In 1997, after a couple of years working as a leader in youth Christian camps, someone asked me to come and help for one week at their first VBS camp at Ludus Orphanage. I had never been in an orphanage before, had no prior contact with any orphans, and I knew that first impressions are important. However, for me, that week left a lasting impression.
From that moment on, I started assisting with the VBS programs in the orphanages at Big Blue and Ludus. With each passing week, the desire to share the gospel with the kids and become a big brother for the orphaned children grew. In 2000, after spending the entire summer in Christian camps for orphaned kids, my passion became my life.
In 2001, I began working as a Follow-up Coordinator at one of the eight orphanages in Mures County at that time: Reghin Orphanage. After a few years, as the orphanages began to close down and kids were relocated to private and state group homes, I assumed the role of Director of the Follow-up Department and Summer Camp Director. Alongside a group of amazing, dedicated volunteers, our activities not only provided fun but also contributed to the spiritual, educational, social, and physical development of these children. Since 2009, with the diversification of the foundation’s programs, I took on the role of Manager of Operations. A few years ago, I also became the case manager for the kids in our Casa Ana-Nadia group home.
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At Fundatia LOC, Emi is our veteran. He has been with us from the very beginning and has stayed with us through both good and challenging times. He has been present at every change that our foundation went through, and his passion for children has only grown stronger.
We value Emi for his dedication to the children, attention to their needs, and his ability to connect with the children and youngsters’ mindset. He collaborates well with all public institutions and is doing an excellent job as the Manager of Operations.
Meet Ovidiu, a beacon of determination and resilience! In his final year of high school, he’s blazing a trail as the first in his family to reach this milestone. Studying to become a car mechanic, he’s not just crafting a future for himself but shouldering the responsibility of paving the way for his younger siblings in a single-parent household. Supported by Livada Orphan Care, he’s grateful for the chance to learn and secure a job post-graduation. Ovidiu’s journey echoes gratitude towards the kind souls who sponsored his education, housing, and necessities. In the face of challenges, he found unwavering support from Nice, a pillar of strength who has supported him much like a mother would have. Ovidiu’s story embodies the power of resilience, community, and the incredible impact of support. Way to go, Ovidiu! You’ve redefined possibilities and inspire us all!
Ogra, Romania – September brings not only the promise of autumn but also a heartwarming tradition that has been changing lives year after year. In what has become an anticipated event, children participating in Ogra’s Prevention of Abandonment program are set on a path to academic success, armed with the complete array of school supplies.
This remarkable feat, which has touched countless young hearts, owes its existence to the unwavering support of our esteemed friends from the Netherlands, including Rudolph, Julie, Aniette, and their dedicated collaborators. For over a decade, their enduring commitment has been the cornerstone of this transformative initiative.
“The impact of their faithful collaboration cannot be overstated,” remarked [Your Name], spokesperson for Ogra. “It’s not merely about school supplies; it’s about altering the course of these children’s futures and, in turn, their families.”
Indeed, the ripple effect of their generosity has transcended generations, instilling hope and opportunity where it is needed most.
As an expression of gratitude, Ogra presents a glimpse into this year’s school supply donation activity through a series of captivating photographs, a testament to the power of unity and compassion in action.
In the spirit of continued partnership, Ogra extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to this noble cause. Together, we are forging brighter tomorrows for our community’s children.
Because of some very generous Livada donors, for every dollar you donate between TODAY and September 11th, it will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift.
We have a wonderful opportunity to double your donation through September 11. Every gift, up to $100,000, will be matched. That means your gift of $10 becomes $20, your gift of $100 becomes $200, and your gift of $1000 becomes $2000. If we raise $100,000 by September 11, we will have $200,000 toward some very important projects, as listed below. Enter your donation by clicking the image below.
Livada Orphan Care is proud to introduce Emese, our newest staff member whose journey with us exemplifies the profound impact our programs can have. Emese, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and recently completed her master’s in Children’s Rights, is now pursuing her second master’s in School Counseling and Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance. However, her inspiring story with Livada began years ago.
As a high school student, Emese started volunteering in our Orphan Outreach program and attended our summer camp in 2015. It was there that she first encountered Jesus, learning about His love, mercy, and peace. This experience was life-changing for Emese, who, as a 16-year-old orphaned by a parent, embraced her faith and felt a deep sense of belonging in God’s family.
Emese’s dedication and passion for our mission grew over the years. She progressed from a volunteer to the coordinator of the very program that first introduced her to our community. Now, she leads our Follow-Up clubs for teenagers and Saturday Bible Clubs for younger children from the gypsy village. Each week, Emese shares the Gospel with around 50 children, driven by the hope and prayer of expanding God’s Kingdom and nurturing this growing family.
Emese is known for her kindness and gentleness, both with the children she mentors and her colleagues. Her readiness to help, unwavering faith, and strong desire for personal and professional growth make her an invaluable member of our team. This year, she has also proven her leadership abilities as a camp coordinator.
We are grateful for Emese’s contributions and are inspired by her journey. Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Livada Orphan Care, and we are honored to have her as part of our family.
If it’s summer, it means it’s time for Vacation Bible School! This year’s VBS is called Fortress: Destroy the Giants in Your Life!”. The program teaches children to fight the giants in their lives, each day focusing on a different challenge they face (peer pressure, inferiority complex, sin, stubbornness, and fear). All this while equipping themselves with God’s truth and believing in victory, knowing God is their main resource.
We have the chance to serve 60 kids from the gypsy community in two weeks of camp. With God’s grace, we try to build their self-confidence and help them overcome deep traumas. We work on building healthy relationships with them, using all children’s international language: games. We lead them in lessons from the Bible and equip them with memory verses.
We had numerous wonderful moments, and it shows the result of years and years of work in the community. This year, we welcomed among us a new volunteer, right from the village, eager to help and involved in all activities, reflecting God’s love among the little children.
In the first week of the camp, we had the pleasure of serving with four friends from Germany who were with the children and with us, body and soul. We thank them on this occasion and look forward to seeing each other again next year. Pray for wisdom in leading all the teams and patience and strength to face the ”giants” that come our way. Pray for good weather outside and inside each camper’s heart.
