The past 10 years have been an amazing learning experience for myself. As I look back on everything have learned over the years it all comes back to relationships. So, this reflection will be about the relationships I have been blessed to have over this time.
Our Loyal Donors– it all starts and ends with our awesome supporters. At the beginning of this new endeavor I was hesitant to ask people to give of their hard-earned money to support the ministry. However, over the years I can see how our supporters benefit from being generous supporters. They have a passion and desire to be part of something so much bigger than themselves. So, I know understand that being a supporter of a ministry that is making a difference is a benefit to our supporters. They need to be held up as great disciples of our Lord and Savior. Thank you to all you loyal donors.
Our great Romanian staff– your daily hard work has always inspired me to continue to work hard and look for new ways to enable you to transform the lives of these kiddos that God has entrusted to our care. I would love to name names and thank each of you personally but as am afraid I may miss someone special. Some of you have been with us a long time and others are new friends but please know that each of you are special and are a HUGE part of what God is doing in the lives of these children. Thank you!
The ACF Board of Directors– our board has been pretty steady over the years and are still learning ( as am I ) the ropes of how to run a growing non-profit. We lost one of our original members last year when Bob Dunn passed away. Bob will be missed greatly. I want to thank the other board members who have put in some of their extra time by holding me accountable and by challenging me to think out of the box.
The kiddos in Romania– we wouldn’t have a ministry without the kiddos. Each time I get the chance to lead a mission team to Romania I look forward to seeing their beautiful smiles. However, my biggest thrill is seeing the new children change so much in the first year. They go from being timid little children with no smiles to outgoing confident children in just a year. They give me the energy I need to keep pushing forward.
Dacian Moldovan– Daci is a brother in Christ. He has taught and helped me so much in my spiritual walk. Continually challenging be to strive and pray for big things and to always seek wisdom. Without Dacian I would not be the leader or person I am today. Thank you Dacian. It has been a pleasure to become your friend and to also see your family grow into something special that God is proud of.
John Frank Reeve– John Frank has become another brother in Christ. Other than being the same age we have very few other things in common. But what we do have in common is special. Our love for the Roma children that God has placed in our lives has changed us both for the better. I don’t think either of us knew what God had planned when we first meet in 2009. It has been a long road to get the ministry to this point. But ACF would not be where it is today without the heart and passion of John Frank Reeve. Thank you John for all the encouragement you have given me. Plus you have opened my eyes to some good Cajun food.
Theresa Oloffson– last but not least is my wife and best friend. I know for you it has been a rough road at times. Helping me balance life and ministry has been challenging. I know at times I have put ministry ahead of the family. I apologize for any hurt feelings but I know in my heart that God has placed us together for a special reason and I look forward to seeing what the next 10 of ministry looks like with you by my side.
For anyone else that has helped ACF reach this 10 year milestone I want to say thank you. Lately we have had Brent and Terri Jamison of Jamison Media Services be a part of what we are doing. So excited to see what God has planned over the next few years. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
