Under communism, the country of Romania, and in particular the Gypsy people group, severely suffered. Children of certain groups in the country suffered more than others, causing them to be abandoned and also neglected.
God was at work when Jayme Metzgar’s mission trip brought her to Romania and also to the apartment of Corina Caba. At that time Corina, right our of college, was caring for seven abandoned babies and working toward placing them in adoptive families. After Jayme returned home, Romania Reborn was founded with the goal of supporting the work of Corina both financially and in prayer. I should add here that I recall that Jayme was right out of high school when she went to Romania and her life intersected with Corina’s. (So we see Jayme, right out of high school and Corina right out of college.)
Since its inception, Romania Reborn has remained solidly focused on the children of Romania. They are able to find safe homes for abandoned and neglected children and assist families in adopting these children as their own. Romania Reborn also has foster families who are willing to care for children for the long term who are unable to be adopted due to legal and cultural issues. Romanian law dictates that only Romanian citizens can adopt Romanian children, which is why children can only be adopted by Romanian families.
Romania Reborn has several ways we can help. Donors can join the Family Support Team, where their donations go directly toward adoption expenses, such as court costs, home studies, etc until a child is placed in the home of their new family. Also, donors can become a Foster Sponsor, which enables children who are prevented from being adopted, to be cared for by a loving foster family.
From Romania Reborn’s website, “Our goal in ministry is not only to save children from abandonment, but also to share the beauty and power of the Gospel at every opportunity.”
I learned of Romania Reborn years ago, directly through Jayme as we attended the same church in West Virginia. Her passion for the work there is evident every time I hear her speak. Jayme and Corina were so very young when Romania Reborn began, which is a great testament that the Lord will give young people whatever tools they need when they set out to accomplish His work!