Over 30 years ago, political revolution in Romania revealed images of poverty, neglect and institutional abuse on a vast scale. Humanitarian aid rolled in. It still does, even in 2021.
For UK charity, Belief in Action, practical aid is an essential part of supporting Romanian Christians to serve the poor and marginalised.
One initiative has been in collaboration with Hope Without Limits, a charity near Braşov. Headed by Pastor Otto Kis, a Medical Equipment Loans Scheme (MELS) has been established. Anyone with a short-or long-term illness or disability can borrow equipment aimed at making daily life easier.
Items such as walking sticks, crutches, hospital beds, commodes, grab rails and wheelchairs are available. Readily available in the UK, these are hard to come by in Romania. Such equipment would be scheduled for UK landfill, but Belief in Action send it to the MELS to be checked, catalogued and distributed. As fast as it comes in, it goes out!
A young boy with cerebral palsy who spent his life lying flat received a standing frame. Being upright is good for digestion, lung function, bone strength and feeling ‘normal’. His mum said it was ‘the biggest gift for Christmas ever’.
By loaning rather than giving items, relationships are formed and the good news of Christ is shared. Each recipient or caregiver is offered prayer, a Gideon New Testament and follow up. Often socially isolated, they are offered the opportunity to attend church and social/activity groups, or receive therapy to improve how they function. The hungry are fed, the lonely included, and families taught of God’s love for them.
The pandemic, instead of slowing the work as thought, has provided unparalleled amounts of equipment, enabling Belief in Action to double the number of lorries.We thank God for His goodness.
