On July 19, three Pioneer Memorial Church members left Berrien Springs, Michigan, for Romania to coordinate a FLAG (Fun Learning About God) camp for children in two REACH homes there. REACH International, Inc., is a non-profit charity operated by Seventh-day Adventists in 23 countries worldwide. Each day, over 23,000 children are served by this organization (see www.reach.org).

The goal of this trip was different from previous trips. Rather than the costly transportion of American youth to assist with the FLAG camp, we wanted to expose young Romanians to camp leadership. We felt this would create a closer relationship between the REACH home in Peretu and local church members. We had no firm commitment from any Romanian young people before we arrived, but God answered our prayers with eight wonderful volunteers. These young adults were able to communicate with the children and also helped as our translators.

Glenn Russell shared themes from the Beatitudes each morning, setting the tone for each day. This was followed by a blast from his whistle, calling the children to line up for roll call. A mad scurry ensued as children anxiously ran outside to line up in five groups. The groups were arranged mostly by age and each had an adult Romanian leader. Brightly colored bandanas were worn to give each group identity.

After breakfast, the groups rotated through five stations — Bible lessons, music, physical activity, crafts, and nature/science. Glenn coordinated the camp activities and the first three stations were taught by Romanians. Aurora Burdick taught crafts, and I taught nature/science. Aurora’s son from California, Emanuel, helped with the activities. The program was fast-paced and lots of fun for the children.

The afternoons gave us time to mix with the children and staff and we forged new relationships. There were many hugs, opportunities to play ping-pong, and football (soccer in the United States) with the children. There was also time to take the children to the local swimming pool and to experience a trip to the Danube.

The children participated with a Peretu church choir in a vespers musical program where Narchisa Radu, age 14, recited Isaiah 53 from memory as other children hummed softly, lending a worshipful air to the closing of the Sabbath.

Our last two days were spent at the REACH home in Mislea. While there, we went on a short trip with the older children into the beautiful mountainous region south of Brasov.

The children had an insatiable hunger for love and attention. It was not uncommon for two or three children to pile on our laps as we rode in the van. They are fortunate to be in a loving atmosphere, compared to the myriads of street children who have no home. It was hard to say goodbye, but we all look forward to seeing these children again.

Bob Wilkins is a member of the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs.