The volunteer-driven and privately sponsored project assists families in need.
On Sunday, March 10, 2019, Jonathan Duffy, president of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and Ștefan Tomoiagă, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Romania region, inaugurated the 300th social house built by ADRA in Romania.
The new home, part of the project “Rebuilding Hope,” was presented to Mihai and Alina Ciobanu and their two girls, from Focuri, Iași County, who lost their home in a fire.
After receiving the request and assessing the situation, ADRA Romania decided to help the couple by building a new home. The project was coordinated by ADRA Romania social worker Gabriela Istrate and ADRA Romania volunteers. ADRA leaders said that the house includes three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room. A sum of more than 10,000 euros (roughly US$11,300) was invested in building the house, as well as the time and effort of more than 35 volunteers and 15 sponsoring companies or entities.
More than Bricks and Mortar
“A house is much more than bricks and mortar — it is a home,” Duffy said. “It is a place where people and families are together. All of us need a home where we can feel safe. I am overjoyed and honored because the Ciobanu family allowed us to be part of this project.”
Duffy said that as he looked around, he saw that the house was not isolated from the others, but it is part of a community. “We all need to belong to a community. I’m glad this community has made this project come true,” he said.
As ADRA president, Duffy said, he is proud that ADRA Romania and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Romania have teamed up to make this project a reality.
“It is extraordinary that ADRA Romania built 300 homes, but 300 is not just a number — each home represents a family whose life has been changed through ADRA’s projects,” he said.
Tomoiagă thanked everyone involved and reminded them of the spiritual significance of the event.
“I wish this family may enjoy this beautiful house built by ADRA Romania, while being aware that Jesus Christ is preparing a house in the kingdom of heaven for each of His children,” he said.
ADRA Romania executive director Robert Georgescu also emphasized the importance of the moment.
“We rejoice every time when, regardless of religion or life philosophy, this beautiful team, coordinated by ADRA Romania, values their neighbors’ well-being,” Georgescu said. “This process only restores human dignity following the example set forth by the Founder of Christianity.”
About “Rebuilding Hope”
“Rebuilding Hope” is ADRA Romania’s initiative of supporting families who have lost their material assets due to fires. Every year, ADRA identifies and supports people who go through this kind of difficulty by building houses and providing professional assistance. In this project, ADRA Romania partners with local authorities, while funding comes from both individuals and legal entities. Implementation of the project is carried out with the help of local volunteers and some from abroad.
The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-European Division news site.
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