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Helping Street Children, the Poor and Destitute

When we first walked down the tracks of the Bucharest metro attempting to call out the street children who inhabit the darkened tunnels, it was like time traveling into one of Charles Dickens's stories. When these street kids surfaced, they looked more than scary. Such was the beginning of our Street Children's ministry in Bucharest.

We initiated a simple food line, so as to provide these poor waifs with some decent food. As we have reached out to these children, and sat with them day after day, we have witnessed a wonderful transformation take place, something that you cannot adequately describe with words. Here are but a few of their stories:

When Gabi (8 years old) came to our food line for the first time, he didn't even know how to hold a fork. He was used to grabbing food with his hands as fast as possible, for fear of someone else taking it from him. As time went by, I instructed Gabi how to use his fork, how to wash before eating and so on. Now when I see Gabi, he runs up to me with this huge grin on his face, reaching out his hands so I can see that they are washed, and with soap no less! Then he will request to sit near, looking for commendation that he now uses his fork and use his manners as he eats. For this child this step bridges a world of difference, signifying the beginning of a new life.

Two other long-term street kids, Marian (19) and Gina (14) announced to us one day, “We want a new life. Please help us to get out of this situation. I want a regular job,” Marian continued, “I need to have a place for [my wife] Gina” (who is now 6 months pregnant) “and for the baby to be born.” It was so touching.

So we approached one of our friends who agreed to give Marian a job, even though at the time he didn't have any legal papers whatsoever, which is not uncommon for these young people who have lived on the streets for years. Another businessman offered to pay their rent until they got on their feet. God bless this man who hired Marian while his paperwork was still being sorted out. And God bless Marian who took up the challenge and after a couple of month was recognized as the best worker in the entire factory.

We know that it is possible for these young people to change and become productive members of society; all they need is respect, someone who they can trust and an opportunity to do the right thing. Perhaps not all will succeed but for those who do it is well worth the effort.