acf stories
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ACF StoriesTRANSCRIPT
Another Child Foundation’s Mission Teams
Making a Difference
Faith Stories “Through Their Eyes”
Another Child Foundation Serving children and families in Romania for 10 years
Winter 2011
LOOK INSIDE FOR
The ACF “Vision”
Inspiring Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet our Ministry partner
Table of Contents 4 Meet Our Leaders 11 Story of Compassion 17 Story of Love 22 Our Donor’s
7 Story of Hope 13 Story of Justice 19 Story of Faith
9 Story of Mercy 15 Story of Joy 20 FAQ’s
Table of Contents 4 Meet Our Leaders 11 Story of Compassion 17 Story of Love 22 Our Donor’s
7 Story of Hope 13 Story of Justice 19 Story of Faith
9 Story of Mercy 15 Story of Joy 20 FAQ’s
Stories to Inspire! Welcome to the first Another Child Foundation annual magazine. We are proud to be
able to supply this resource to you so you can learn more about the ministry work ACF
does in Romania. Here you will find dynamic stories of how God is making a difference
in the lives of people who travel with ACF to Romania, as well as, the people receiving
the gift of grace. While each story is unique we feel you will see a common tread
throughout these stories. We pray these stories will inspire you to make a difference to
someone in your life.
Left to Right:
Gabi Szabo– Missions Coordinator
for Buckner Romania
Liviu Turcu– Director of Point of
Hope Development Center
Dacian Moldovan– President of
Buckner Romania
Tim Oloffson– Executive Director
of Another Child Foundation
Our Leaders
Mission Statement Another Child Foundation and their volunteers are committed to providing life skills and educational needs to orphaned and disadvantaged children in Romania while promoting the family structure to troubled families furthermore empowering the family to change their circumstance.
4
A Message from our Executive Director
Dear Brother’s & Sister’s in Christ,
Another Child Foundation has had a number of very
emotional and moving stories since we began our
ministry in 2010. While we wish we could share each
of these stories with you- we hope that you will en-
joy hearing the selected stories we have chosen.
Each one of these stories bears a wonderful witness
and life giving spirit to everyone involved in Another
Child Foundation’s ministry.
However the full story of ACF has yet to be told. God
promises us through the apostle Paul saying that “I
am confident of this that the one who began a good
work among you will bring it to comple-
tion” (Philippians 1:6).
The partnership we have with you the donor is vitally
important to the ongoing work we are doing to help
the orphan and the at-risk children and families in
Romania. Without you, the work being done to bring
justice to the world, would not be happening in the
dramatic and biblical fashion that is taking place.
With grateful people throughout the world we join
hands, giving all the glory to our Lord who is fulfilling
the promise of life in Christ Jesus.
Grace & Peace,
Tim Oloffson Executive Director– ACF
Our Promise
Another Child Foundation is a 501 c 3 registered organization. ACF is intentional in being good stewards of every dollar given. We take all of our financial reporting seriously and do so with the highest level of integrity.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
5
I will make justice the measuring line and
righteousness the plumb line.
Isaiah 28:17a
Ok, I confess, I’m a Martha. She and I could be great friends. This is not an uncommon malady among worship leaders where every moment of a service is an investment; how much time for announcements? Lord’s supper today? How many songs? How long is he preaching today? I also work for a company that requires every moment of the day to be accounted for on a work ticket. That’s what appealed to me about this mission trip. It’s a trip to do construction, no lessons to prepare for, no service to plan, just show up and hang sheetrock. Have hammer, will travel.
So, the first set back is we pack four bags with humanitarian aid and the hammer has to stay home. No big deal, I’m sure there’s one on the job site. Nope. Thank you Lord for Baumax. Baumax is Romania’s equivalent to Home Depot. Ladies, for a man to find a Home Depot in a foreign country is like you finding a Wal-Mart with a Garden Ridge stuck inside it. Now it’s Tuesday and things are progressing, not where I wanted to be, but they’re going when Mary (aka ACF Director- Tim Oloffson) shows up. He announces that on Wednesday, we’re taking the day off for a picnic. Excuse me? If I had wanted a day off, I would have taken a vacation…wait, I’m on vacation… never mind, I didn’t come thousands of miles to fall short of where I thought we should be. That’s ok, Dennis, it’s all part of that “put yourself under the authority of someone else” thing.
Wednesday turned out to be one of the best days I’ve spent in years. Thank You, Lord for that day. Just spending time with these children reminded me: that’s what it’s all about. Sure we need to finish the third floor and maybe start another project. We need to redo the outside of the building and maybe even an outdoor kitchen, but the purpose is to help these kids and their families. These children eat up attention and spending hours just throwing a ball or Frisbee is medicine for the soul. The kids like it, too. It was a beautiful, restful, soul-renewing kind of day that Father used to bless me so much. This was what Mary knew, spending time at the feet of Jesus is much more important.
I’m not saying to give up Martha entirely. If you’ve ever been in charge of getting bible class teachers for the children’s ministry, you know what I mean. I’m just saying that the moral of this story is: Don’t quit Martha, just know when to be Mary.
Dennis Lofton
Through the Eyes of
HOPE
7
Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us
this new way, we never give up.
2 Corinthians 4:1
April 13, 2011 was a very important day in my life because it was the day
when myself and 7 other girls moved from the Zau orphanage to Targu
Mures into the ACF/Buckner group
home. This day was a sad one
because it was hard to leave behind
the girls I have known and have lived
with for 9 years, but it was also a
happy one because I had wanted for
a long time to have a family. We felt
special when we walked into our new
home because of the way we were
welcomed with flowers and gifts on our beds, but most importantly with
open hearts. In the last five months my life has changed for the better. I
like the staff who works with us, patiently teaching us what we are
supposed to know for our life. I know
that everything they do they do for our
best interest and I also know that they
want to give me the opportunity to do
something with my life and to fulfill my
dreams.
Ruth S.
For I can do everything
through Christ who gives
me strength.
Phil 4:13
Through the Eyes of
MERCY
9
If someone has
enough money to live
well and sees a
brother or sister in
need but shows no
compassion—how can
God’s love be in that
person?
1 John 3:17
Seeing the children (with their hair no more than a half inch long) clinging to the wire
fence watching us walk up to the orphanage was heartbreaking. It seemed I could hear them
saying in their minds "Someone is leaving! Maybe it's ME!". That image
had been permanently burned onto my heart since April 2000. It was
my first time in Romania, and I was picking up my newly adopted,
beautiful daughter Gabriela from the orphanage. Ever since that
moment, I knew I wanted to return someday to somehow help other
orphans. I felt the call then, but it was not in God's plan yet. Fast
forward eleven years to June 2011 and my daughter Gabi was now 13
years old. We were finally returning to Gabi's homeland of Romania
with ACF to help put on a VBS camp for the orphans. I was aware this
would be an emotional trip and I knew Gabi would experience emotions
differ-erently than the other members. Was she ready? I prayed she was!
The day the orphans arrived was the day I heard my heart sing! The kids came into the
camp and as that day and week progressed, I felt all my worries about how this trip would
affect Gabi be lifted from me. She made many friends that first day and the days following. I
could see on Gabi's beaming face that she was overjoyed to be with other Romanian
orphans - just like she had once been. Once, while we were discussing the day's activities,
Gabi said "Mom, that could have been ME coming to this camp!". She was feeling the same
compassion and attachment to the kids as the rest of us, but there was also some guilt
mixed in. Guilt that she had been adopted and was growing up in a loving family. As the
saying goes... 'there but for the grace of God, go I'. It was that realization which cemented
her knowledge of exactly how blessed she has been.
Leaving those precious orphans was one of the most heart wrenching moments of my
life. It certainly was THE MOST overwhelming moment of Gabi's life. The mission trip was
amazing and yet humbling. My prayers were answered, Gabi had definitely been ready for
this! We went on this mission trip considering it the trip of a lifetime. Now we are planning
our return with ACF! Lori Hilgart
Gabi & a new friend!
Compassion Through the Eyes of
11
The LORD has told you what is good, and this is
what he requires of you: to act justly, to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
You know we always see the commercials on T.V. about sponsoring a child and it shows
the poverty that that child lives in. Whenever I see those commercials it really touches me but
that feeling then goes away right when the commercial is over. When I found out that I had
the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania I was destined to go, yet I had no idea
what was in store for me. Never did I think that the commercials I had seen would become
reality for me and that the feeling I had
would this time never go away.
This was my first mission trip I had
ever gone on and not only was it a great
experience, but it was life changing for me.
I will never forget the moment I saw God
through one of the girls there at the camp I
was working at. This girl was 17 years old
and had a heart full of God’s love. She
walked around holding her bible
everywhere she went. The thing about this child is that she is deaf. Despite the obstacles she
faces in everyday life, she always had the biggest smile on her face. While we were having a
little worship service one day, she was laying on my shoulder and I laid my head on hers. She
then sat up looked at me and pointed to the sky, then crossed her arms over her chest and
then pointed at me, God loves you, is what she told me. I looked at her with the biggest smile
on my face, tears glistening in my eyes and I pointed to the sky, crossed my arms and then
pointed to her. She smiled the biggest smile and then hugged her bible. I will never forget that
day.
God speaks to us in ways we least expect it, so keep your faith strong and always know
that God loves you.
Stefanie Sandoval
Through the Eyes of
JUSTICE
13
When they saw the star, they
were filled with joy!
Matthew 2:10
As we look back on the 4 years at Point of Hope, we can affirm that the most obvious
impact we had on this community that we are trying to help, is reducing school
abandonment. All the children who were
enrolled in our social programs and have
graduated from Daycare, were able to go to
school and they are doing extremely well
there. Even more so, every day they choose to
go back to school, because they don't feel
unprepared, excluded on inferior anymore.
Children from needy families, who just a few
years ago were expected to fail and to
abandon education, today have come to the point where they know who they are, they
have developed very good social skills and they see
themselves as equals of children who had the privilege
to be born into a better situation.
What is even more exciting is that some of the parents
of the children have caught on and they are starting to
have higher expectations and higher hopes for their
children's future, and they desire for their children to
have a chance for a better life than the life they have.
Liviu Turcu – Point of Hope Director
The LORD works
righteousness and
justice for all of the
oppressed.
Psalm 103:6
Through the Eyes of
JOY
15
For God so Loved the World that he gave he
only Son and whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Many prayers & preparations had gone into the 6 months leading up to the VBS camp for the
children who reside at the formerly all-girls orphanage in Zau deCampie, Romania. Just before the
kids were to arrive my heart began to feel a bit anxious. This feeling was different than any feelings I
had felt before. This was my third trip to visit these children from the orphanage nick-named the
“Castle”. Many of the plans our team of 13 had established, were to deepen the relationships we had
already started to develop with these children. I thought, what if they did not remember all of the
great experiences we had last year? What if, in the life of a Romanian orphan the previous year’s
camp had little or no impact on their life? These questions
haunted my thinking for a few minutes. But, then my thoughts
switched to how the kids were feeling as they pulled into the
camp. What was their heart’s feeling at the same time?
Whose hearts were more scared of the thought of being
forgotten by someone they had learned to love and trust just
a year ago? The answer seems obvious to me now. I am sure
the lonely and wounded hearts of these orphaned children
have much more fear of being forgotten than I. As the children got off of the bus I could tell from the
reaction of Noemy, a girl I had befriended with the previous year, the troubled heart of the orphan
was more prone to feeling forgotten than mine. As our eyes met and she sensed my excitement to
see her again, I could tell she was both relieved and happy that she had not been forgotten by me. As
we shared a big hug and I whispered into her ear “I missed you” I could sense the relationship
deepen and her heart less anxious.
The lesson I learned was that I have much to learn on how and why these children, who have been
forgotten by their loved ones, react towards a stranger who wants nothing more than to share the
love of Christ with them. As I continue to work with these children whom God has called me, I pray
he provides me wisdom to understand the complicated and troubled hearts of these kids. I also need
to understand my heart needs not be anxious because my Lord is with me at all times and with his
strength he provides everything I need.
Tim Oloffson
Through the Eyes of
LOVE
17
Now faith is being sure of what we hope
for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrew 11:1
Through the Eyes of
FAITH
19
It's funny how an everyday activity can eventually turn into a major event. I was running with
a group last summer that included Abbey Smith who had just returned from Romania with Another
Child Foundation and was aglow with enthusiasm from the experience. It must have been the right
timing and the Holy Spirit that pulled at my heart strings and peaked my interest in their mission to
help these poor, at risk children. Each family member, including husband David, daughter Kara (24)
and her husband Matt (27), son Taylor (22), and daughter Tiffany (18), became excited at the
prospect of going to serve at this mission. However, desire and scheduling are two different
matters. God brought our family from different cities
and work challenges to experience this trip together.
This particular trip was multi-faceted in terms
of its goals. We had the opportunity to accompany
the children on first time field trips, to transform a
portion of the Point of Hope building into additional
classrooms, to paint decorative murals in that area,
and re-decorate the apartment used for the
transitional home. Our family split up into these different areas according to interests, talents, and
need. Even though we didn't always serve in the same area, we were all there for the same reason-
to love those children in practical ways.
Though we were well briefed about the trip, nothing can fully prepare you for the
experience. This was a first time mission trip for most of us. To go to a country without knowing the
language is outside of our comfort zones. We were amazed at how much can be communicated
through smiles, hugs, AND interpreters! Our kids made memorable bonds with these gypsy
children and other team members. They marveled at the joy these children possess even though
their living conditions and material possessions are so poor. It expanded our view of needs in
another part of the world and how God's presence unites us all. And how heartwarming it is for a
parent to see their own children share the love of Christ with others! Our family had a rare
opportunity to serve along side one another knowing that in a small way we were making an impact
in that community for His kingdom. That's both exciting and humbling. So that morning run grew
into a vacation with eternal significance. Isn't that just like our God?
Lisa Jenkins
What is the vision of Another Child Foundation?
The vision of ACF is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of
orphaned & at-risk children as well as promote the family structure
to families struggling with the circumstances of poverty.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child and what
benefits does each child receive?
Sponsorships start at $25 and can go as high as the
$200 a month it requires to provide the educational,
physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these
children. Each child is individually evaluated so that
their specific needs are being met.
How does Another Child Foundation partner with
Buckner Romania?
ACF & Buckner Romania have a mutual
understanding of what the Bible calls his people
to do for the orphans and outcasts of our
societies. ACF uses Buckner Romania’s expertise
in their culture to do the work God calls us to do.
20
Is evangelism part of what Another Child
Foundation does while helping children?
Christian principles and Biblical teachings
are the cornerstone of EVERYTHING we
do! Without the guidelines God has set
before us our work would be futile.
How does Another Child Foundation stand out compared to other larger
organizations?
ACF feels the advantage of the work we do for children and families is
the work is done with the highest quality possible. We measure our
success not by the width of our organization but by the depth of the
programs we offer. This is a major difference compared to some larger
organizations.
of every dollar given to sponsor a child goes
directly to that child’s specific needs.
100%
21
Gold Level
Bronze Level
Silver Level
7404 Inc. Anjalex Investments
22
Accardo, Barbara
Anderson, Darrell & Nancy
Anderson, David & Victoria
Anderson, Larry & Deb
Andler, Gay
Angel Air- Repair, Inc.
Aszman, Shirley
Baele, Brandy & Jacob
Barto, Norma
Becker, Steve & Joan
Begnaud, Theophile & Julie
Boatwright, Jashley
Bodiford, Billy & Kathy
Boone, Robert & Iris
Braida, Donna
Brooks, Chris
Broussard, Kerry & Marilyn
Brown, Beulah
Bruce, Gary & Diane
Butterfield, Lyndon & Carolyn
Carl, Denise
Carlson, Leota
Carver, Joshua & Lana
Case, Jim & Debbie
Central Bank
Characters Welcome Group
Charter Supply Co.
Christianson, Tom & Diane
Claggett, Danielle
Clark, Durwood & Cynthia
Clementz, Pam
Collins, Nathaniel & Paula
Comeaux, Alis
Converse, Brian & Diane
Cook, Dawn
Crimestoppers of the QC
Dalton, Larry & Deb
Dancey, Stephen & Carole
Daniel, Karen
DeBrock, Ron
Delaney, Patrick & Becky
Derrick Equipment Co
Dobbs, Steven & JoAlice
Doehring, Mary
Domingue, David & Adela
Douglas, Brian & Tracie
Duncan, Doris
Dunn, Bob & Judy
Dunn, Ian & Elaine
Duplantis, Kelly
DuPre, John & Lauren
Eble, Jim & Diane
Edens, Eric & Michelle
Ehmen, Harlan & Alice
Excell Crane & Hydraulics, Inc.
Faber, Arnie & Ann
Fehlman, Bruce & Barb
Fenwick, Bob & Lynda
Ficken, Mike & Margi
Finch, Beth
First Congregational Church
First Lutheran Church
Fleming, Cecilia
Foes, Todd & Kim
Forney, Donna
Franklin's Barber Shop
Fritz, Jerry & Sue
Ganschow, Dean & Delores
Gardner, Dennis & Pamela
Garvin, John & Sue
GDS International, LLC
Geerts, Joe & Barb
Goy, Don & Karen
Gravelle, Lem
Gronbach, Phil
Gross, Gary & Pam
Hakeman, Bill & Ande
Hammerich, Dale
Hand, Steve & Pam
Hansen, Larry & Karen
Hansen, Mark & Dawn
Haq, Ema
Harmon, Steve & Colleen
Harper, Tim & Terri
Harrison, Bob & Deb
Hartman, Dale & Annette
Hartz, Mary
Hilgart, Lori & Gabi
Hillman, Martha
Hirst, Terry
Hobbs, Tommy & Lisa
Hoeg, Michelle
Holaway, Randy & Saundra
Holt, Joan
Hornsby, Lucius & Monica
Illinois Valley Eye Care
Jacobson, Chris & Trisha
Japha, Dan & Angela
Jensen, David
Johnson, Greg & Karla
Church Women United
Claggett, David & Keri
Dunn's Designs
First Baptist Church
GDF Suez Energy
Hoening, Sherry
Hope Lutheran Church
Jenkins, Dave & Lisa
Lafayette Jaycees
Lofton, Dennis & Swanna
Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church
New Spirit Lutheran Church
Oloffson, Tim & Theresa
Pearce, Noel & Gina
St. Johns Lutheran Church
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
The Antero Charitable Foundation
Trekell, Mark & Sandra
Bronze Level
23
Julifs, Harold & Sandy
Justice, Bill
Kastigar, Eugene & Janet
Kelly, Kevin & Robbin
King, Don & Val
Kiser, Jennifer
Kistenfenger, Walter
Kofron, Debra
Kromphardt, David & Barb
Kuhnen, Don & Kathy
Lane, Ashley & Wendy
Larson, Jim & Jan
Lawson, Betty
Lee, Ken & Marilyn
Lehn, Terry & Marlene
Lenihan, Charlie & Pam
Lennox, Edward & Lisa
Levie, Barry
Lindell, Alan & Lynn
Linear Controls, Inc.
Little, Duane & Ronda
Lockett, Tammy
Long, Jerry
Lovick, Brenda
Maguire, L & S
Martin Chiropractic
Mason, Chuck & Denise
Matthews, Roy & Linda
Max, Nan
May, Ken & Nancy
Maynard, Sue
McAnally, Kevin & Kris
McCollum, George
McCune Tillage Systems
McCune, Harry & Dee
McGinity, Nancy
Michlig AgriCenter
Miller, Barb
Miller, Gabrielle & Samantha
Mong, Dick & Peggy
Morris, Sherry
Morton Fertilizer
Mr. & Mrs. Chester Cedars
Napoltes, Rod
Nelson, Bill & Theresa
Nelson, Joel & Carol
Nelson, Pete
Nelson, Ron & Kelly
Nelson, Tim & Laura
Nelson, Tom & Wanda
North Central Bank
NREC Power Systems
Oloffson, Brittany
Oloffson, Harry & Marcella
Oloffson, Kay & Baldy
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Palmer, Scott & Dana
Pearson, Gregg & Kaye
Polson, Merle & Pat
Power Specialities, LLC
Quail Tools, LP
Ramsey, Erlene
Ramsey, Justin
RB & Carolyn Trahan
Reeve, John Frank & Nancy
Rehn, Jeff & Wendy
Reinhardt, Warren & Pat
Richardson, Lanny & Paula
Riggle, Don & Theresa
Robertson, Brian
Rogers, Ray & Kathy
Rollo, Betty
Sam, Carl
Sanden, Kim & Nancy
Schefsky, Tony & Lori
Schlesinger, Jeff & Theresa
Schlesinger, Norm & Diane
Schlindwein, Paul & Teri
ScotCo, Inc.
Scruggs, Jim & Sue
Shah, Sumit & Patel, Ami
Sheehan, John & Toni
Sheets, Eddilia
Shelton, David & Kelly
Shelton, Revis & Sheila
Simpson, Janet
Singletary, Vickie
Sitts, Gordon & Sandy
Smith, Kenneth
Smith, Merv & Nancy
Smith, Mike & Pam
Smith, Nan
Snethen, Brad & Jill
Solace, Bryan & Beth
St. John's Lutheran Church
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Stevens, John
Stoller, Scott & Aimee
Strader, James & Linda
Sturgis, David & Kathie
Swain, Karen
Teausant, Jack & Mary Kay
Tellefson, Don & Katie
Trahan, Randy & Deborah
Trekell, David & Linda
Trekell, Truman
Tucker, James & Arlene
Turner, Mike & Lori
Verworn, John
Vezain, DuAnne
Vincent, Gene & Lisa
Waite, N A.
Walter, Merle & Linda
Warner, Joseph & Gail
Washington, Janet
Weber, Ross & Susan
Well Worldwide Energy Logistics
White Star Pump Co.
Whitfield, Jim & Barb
Willers, Randy
Willmer, Barry & Tina
Wilson, Bill & Jenn
Wilson, Don & Linda
Windy, Robert & Linda
Winek, Joe & Anita
Wink, Ron & Anna
Wooden, Don & Mary
Zion Lutheran-WELCA
www.anotherchild.org
Another Child Foundation
416 E. Dover Rd
Princeton, IL 61356