Returning from Romania was very bittersweet. As most of you are aware, this mission has been part of Charlie Rey’s legacy. As we mourn his loss, we are also working hard to find ways to continue this legacy. One of my last conversations with Charlie before he passed, was that he had prayed that COHI would remain a support for the orphanages he held so near and dear to his heart, and for the dentists he helped to support in Ukraine, Romania, and the Republic of Georgia.
This year, one of Charlie’s last wishes was for his eldest son, Chuck, to come with me to Romania to help run the VBS at Messiah Church in Botoșani, and see what COHI had done to help with the orphanage and the community it serves.
We spent a week in Botoșani with Dinu and Gabriela Azamfire, who Charlie has worked alongside for many years. I had the opportunity to work with these two a few years ago, on our dental trip to Ukraine, before COVID and the Ukrainian war. The two of them have such giving, servant hearts for the Lord, and have done amazing things for the children of Hand of Help orphanage.
Chuck and I were able to meet with some of the staff at Hand of Help orphanage, which cares for 83 orphans, and serves as an after-school care for many of the younger children who have been moved into foster care due to new laws and regulations on state-run orphanages there. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to support Dr. Dinu, Messiah church, and Hand of Help orphanage with their annual VBS. This year, we saw 127 kids, mostly orphans from HoH! We want to keep spreading the Gospel and continue to disciple these young people! God continues to save these youth and raise this young generation of believers.
Charlie’s main focus these last 10+ years has been to fund the dental mission, and purchase the supplies needed for the faithful dentists to do their work, and to provide the supplies needed for Messiah Church to continue doing their VBS every summer. Our prayer is to fundraise enough to continue these ministries. We ask for your prayers that we will be able to raise these funds needed for the dental work in HoH orphanage in Botosani, and for the Lord’s direction to expand this ministry to help other orphans in need around the world.
Once again, thank you all for your continued support and prayers. God has given us a gift to be able to carry out Charlie’s legacy and do His work!
