We thank the Lord every day for his allowing us to be a part of HHMI and able to travel to Romania frequently. We started with Marilyn taking a trip in 1996. She returned and immediately wanted to go back. In 1997 we both returned for Christmas and have been going back every other year since! I believe the Lord has a glorious plan for each of us and I know His plan has included our involvement with HHMI. I can remember a very early board meeting in Debbie's living-room and the idea came of having an Easter team go to Romania. We call it “Gift from the Heart”. There has been a Gift from the Heart team every year. Marilyn and I have moved to Ohio and this year our team from the First Baptist Church in Urbana, Ohio will be leaving on April 6 th to take part in this marvelous Easter celebration and distribution. We will package and deliver food, gifts, and the message of the true gift from God's heart – His son, the Lord Jesus. One of the greatest things about going on any team is that it seems you feel the presence of God more intimately while in Romania . I know His presence is everywhere, but it seems closer in Romania. I thank the many volunteers and contributors that have helped HHMI these past years. You can be assured that every dollar is going towards helping children and families in Romania, and telling them of the salvation that is theirs through Jesus Christ. In preparation for this Easter trip I was reminded that we are not taking God to Romania, He is taking us, He is already there! We are each blessed that He has picked us! Thank you for your prayers, contributions and partnerships for this year's Gift From the Heart!

"My husband Leonard and I have been on many trips to Romania, visiting orphanages and being able to spend time with the children. Our first trip was with the Gift of Hope, NWMT Christmas team in 1994. I had just celebrated my 60th birthday and this was my birthday present! What an incredible gift, I did not know how God would come into my life with a whole new calling. The first day we visited an orphanage, it was so touching. On the first night and every night for the remainder of our trip I woke up during the night crying. My best and only response was: "Is God calling me to be a part of these children's lives in whatever small part I that may play?" Consequently, I have returned to Romania 12 times since, with Heart of Hope Ministries International and NWMTI's Gift of Hope teams. After each trip I continue to have this feeling in my heart to seek out how I can help these children. I do not have any medical training other than raising 5 children! However, I realize the children can be helped with hugs, love and prayer. I enjoy being able to help acquire and prepare gifts, package candy and whatever else I can help with to send with teams even if I do not go along. We have seen so much of the wonderful work Heart of Hope has accomplished. It is amazing. The Camp of the Good Shepherd Bible camp is so great, along with the Home of Hope and My Brother's House. The names of each home are inspiring. What a blessing these homes are for the young men and women who live there. We sponsor the 2 girls in this picture, and also enjoy spending time with the rest of the girls, seeing them finish school and go forward in life working at responsible jobs. We also have had the privilege to visit and spend time with the young men at My Brother's House. The past 2 years at Christmas we have been able to share in putting up their Christmas tree. It has been a unique gift! We enjoyed good food and great fellowship. We end the evenings with the Romanians singing a Christmas carol to us in their language, and we in turn sing a Christmas Carol to them in English. It brings tears of overwhelming joy. We have also been fortunate to participate in the distribution of the humanitarian aid HHMI provides for the families in the villages. We are so pleased to be a part of Heart of Hope here at home and in Romania . It is so nice to meet their delightful staff and share good times with them. We cannot thank them enough for their kind hospitality. God does wondrous things for everyone and one of our Greatest Blessings is being able to be some small part of these children's lives.”

Why I Serve...Kim

"With the busy life we all lead, and all the needy causes in the world, why do I choose to serve the children of Romania through Heart of Hope Ministries International? Because even I -- with no medical training and meager means -- have witnessed the change I can make. I have been going to Romania since 1987 and each time, I see progress.  The first time I went with Heart of Hope, I was overwhelmed with all there was to do and that must have registered on my face because I was advised, "Choose one." I picked up the child nearest me and he immediately responded. I believe in the power of one and I believe in the power of prayer. Only God will determine what the Romanian youth I have touched literally and figuratively will become, but I would rather be a part of the solution than a part of the problem. Even if I can give one child a little pleasure for one part of his day, then I know I have helped. As we say at Heart of Hope, do what you CAN do, and don't worry about what you cannot do."

Why I Serve...Marsha

"The Bible tells us to care for orphans, widows, and the oppressed. Even more it tells Christians to make disciples of all nations. Heart of Hope fulfills this commission by meeting physical needs of the Romanian people, sharing the good news of salvation, and coming along side of children and families to help them grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each time I’ve gone to Romania, I’ve been blessed and encouraged in my faith. The teams I travel with go with the idea of giving, but we receive so much more than we can ever give. To be involved in this ministry in even a small way is a privilege."