it may not be what He wants of me right now. Thank you! Michelle Kelly Sims

Solidarity with Ukraine February 25, 2022

NGOs, companies and individuals unite to offer help to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Romania

First of “The Three Rs” February 14, 2022

Reading a story is one of our daily activity at Gepis Community Center.

Prayer for 2022 January 1, 2022

Even though much of 2021 was full of tears the last half of the year, the first half was full of the last memories we have with my Daddy. It was the year he hugged me last, went out to eat with me last, and last told me how to drive. 😀

If there is any verse that I think sums up 2021 and ushers in 2022 for me, I think it would be Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." May our harvest be ten-fold in 2022!

Christmas Card from the Sims Family December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! The tractor was my Daddy's and we used this photo on our Christmas card this year in memory of him. ❤ For unto us a child is born! Michelle Sims

Merry Christmas Children! December 25, 2021

Shoes for Winter December 24, 2021

Winter shoes for Gepis high school students.

Glasses for Kids December 21, 2021

Working with children requires we need to care for all aspects of their lives. Vision problems can be a real difficulty for a family with poor living conditions. The eyes check-ups and then the eyeglasses are very expensive here for those who survive on the minimum income. As you can see in the pictures, for Loredana and Denis, the eyeglasses make a real difference. Thank you for all your support! Nelu Cioara

Giving Tuesday November 29, 2021

Can You Help with a Year-end Gift? Visit Michelle's Fundraiser for Children In The Son

https://www.facebook.com/childrenintheson/posts/10159768953324711

Thank You Lord! November 27, 2021

In this difficult time, when all the world is affected by the Covid pandemic, we are thankful for each supporter who makes a difference for our beneficiaries. Thank you Banca Pentru Alimente Oradea!

Blessed Day! November 11, 2021

What a blessed day of ministry Nelu had today! He was able to do a distribution from the Oradea food bank to our children in Santandrei and deliver a large print bible to Brother Cornel in Gepis. We are extra blessed by the mayor in Lazareni who donated wood to our center in Gepis. Thank you, Lord, for such blessings! Michelle Kelly Sims

Remembering Our Veterans November 11, 2021

My sweet girl took this photo last week. It certainly reflects my mood today. I had no idea Veterans Day would be so hard for me this year. Thank you to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. You are so appreciated! Michelle Kelly Sims

Family in Need of Car October 30, 2021

Many of you saw my Facebook post about our dear friends, the Kinneys, and the recent illness of their daughter. All week long, my heart was burdened for their family and, as I prayed, I was specifically burdened about their vehicle situation. I found out today they had just put a deposit on a used minivan the day Coleman got sick. Even though they are probably going to get that minivan or another one, they are still down a "commuter car" and really need something good on gas. If there is anyone willing to donate a vehicle in great mechanical condition, please contact me. There is a way for you to donate it to our ministry and get a statement for the value of the vehicle. Please contact me at 919-721-3833 if you have a vehicle to donate. As long as you are somewhere on the east coast of the United States, we'll come get it! Thank you so much! Michelle Kelly Sims

Happy Birthday Adriana! October 22, 2021

Today Adriana celebrates her 15th birthday! By the Grace of the Lord, after 7th months from her kidney transplant, she is doing ok. Each month, she has to travel at Cluj (a six hour round-trip car ride) for medical monitoring. Her mother, the donor, is also ok. Adriana continues going to school and she is in the 8th grade which is the last year of school in her village. Thank you for all of you who pray for Adriana and support our Community Center in Gepis. Sincerely, Nelu Cioara

Cuteness Overload! September 23, 2021

Gifts of School Supplies September 9, 2021

Today was a special day for all the kids from our programs in Sintandrei and Gepis. By the generosity of our friends from Celestica, each child received a new school bag full with school supplies. Thank you very much! The kids are ready to start a new school year. Please continue to help us to do our daily activities and remember us in your prayers! Sincerely, Nelu Cioara

Back to School! August 17, 2021

After few weeks of holiday, we are back at doing activities with the kids from the Sintandrei Gypsy Community. Soon we will start a new school year and we appreciate your support!

Celebrating at the Zoo June 30, 2021

Despite all the difficulties caused by the Covid pandemia, we are very thankful for a successful school year in Gepiș Comunity Center. All of the kids finished the school and some of them with very good grades. For them we had a special surprise, a day in Oradea, visiting the Zoo, playing in the Parc and eating at McDonald's. Many thanks to all of you who support our activities!

Summer School June 14, 2021

Summer holiday is close, but we work hard each day with the kids in Sîntandrei. Because of on-line school the kids have lots of subjects to update. Thank you to all our supporters!

Building Character June 10, 2021

Each day is very busy at Gepiș Community Center. Today we continue a study with the secondary school students about "character". Thank you Banca Pentru Alimente Oradea for the sweets and Biblica for the books!

Heartbroken June 4, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

My Daddy passed away on Sunday morning and his Celebration of Life service is this morning. My heart is broken and I ask for your prayers as we try to get through the day.

Thank you, Michelle and family

Love Your (Infant) Neighbor June 3, 2021

Today we visited the Gepiș Community Center near to this poor family. The mother just came from the hospital with her two-month-old baby. The mother fed her baby with cow's milk, but she did not realize the baby is sensitive to it and was reacting. After few days in the hospital, they came back home today. The baby needs a special baby milk formula, but the family cannot afford it since each box cost about $15 and they need a minimum of 3 boxes per month. If we do not help them, maybe the mother will leave her baby in the hospital, which we wish to prevent! She already has another 8 children at home and 2 in foster care. Together we can help this baby stay home with the family!

Praise be to God! April 23, 2021

We are beyond thrilled to announce Adriana and her mother are home from the kidney transplant surgery! We praise God for the miracle that has happened! Nelu visited yesterday and surprised the family with a food parcel and a new washing machine so they can stay very clean as they heal without the mother needing to hand wash all the laundry. Please continue to pray for her body not to reject the kidney!

Keeping Our Children Safe March 18, 2021

Important day in our ministry as our students in Gepis learn of the dangers of smoking and drugs. Very thankful for Nelu's insight on having a colleague come to share today.

International Women’s Day March 8, 2021

Happy International Women's Day! Our ministry celebrated by giving the mothers of the children a bouquet of kitchen utensils donated by the Oradea Food Bank! We are so thankful for all the women in our ministry!