Then the angel showed me the river of
the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne
of God and of the Lamb. Rev 22:1
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:6-11
TEN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRY WORK
1. Why are you doing this in Romania when there are people in America with exactly the same needs?
We’re doing this work in Romania because this is where God sent us to do this work.
The social and economic reality is that there is a big difference between America and a third world country like Romania. In America there are many government social programs, food stamps, low income housing, and educational opportunities for low income people, which are just not available here in Romania. There are no government programs to help the women we are serving here. Only the private social foundations, like ours, are helping. And because there is so little help from the government, many families resort to putting their children into orphanages.
The spiritual reality is the same in both countries and for people all over the world. The Bible tells us that mans’ biggest problem is not financial, but spiritual; our sin nature, our rebellion against God and our separation from God. So, no matter where we live in the world, our greatest need is to become reconciled to God.
2. What percentage of the people you minister to actually end up accepting Christ?
We have never felt it necessary to keep records of this type of percentage. Some people may say the right words only to manipulate for selfish gain; some may say the right words and then fall away eventually. We don’t know what is truly in each person’s heart.
But we do know that all of the woman and children who come here to live see lives of faith lived out before them. All are shown the truth of the gospel and the good news of salvation. All are cared for and shown the love of God. All the children living here are saved from abandonment or from living a life on the streets or in an orphanage. The mothers have an opportunity to grow in their faith, to heal and change their lives. We’ve seen many changed lives. Some women may have had seeds planted while they were here that at another time in their lives may bear fruit. We are doing what God is asking us to do. The rest is up to Him. God provided His Holy Word, the Bible. Jesus provided a way of salvation for all who would believe. God has done all that He has done to provide a way of salvation through faith for everyone on earth. And yet there are still those who will end up eternally separated from God because of their unbelief. Because there will be a judgment in the last days, proves that we are each held responsible for receiving the Truth or denying it.
3. How many of the women that come through your program make a successful transition back into society?
As the world measures success its over 95 % that we have seen transition back into society well. But success in God’s eyes is whether or not they are now living their lives in obedience to Him. We really can think of only 2 or possibly 3 women who left here and returned to their old ways of life. Most have been drastically changed for the better.
4. How are the women placed in the care home, is it through the government or some other means?
We only receive women into the care home through referrals from our collaborators, usually from crisis pregnancy centers we work with, local churches, child protection, or other social foundations who know of our work.
5. How long is a woman allowed to stay at the care home?
Each case is determined individually. Some women with their children have stayed a very short time, while others have stayed a few years. The Lord makes it very clear to them and to us when they are to move on.
6. What kinds of things do you need to keep the care home running?
Prayer support and monthly financial support are both our greatest ongoing needs.
7. If I want to send materials, clothing or supplies, how do I do that?
Follow these links to a list of supply needs and shipping instructions. As an alternative you may want to E-mail our stateside representatives, Tom and Marion Caldwell, at: mntrol@netzero.com and they will e-mail you a list of supplies needed and info on the best way to ship them here.
8. Can American doctors be a part of the medical van ministry on a short term basis?
Yes, indeed! According to Romanian law, foreign doctors must work under the authority of a licensed Romanian doctor. Once the medical van ministry is fully funded we will have a full time Romanian doctor on our staff.
9. If I want to be a part of a short term team to your ministry whom should I contact?
International Messengers office at 1-800-243-6763, or e-mail Tom and Marion Caldwell, our stateside representatives at: mntrol@netzero.com
10. If I want to make contributions to a specific part of your ministry how do I do that?
Make out the check to International Messengers and on a separate piece of paper designate the funds to go to River of Life ministries in whatever specific area you desire, River of Life Care Home, medical van, elderly care home, etc. Your contribution will be tax deductible. The address to send to is: International Messengers, P.O. Box 618, Clear Lake, IA 50428-1048