Another Child Foundation’s Mission Teams

Making a Difference

Faith Stories “Through Their Eyes”

Another Child Foundation Serving children and families in Romania for 10 years

Winter 2011

LOOK INSIDE FOR

The ACF “Vision”

Inspiring Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet our Ministry partner

Table of Contents 4 Meet Our Leaders 11 Story of Compassion 17 Story of Love 22 Our Donor’s

7 Story of Hope 13 Story of Justice 19 Story of Faith

9 Story of Mercy 15 Story of Joy 20 FAQ’s

Table of Contents 4 Meet Our Leaders 11 Story of Compassion 17 Story of Love 22 Our Donor’s

7 Story of Hope 13 Story of Justice 19 Story of Faith

9 Story of Mercy 15 Story of Joy 20 FAQ’s

Stories to Inspire! Welcome to the first Another Child Foundation annual magazine. We are proud to be

able to supply this resource to you so you can learn more about the ministry work ACF

does in Romania. Here you will find dynamic stories of how God is making a difference

in the lives of people who travel with ACF to Romania, as well as, the people receiving

the gift of grace. While each story is unique we feel you will see a common tread

throughout these stories. We pray these stories will inspire you to make a difference to

someone in your life.

Left to Right:

Gabi Szabo– Missions Coordinator

for Buckner Romania

Liviu Turcu– Director of Point of

Hope Development Center

Dacian Moldovan– President of

Buckner Romania

Tim Oloffson– Executive Director

of Another Child Foundation

Our Leaders

Mission Statement Another Child Foundation and their volunteers are committed to providing life skills and educational needs to orphaned and disadvantaged children in Romania while promoting the family structure to troubled families furthermore empowering the family to change their circumstance.

4

A Message from our Executive Director

Dear Brother’s & Sister’s in Christ,

Another Child Foundation has had a number of very

emotional and moving stories since we began our

ministry in 2010. While we wish we could share each

of these stories with you- we hope that you will en-

joy hearing the selected stories we have chosen.

Each one of these stories bears a wonderful witness

and life giving spirit to everyone involved in Another

Child Foundation’s ministry.

However the full story of ACF has yet to be told. God

promises us through the apostle Paul saying that “I

am confident of this that the one who began a good

work among you will bring it to comple-

tion” (Philippians 1:6).

The partnership we have with you the donor is vitally

important to the ongoing work we are doing to help

the orphan and the at-risk children and families in

Romania. Without you, the work being done to bring

justice to the world, would not be happening in the

dramatic and biblical fashion that is taking place.

With grateful people throughout the world we join

hands, giving all the glory to our Lord who is fulfilling

the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Grace & Peace,

Tim Oloffson Executive Director– ACF

Our Promise

Another Child Foundation is a 501 c 3 registered organization. ACF is intentional in being good stewards of every dollar given. We take all of our financial reporting seriously and do so with the highest level of integrity.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

5

I will make justice the measuring line and

righteousness the plumb line.

Isaiah 28:17a

Ok, I confess, I’m a Martha. She and I could be great friends. This is not an uncommon malady among worship leaders where every moment of a service is an investment; how much time for announcements? Lord’s supper today? How many songs? How long is he preaching today? I also work for a company that requires every moment of the day to be accounted for on a work ticket. That’s what appealed to me about this mission trip. It’s a trip to do construction, no lessons to prepare for, no service to plan, just show up and hang sheetrock. Have hammer, will travel.

So, the first set back is we pack four bags with humanitarian aid and the hammer has to stay home. No big deal, I’m sure there’s one on the job site. Nope. Thank you Lord for Baumax. Baumax is Romania’s equivalent to Home Depot. Ladies, for a man to find a Home Depot in a foreign country is like you finding a Wal-Mart with a Garden Ridge stuck inside it. Now it’s Tuesday and things are progressing, not where I wanted to be, but they’re going when Mary (aka ACF Director- Tim Oloffson) shows up. He announces that on Wednesday, we’re taking the day off for a picnic. Excuse me? If I had wanted a day off, I would have taken a vacation…wait, I’m on vacation… never mind, I didn’t come thousands of miles to fall short of where I thought we should be. That’s ok, Dennis, it’s all part of that “put yourself under the authority of someone else” thing.

Wednesday turned out to be one of the best days I’ve spent in years. Thank You, Lord for that day. Just spending time with these children reminded me: that’s what it’s all about. Sure we need to finish the third floor and maybe start another project. We need to redo the outside of the building and maybe even an outdoor kitchen, but the purpose is to help these kids and their families. These children eat up attention and spending hours just throwing a ball or Frisbee is medicine for the soul. The kids like it, too. It was a beautiful, restful, soul-renewing kind of day that Father used to bless me so much. This was what Mary knew, spending time at the feet of Jesus is much more important.

I’m not saying to give up Martha entirely. If you’ve ever been in charge of getting bible class teachers for the children’s ministry, you know what I mean. I’m just saying that the moral of this story is: Don’t quit Martha, just know when to be Mary.

Dennis Lofton

Through the Eyes of

HOPE

7

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us

this new way, we never give up.

2 Corinthians 4:1

April 13, 2011 was a very important day in my life because it was the day

when myself and 7 other girls moved from the Zau orphanage to Targu

Mures into the ACF/Buckner group

home. This day was a sad one

because it was hard to leave behind

the girls I have known and have lived

with for 9 years, but it was also a

happy one because I had wanted for

a long time to have a family. We felt

special when we walked into our new

home because of the way we were

welcomed with flowers and gifts on our beds, but most importantly with

open hearts. In the last five months my life has changed for the better. I

like the staff who works with us, patiently teaching us what we are

supposed to know for our life. I know

that everything they do they do for our

best interest and I also know that they

want to give me the opportunity to do

something with my life and to fulfill my

dreams.

Ruth S.

For I can do everything

through Christ who gives

me strength.

Phil 4:13

Through the Eyes of

MERCY

9

If someone has

enough money to live

well and sees a

brother or sister in

need but shows no

compassion—how can

God’s love be in that

person?

1 John 3:17

Seeing the children (with their hair no more than a half inch long) clinging to the wire

fence watching us walk up to the orphanage was heartbreaking. It seemed I could hear them

saying in their minds "Someone is leaving! Maybe it's ME!". That image

had been permanently burned onto my heart since April 2000. It was

my first time in Romania, and I was picking up my newly adopted,

beautiful daughter Gabriela from the orphanage. Ever since that

moment, I knew I wanted to return someday to somehow help other

orphans. I felt the call then, but it was not in God's plan yet. Fast

forward eleven years to June 2011 and my daughter Gabi was now 13

years old. We were finally returning to Gabi's homeland of Romania

with ACF to help put on a VBS camp for the orphans. I was aware this

would be an emotional trip and I knew Gabi would experience emotions

differ-erently than the other members. Was she ready? I prayed she was!

The day the orphans arrived was the day I heard my heart sing! The kids came into the

camp and as that day and week progressed, I felt all my worries about how this trip would

affect Gabi be lifted from me. She made many friends that first day and the days following. I

could see on Gabi's beaming face that she was overjoyed to be with other Romanian

orphans - just like she had once been. Once, while we were discussing the day's activities,

Gabi said "Mom, that could have been ME coming to this camp!". She was feeling the same

compassion and attachment to the kids as the rest of us, but there was also some guilt

mixed in. Guilt that she had been adopted and was growing up in a loving family. As the

saying goes... 'there but for the grace of God, go I'. It was that realization which cemented

her knowledge of exactly how blessed she has been.

Leaving those precious orphans was one of the most heart wrenching moments of my

life. It certainly was THE MOST overwhelming moment of Gabi's life. The mission trip was

amazing and yet humbling. My prayers were answered, Gabi had definitely been ready for

this! We went on this mission trip considering it the trip of a lifetime. Now we are planning

our return with ACF! Lori Hilgart

Gabi & a new friend!

Compassion Through the Eyes of

11

The LORD has told you what is good, and this is

what he requires of you: to act justly, to love

mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

You know we always see the commercials on T.V. about sponsoring a child and it shows

the poverty that that child lives in. Whenever I see those commercials it really touches me but

that feeling then goes away right when the commercial is over. When I found out that I had

the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania I was destined to go, yet I had no idea

what was in store for me. Never did I think that the commercials I had seen would become

reality for me and that the feeling I had

would this time never go away.

This was my first mission trip I had

ever gone on and not only was it a great

experience, but it was life changing for me.

I will never forget the moment I saw God

through one of the girls there at the camp I

was working at. This girl was 17 years old

and had a heart full of God’s love. She

walked around holding her bible

everywhere she went. The thing about this child is that she is deaf. Despite the obstacles she

faces in everyday life, she always had the biggest smile on her face. While we were having a

little worship service one day, she was laying on my shoulder and I laid my head on hers. She

then sat up looked at me and pointed to the sky, then crossed her arms over her chest and

then pointed at me, God loves you, is what she told me. I looked at her with the biggest smile

on my face, tears glistening in my eyes and I pointed to the sky, crossed my arms and then

pointed to her. She smiled the biggest smile and then hugged her bible. I will never forget that

day.

God speaks to us in ways we least expect it, so keep your faith strong and always know

that God loves you.

Stefanie Sandoval

Through the Eyes of

JUSTICE

13

When they saw the star, they

were filled with joy!

Matthew 2:10

As we look back on the 4 years at Point of Hope, we can affirm that the most obvious

impact we had on this community that we are trying to help, is reducing school

abandonment. All the children who were

enrolled in our social programs and have

graduated from Daycare, were able to go to

school and they are doing extremely well

there. Even more so, every day they choose to

go back to school, because they don't feel

unprepared, excluded on inferior anymore.

Children from needy families, who just a few

years ago were expected to fail and to

abandon education, today have come to the point where they know who they are, they

have developed very good social skills and they see

themselves as equals of children who had the privilege

to be born into a better situation.

What is even more exciting is that some of the parents

of the children have caught on and they are starting to

have higher expectations and higher hopes for their

children's future, and they desire for their children to

have a chance for a better life than the life they have.

Liviu Turcu – Point of Hope Director

The LORD works

righteousness and

justice for all of the

oppressed.

Psalm 103:6

Through the Eyes of

JOY

15

For God so Loved the World that he gave he

only Son and whoever believes in him shall not

perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Many prayers & preparations had gone into the 6 months leading up to the VBS camp for the

children who reside at the formerly all-girls orphanage in Zau deCampie, Romania. Just before the

kids were to arrive my heart began to feel a bit anxious. This feeling was different than any feelings I

had felt before. This was my third trip to visit these children from the orphanage nick-named the

“Castle”. Many of the plans our team of 13 had established, were to deepen the relationships we had

already started to develop with these children. I thought, what if they did not remember all of the

great experiences we had last year? What if, in the life of a Romanian orphan the previous year’s

camp had little or no impact on their life? These questions

haunted my thinking for a few minutes. But, then my thoughts

switched to how the kids were feeling as they pulled into the

camp. What was their heart’s feeling at the same time?

Whose hearts were more scared of the thought of being

forgotten by someone they had learned to love and trust just

a year ago? The answer seems obvious to me now. I am sure

the lonely and wounded hearts of these orphaned children

have much more fear of being forgotten than I. As the children got off of the bus I could tell from the

reaction of Noemy, a girl I had befriended with the previous year, the troubled heart of the orphan

was more prone to feeling forgotten than mine. As our eyes met and she sensed my excitement to

see her again, I could tell she was both relieved and happy that she had not been forgotten by me. As

we shared a big hug and I whispered into her ear “I missed you” I could sense the relationship

deepen and her heart less anxious.

The lesson I learned was that I have much to learn on how and why these children, who have been

forgotten by their loved ones, react towards a stranger who wants nothing more than to share the

love of Christ with them. As I continue to work with these children whom God has called me, I pray

he provides me wisdom to understand the complicated and troubled hearts of these kids. I also need

to understand my heart needs not be anxious because my Lord is with me at all times and with his

strength he provides everything I need.

Tim Oloffson

Through the Eyes of

LOVE

17

Now faith is being sure of what we hope

for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrew 11:1

Through the Eyes of

FAITH

19

It's funny how an everyday activity can eventually turn into a major event. I was running with

a group last summer that included Abbey Smith who had just returned from Romania with Another

Child Foundation and was aglow with enthusiasm from the experience. It must have been the right

timing and the Holy Spirit that pulled at my heart strings and peaked my interest in their mission to

help these poor, at risk children. Each family member, including husband David, daughter Kara (24)

and her husband Matt (27), son Taylor (22), and daughter Tiffany (18), became excited at the

prospect of going to serve at this mission. However, desire and scheduling are two different

matters. God brought our family from different cities

and work challenges to experience this trip together.

This particular trip was multi-faceted in terms

of its goals. We had the opportunity to accompany

the children on first time field trips, to transform a

portion of the Point of Hope building into additional

classrooms, to paint decorative murals in that area,

and re-decorate the apartment used for the

transitional home. Our family split up into these different areas according to interests, talents, and

need. Even though we didn't always serve in the same area, we were all there for the same reason-

to love those children in practical ways.

Though we were well briefed about the trip, nothing can fully prepare you for the

experience. This was a first time mission trip for most of us. To go to a country without knowing the

language is outside of our comfort zones. We were amazed at how much can be communicated

through smiles, hugs, AND interpreters! Our kids made memorable bonds with these gypsy

children and other team members. They marveled at the joy these children possess even though

their living conditions and material possessions are so poor. It expanded our view of needs in

another part of the world and how God's presence unites us all. And how heartwarming it is for a

parent to see their own children share the love of Christ with others! Our family had a rare

opportunity to serve along side one another knowing that in a small way we were making an impact

in that community for His kingdom. That's both exciting and humbling. So that morning run grew

into a vacation with eternal significance. Isn't that just like our God?

Lisa Jenkins

What is the vision of Another Child Foundation?

The vision of ACF is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of

orphaned & at-risk children as well as promote the family structure

to families struggling with the circumstances of poverty.

How much does it cost to sponsor a child and what

benefits does each child receive?

Sponsorships start at $25 and can go as high as the

$200 a month it requires to provide the educational,

physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these

children. Each child is individually evaluated so that

their specific needs are being met.

How does Another Child Foundation partner with

Buckner Romania?

ACF & Buckner Romania have a mutual

understanding of what the Bible calls his people

to do for the orphans and outcasts of our

societies. ACF uses Buckner Romania’s expertise

in their culture to do the work God calls us to do.

20

Is evangelism part of what Another Child

Foundation does while helping children?

Christian principles and Biblical teachings

are the cornerstone of EVERYTHING we

do! Without the guidelines God has set

before us our work would be futile.

How does Another Child Foundation stand out compared to other larger

organizations?

ACF feels the advantage of the work we do for children and families is

the work is done with the highest quality possible. We measure our

success not by the width of our organization but by the depth of the

programs we offer. This is a major difference compared to some larger

organizations.

of every dollar given to sponsor a child goes

directly to that child’s specific needs.

100%

21

Gold Level

Bronze Level

Silver Level

7404 Inc. Anjalex Investments

22

Accardo, Barbara

Anderson, Darrell & Nancy

Anderson, David & Victoria

Anderson, Larry & Deb

Andler, Gay

Angel Air- Repair, Inc.

Aszman, Shirley

Baele, Brandy & Jacob

Barto, Norma

Becker, Steve & Joan

Begnaud, Theophile & Julie

Boatwright, Jashley

Bodiford, Billy & Kathy

Boone, Robert & Iris

Braida, Donna

Brooks, Chris

Broussard, Kerry & Marilyn

Brown, Beulah

Bruce, Gary & Diane

Butterfield, Lyndon & Carolyn

Carl, Denise

Carlson, Leota

Carver, Joshua & Lana

Case, Jim & Debbie

Central Bank

Characters Welcome Group

Charter Supply Co.

Christianson, Tom & Diane

Claggett, Danielle

Clark, Durwood & Cynthia

Clementz, Pam

Collins, Nathaniel & Paula

Comeaux, Alis

Converse, Brian & Diane

Cook, Dawn

Crimestoppers of the QC

Dalton, Larry & Deb

Dancey, Stephen & Carole

Daniel, Karen

DeBrock, Ron

Delaney, Patrick & Becky

Derrick Equipment Co

Dobbs, Steven & JoAlice

Doehring, Mary

Domingue, David & Adela

Douglas, Brian & Tracie

Duncan, Doris

Dunn, Bob & Judy

Dunn, Ian & Elaine

Duplantis, Kelly

DuPre, John & Lauren

Eble, Jim & Diane

Edens, Eric & Michelle

Ehmen, Harlan & Alice

Excell Crane & Hydraulics, Inc.

Faber, Arnie & Ann

Fehlman, Bruce & Barb

Fenwick, Bob & Lynda

Ficken, Mike & Margi

Finch, Beth

First Congregational Church

First Lutheran Church

Fleming, Cecilia

Foes, Todd & Kim

Forney, Donna

Franklin's Barber Shop

Fritz, Jerry & Sue

Ganschow, Dean & Delores

Gardner, Dennis & Pamela

Garvin, John & Sue

GDS International, LLC

Geerts, Joe & Barb

Goy, Don & Karen

Gravelle, Lem

Gronbach, Phil

Gross, Gary & Pam

Hakeman, Bill & Ande

Hammerich, Dale

Hand, Steve & Pam

Hansen, Larry & Karen

Hansen, Mark & Dawn

Haq, Ema

Harmon, Steve & Colleen

Harper, Tim & Terri

Harrison, Bob & Deb

Hartman, Dale & Annette

Hartz, Mary

Hilgart, Lori & Gabi

Hillman, Martha

Hirst, Terry

Hobbs, Tommy & Lisa

Hoeg, Michelle

Holaway, Randy & Saundra

Holt, Joan

Hornsby, Lucius & Monica

Illinois Valley Eye Care

Jacobson, Chris & Trisha

Japha, Dan & Angela

Jensen, David

Johnson, Greg & Karla

Church Women United

Claggett, David & Keri

Dunn's Designs

First Baptist Church

GDF Suez Energy

Hoening, Sherry

Hope Lutheran Church

Jenkins, Dave & Lisa

Lafayette Jaycees

Lofton, Dennis & Swanna

Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church

New Spirit Lutheran Church

Oloffson, Tim & Theresa

Pearce, Noel & Gina

St. Johns Lutheran Church

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

The Antero Charitable Foundation

Trekell, Mark & Sandra

Bronze Level

23

Julifs, Harold & Sandy

Justice, Bill

Kastigar, Eugene & Janet

Kelly, Kevin & Robbin

King, Don & Val

Kiser, Jennifer

Kistenfenger, Walter

Kofron, Debra

Kromphardt, David & Barb

Kuhnen, Don & Kathy

Lane, Ashley & Wendy

Larson, Jim & Jan

Lawson, Betty

Lee, Ken & Marilyn

Lehn, Terry & Marlene

Lenihan, Charlie & Pam

Lennox, Edward & Lisa

Levie, Barry

Lindell, Alan & Lynn

Linear Controls, Inc.

Little, Duane & Ronda

Lockett, Tammy

Long, Jerry

Lovick, Brenda

Maguire, L & S

Martin Chiropractic

Mason, Chuck & Denise

Matthews, Roy & Linda

Max, Nan

May, Ken & Nancy

Maynard, Sue

McAnally, Kevin & Kris

McCollum, George

McCune Tillage Systems

McCune, Harry & Dee

McGinity, Nancy

Michlig AgriCenter

Miller, Barb

Miller, Gabrielle & Samantha

Mong, Dick & Peggy

Morris, Sherry

Morton Fertilizer

Mr. & Mrs. Chester Cedars

Napoltes, Rod

Nelson, Bill & Theresa

Nelson, Joel & Carol

Nelson, Pete

Nelson, Ron & Kelly

Nelson, Tim & Laura

Nelson, Tom & Wanda

North Central Bank

NREC Power Systems

Oloffson, Brittany

Oloffson, Harry & Marcella

Oloffson, Kay & Baldy

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

Palmer, Scott & Dana

Pearson, Gregg & Kaye

Polson, Merle & Pat

Power Specialities, LLC

Quail Tools, LP

Ramsey, Erlene

Ramsey, Justin

RB & Carolyn Trahan

Reeve, John Frank & Nancy

Rehn, Jeff & Wendy

Reinhardt, Warren & Pat

Richardson, Lanny & Paula

Riggle, Don & Theresa

Robertson, Brian

Rogers, Ray & Kathy

Rollo, Betty

Sam, Carl

Sanden, Kim & Nancy

Schefsky, Tony & Lori

Schlesinger, Jeff & Theresa

Schlesinger, Norm & Diane

Schlindwein, Paul & Teri

ScotCo, Inc.

Scruggs, Jim & Sue

Shah, Sumit & Patel, Ami

Sheehan, John & Toni

Sheets, Eddilia

Shelton, David & Kelly

Shelton, Revis & Sheila

Simpson, Janet

Singletary, Vickie

Sitts, Gordon & Sandy

Smith, Kenneth

Smith, Merv & Nancy

Smith, Mike & Pam

Smith, Nan

Snethen, Brad & Jill

Solace, Bryan & Beth

St. John's Lutheran Church

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Stevens, John

Stoller, Scott & Aimee

Strader, James & Linda

Sturgis, David & Kathie

Swain, Karen

Teausant, Jack & Mary Kay

Tellefson, Don & Katie

Trahan, Randy & Deborah

Trekell, David & Linda

Trekell, Truman

Tucker, James & Arlene

Turner, Mike & Lori

Verworn, John

Vezain, DuAnne

Vincent, Gene & Lisa

Waite, N A.

Walter, Merle & Linda

Warner, Joseph & Gail

Washington, Janet

Weber, Ross & Susan

Well Worldwide Energy Logistics

White Star Pump Co.

Whitfield, Jim & Barb

Willers, Randy

Willmer, Barry & Tina

Wilson, Bill & Jenn

Wilson, Don & Linda

Windy, Robert & Linda

Winek, Joe & Anita

Wink, Ron & Anna

Wooden, Don & Mary

Zion Lutheran-WELCA

www.anotherchild.org

Another Child Foundation

416 E. Dover Rd

Princeton, IL 61356