River of Life
River of Life Ministry is a Christ-centered community of care homes providing a safe environment for senior Romanian women, mothers, and children.
God’s love shared in tangible ways brings hope and healing to the abused and abandoned.
About River of Life
River of Life Christian Care Home
Unfortunately, Romania has the highest rates of abortion, child abandonment, and human trafficking in Europe. So, this maternal care home provides a sanctuary for at-risk mothers and children and for pregnant teens and women who want to keep their babies but need support to do so.
These clients often come from cycles of abuse and dysfunction with no family support. They have minimal education and few job and social skills.
Many of the pregnant women were orphaned, lived on the streets, or came from abusive families and require intensive intervention to lead meaningful lives. Of those who come to the Care Home, 80% stay for one year or less, while 5% stay for five years or more.
“Maria” Elderly Care Home
“Maria” House is an assisted living elderly care home located on River of Life property. It serves disenfranchised Romanian women who are in the last months or years of their lives.
Two mothers, who are certified and experienced in caring for the elderly, live in this home with their children. The mothers care for up to four elderly women full-time. This provides meaningful work for the moms in exchange for their families’ room and board. As the moms serve River of Life in this way, they also receive practical assistance in raising their children.
“Emanuel” Children’s Foster Care Home
Unfortunately, even with help and support, some mothers are unable or unwilling to stay with their children and raise them well.
“Emanuel” Children’s Foster Home is located on the River of Life Ministry grounds. It serves children who are under the protection of a court order by providing them with a safe, stable, and loving Christian home environment.
Options are very limited for such children in this society. There are no foreign adoptions and only a very small percentage of children are adopted by Romanians. A residential Christian children’s home is one of the best options available to provide a hopeful outcome.
Community Outreach
River of Life Ministries is involved in a variety of evangelistic community outreaches throughout the year. These include:
- Two church plants which host programs for women and children as well as evangelistic events for the villages.
- Distributing clothing and supplies to needy elderly and families in three different villages, plus preparing and giving out approximately 400 gift packages each Christmas.
- Hosting a day program for elderly women from two villages (one day per week).
Short-Term Opportunities
Over the years, approximately 1,500 people of all ages and nationalities have volunteered their help at the River of Life Ministry Care Homes and various ministry outreaches in which we are involved. We always need help with construction projects and maintenance as well as help with day-to-day activities with the children, moms, and elderly women.
We offer a unique mission experience for people of all ages and interests.
If you’re interested in discovering more about what we can offer your team, please contact us.
