Beginning of Life

This week we pray for Beginning of Life (BOL) – our Missions Partner in Moldova. Beginning of Life seeks to empower those lacking opportunities: by addressing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs. They work with Moldovians as well as Ukrainian refugees.  The donations to our 2023 Advent project were directed to BOL and particularly to their summer programs. Here are updates from BOL on some of their regular programming and summer programs.

• The Psychological Art Studio Project uses art therapy to restore emotional well-being, process trauma and move forward. Together, we are building healing, reconciliation and peace in the midst of war. In June, our School for Parents program held a special retreat camp for 95 Moldovian mothers who were facing challenging circumstances and another camp for refugees. Children enjoyed games, while adults participated in workshops, discussions and activities, creating days filled with learning and healing. Throughout the year, we served about 200 Ukranian refugees with weekly group sessions and individual consultations.

• Our Urban Teen program also has had a busy schedule of peacebuilding courses during the week and outreach club meetings on Sundays.  In June we offered summer camps for 10 – 12 and 13 – 16 year olds.  Each day of the camp was dedicated to discipleship and growth in different skill sets.

• During the school year, we presented weekly lessons in 4 public schools.