God Honnors the Faith of the Children

There are a few extra special days in the lives of the children in Romania. Their birthday, when they start and finish school, and Christmas day. They enjoy Christmas day for several reasons; the meaning of Christmas, the stories about the way baby Jesus was born, the celebration, but also for the Shoebox gift they receive.

P1-A3
On the day we celebrated Christmas at the BOL children’s home in Brosteni, you could feel the excitement in the air. The children were walking around with big smiles on their faces relentlessly asking questions about the program and if they would receive a Christmas Shoebox that day. It was funny to see that they would come back to double-check even after being assured it would happen.
As adults in ordinary families, it is hard to comprehend the emotional intensity in the heart of a child at the BOL home. I was left speechless when Irinuca, a 10-year-old girl, came to me in the dining room, she took my hand, and with a huge smile, she said: “Mr. Alin, I have prayed for a pair of shoes! I can not wait to open my shoebox and see them!” My mouth jammed. I mumbled some words preparing her for a potential disappointment.

P2-A3
Later that evening, amid the pleasant chaos of many dozens of shoeboxes opening with sounds of excitement and laughter, I hear my name. When I turn, I see Irinuca holding a pair of shoes with tears in her eyes. “See, I received the shoes, Mr. Alin!!” I felt my heart melting with gratitude to our God, who honors the faith of the little ones. It was an evening Irinuca would never forget as the long journey of her Shoebox gift came to an end.
Irinuca’s story is just one of the many we experienced that night. Working together this Christmas season, we made over 1300 poor children in remote parts of the country feel the love of Christ, and it came wrapped within a shoebox.

P3-A3
I want to encourage all our ministry friends who took part in this project. Shoebox gifts might seem small or insignificant, but they bring so much joy to children who receive no other gift. Showing God’s love to them is a faith builder and creates memories they will never forget.
Your involvement has blessed BOL allowing us to create special shoeboxes for birthdays and hygiene kits that are needed and so appreciated in remote poor homes. God bless you. P4-A3

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”  Mathew 7:7-8

Alin Panican

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

Help Us Prepare for a Warm Winter

By Alin Panican Co-founder & CEO, Bread of Life • May 26, 2025
Help Us Prepare for a Warm Winter As spring arrives in the mountains of Broșteni, Romania, we are already looking ahead to the next winter. For most of us, staying warm is as simple as turning up the thermostat or paying the gas bill. But for the children at the Bread of Life Children’s Home, we must prepare for warmth—months in advance.

Darius’ Journey: A Story of Faith, Love, and Resilience

By Debora R. Brown Volunteer Sponsorship Director • May 26, 2025
Darius’ Journey: A Story of Faith, Love, and Resilience Darius’ life has been shaped by resilience, unwavering faith, and the power of love. His mother passed away when he was very young, leaving a void that shaped much of his child hood. Growing up in a family that moved frequently due to financial struggles, he learned to find joy in the simple things—playing outside with friends and making the most of each moment. But everything changed when he arrived at the Bread of Life (BOL) Home.

Iustina’s Fight for Life

By Dorin Ciocan, Children’s Pastor BOL Home • May 26, 2025
Let’s Help Iustina Have a Future Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. Psalm 28:6 On April 26, Iustina Lăcrămioara Ciurcu will turn 12 years old. She is the eldest child in her family, with two younger brothers, Casian and Nicolas. Her parents, Laura and Costel, faced many hardships growing up in a children’s care center. But now, they do their best to provide a home for their children in a small, rented apartment furnished with only the essentials for daily life.