It was April 2008 when Alexandru (born in 2004) and his three brothers, Alin, Marian, and Raul, first came through the gates of our orphanage.

Before us stood four timid children, their faces scorched by the sun, dressed without any forethought, carrying the sadness of past experiences and the worry of what is to come on their demeanor.

Their grandfather, fighting off tears, said, "If I were healthy and had the means, I would've raised them myself." He then went on to tell us that the family might have had a chance to stay together if the parents were more responsible. The mother abandoned them and left them with their father, who was a violent man.

The local pastor noticed the total lack of care and basic education, and sought out the assistance of Hand of Help, seeking refuge for these children.

Years have gone by, and the love through which these children have been shaped and cared for was visible with every interaction.

The father tried to make strides to reestablish a relationship with the children, but he was far from being apt to take on the task of fathering them. Moreover, after being diagnosed with cancer, his poor health prevented him from being able to have his children with him.

Alexandru's father died in 2015. All four brothers were together when our staff shared the terrible news with them. It took a while for them to adjust to the new reality, but with the help of our social workers and counselors, we were able to see constant improvements. We thank our God for how He worked and continues to work in their lives.

Alexandru, when turning 18, was able to take advantage of a Romanian government-initiated program where qualifying young adults ages 18 to 26 could receive a generous initial sum of money followed by monthly financial support from the state if they left the social system and showed proof that they were continuing their education or were employed.

He has suspended his studies in Cluj and is currently working abroad, where he is also attending a Romanian church. Please keep him in your prayers and join us in asking our God to show him His grace and pour His blessings over him, helping him cope with all the situations that will appear in his life and giving him the wisdom to always act in accordance with His will.