A year of blessing through challenge
Four years after war forced families from their homes, the effects of displacement are still deeply personal. I felt that reality most clearly through the story of one young Ukrainian man I met shortly after he arrived in Romania. He came with little more than a backpack, carrying the weight of leaving home, loved ones, and everything familiar behind. The loss was heavy, but even in those early days, there was a quiet resilience in him—rooted in faith and a longing to belong again.
One of the most powerful ways the Gospel reaches people is through new churches—places rooted right in the community where real life happens. Agape Church is one of those places. Supported by Remember the Children, this church plant exists to bring hope, faith, and belonging to people who need it most.
This February, Agape Church steps into its fourth year of ministry. Like many young churches, the journey hasn’t been easy—especially because Agape intentionally serves individuals and families who are…
For the past decade, Remember the Children has shared a meaningful journey with Azusa Pacific University, united by a commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. Together, we’ve seen classrooms become launchpads as students step into cross-cultural ministry and discover how God can use their lives in ways they never imagined.
Over Christmas we visited a small home where several girls with developmental challenges live together. The house is modest—just three rooms—but it’s filled with warmth thanks to the devoted caregivers who serve them every day….Not long after Christmas, their stove and oven stopped working. With no resources to replace it, the home’s director reached out. A message came to me with a smile: “Santa has one more request.”
On New Year’s Eve in Romania, children bundle up against the cold, tie bells around their waists, and walk from house to house. They recite Plugușorul—a traditional blessing meant to bring luck, protection, and a good year ahead. Smiles are shared, coins are exchanged, and for a moment, hope feels close…
