A Double Joy

If you have ever held a newborn in your arms, you know that few moments in life can match it. Yet the Bible tells us there is one moment that does — the moment a soul is born again. Heaven itself rejoices.


Recently, I experienced two such moments in a single church service.

Anita, my own biological daughter, and David, a student in our Youth Transition Program (one of what I call my 99 adopted children), both stepped forward to declare their faith in Christ and were baptized in water — on the same blessed day, at Good News Church. Standing there, watching these two young people I have loved and prayed over for so many years go under those waters and rise again, I was undone. Tears of gratitude, joy, and hope for the future welled up in ways I could not contain.

As a father, I have invested years into Anita’s life. As a minister, I have invested the same into David’s — and into so many young people like him who come to us through the Youth Transition Program searching for belonging, purpose, and truth. What was witnessed in that baptismal water was not just a moment. It was the fruit of years of faithful sowing — meals served, conversations held, prayers prayed, and love given consistently, even when results were invisible.

And here is what I want you to know: you were part of what God used to lead them to that baptism.


Every gift you have sown into Bread of Life, every prayer you have offered on our behalf, every act of faithful partnership — it was all there. Romans 2:4 reminds us that “the goodness of God leads people to repentance.” You have been vessels of that goodness. Through your support, we have been privileged to show God’s love to hurting young people — nurturing their bodies, minds, and souls — and today we get to celebrate together what God has grown.

What was witnessed on that day is one of many spiritual fruits still to come. The harvest is not finished. There are more Anitas and more Davids waiting — young people on the edge of transformation who simply need someone to believe in them long enough to see it happen.

Will you stay the course with us? To God be all the glory — and to you, our dear partners, our deepest gratitude.


Alin Panican

BOL Co-founder

Thank you for your interest in Bread of Life Ministries. We have been able to accomplish a lot with the help of our supporters around the world. There is still more for us to do. Please prayerfully consider how you might help support Bread of Life as we provide support to children and families in need.

Become A Partner

Other articles you may be interested in

By Eduard Panican BOL Logistic Manager July 29, 2026
“For I was hungry and you gave me food... I was a stranger and you welcomed me...” — Matthew 25:35 ESV This past February marked four years since the war dramatically changed the lives of millions of people in Ukraine. The world’s response has shifted over time — some still remain deeply engaged, while others have found it difficult to stay connected as the conflict continues.
By Alin Panican BOL Co-founder July 29, 2026
Every day, elderly men and women in the Broșteni, Romania area who have no one to care for them receive a hot meal delivered right to their door. Along with the food comes a warm greeting, a listening ear, and a helping hand from Iosif, who faithfully travels nearly 15 kilometers by bicycle each day, regardless of the weather. For the elderly he visits, the meal meets a practical need, but the visit itself often means even more. It is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. What makes these daily visits especially meaningful is the story of the young man making them.
By BOL Team July 29, 2026
Dear friend and partner, God has used your generosity to build something extraordinary in Romania. And right now, at the edge of a new school year, thirteen young people are standing at the most important threshold of their lives. Our ministry at a glance BroČ™teni Children’s Home - A safe home and a devoted team for vulnerable children. 6 Ministry Feeding Centers - Serving hundreds of families with food, clothing, and school supplies. Youth Transition Program - Education, skills & spiritual mentorship for teens aging out .