Bates

“INASMUCH as you have done it unto the least of these,

my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

December 2, 2005

Dear Friends of the widows and orphans,

When we came to Romania 15 years ago, open doors abounded. People were hungry for anything other than the godless false religion called communism. Even though they promised the people "every thing in common" like the book of Acts, but by force and without God, every religion fails. Lies, betrayal, brain-washing, fear, threats, deprivation were a way of life.

They destroyed the Braille Bibles from the poor, helpless blind. They put orphans, the handicapped, and the mentally ill, in prison-like institutions in order to hide them from society. The "new man of communism" certainly had no place for those God exalted. Our God even made the test of our faith, not to be mere words, but our love and care for those the world despises.

If you really want to be an effective witness, you must become involved in humanity. They will SEE our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.

He has allowed us to print the Bible in Braille for Romania and the Republic of Moldova (which is still a communist country).

The orphans captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. But few realize that those that were rejected by society and were left to fight for survival in the hell-holes called "Children's Homes" were cruelly and mercilessly cast out of the only home they ever knew to fight again for survival on the streets in the best way they could. Stealing, lying, prostitution, pedophilia, poverty, prison were their only options, or so they thought. But God cared for them even though the world did not.

God has privileged us to have three homes for these rejected orphan girls, street kids who want to leave the streets, and mothers and their children who had to live on the street. They were given a safe place to live in Jesus’ Name. In all we have taken over 300 out of Satan's cruel clutches. Many were able to find a place in society, some went back to the streets, and 44 orphan girls are still with us. They live in a beautiful home. Some are working and some are so handicapped, they can never be reintegrated into society. All suffer physical and emotional scars from their past life in the horrid orphanages. Some of our girls were snatched from the very hands of the pimps and brought to our homes.

Such Kingdom work as this infuriates the devil and his wicked servants. He wants us all to bow to His lying temptations and bear his rotten fruit... misery, unhappiness, deceit,, abuse (especially of children and those that God gives special attention), divided families, hatred, wars, and everything evil and against God.

Our life here in Romania has changed immeasurably since getting more involved in broken humanity. We have been blessed much more than we could ever help them. For example, there is a great open door among the gypsies. God has stirred their hearts to hunger for knowledge of Him. Praise God for that. Ron’s major emphasis is teaching and preaching in their villages.

All this could not have happened without the prayers and friendship and physical help from God's people. We get no help from the government - everything is channeled through the hands and hearts of wonderful Saints of God. God chose it to be this way....not only for our blessing, but that He will be glorified through His people who act and react differently than the world.

Because of Katrina, many people were touched by that need (and rightfully so), but overseas ministries often have suffered. We believe that this will be only temporary. These handicapped girls don't understand the world's many crises and tragedies, only their present vulnerability and dependence on you and me, by God's grace, to supply their every need. So far, He has, but now times are very difficult.

Many have asked about the urgent needs. Winter is upon us and we need to buy wood, radiators for Bolintin, heating system for one home in Ciorogirla, replace plumbing, paper for printing the Bible in Braille, divide the bedrooms into separate, rooms, carpet, three washing machines and two dryers, two computers for their classes, etc.

We have some stories called "Children of the Night" on our website. www.inasmuch.ro We have a video of the work at www.inasmuch.ro. This is a perfect tool for evangelism and to soften hardened hearts through the lives of these girls. If God, without limit, loves these cast-off "Ragamuffin dolls"...... He certainly loves us, who are without any merit.

If you would like a copy, you can download it if you have a high speed connection (or go to an Internet Café) or write and we will send a copy.

May God richly bless and keep us all until we see Him face to face and begin to more fully know what a God of love we really serve. Shalom,

Ron and Sue Bates

Thank you, God for restoring the health of Ron and me... the trials are so great. If you throw a rock at the devil (by doing good) he will dump a truck-load on your head. Never give up doing good! We will be rewarded for giving even a cup of cold water in the Name of our Lord.

November 6th, 2005

Greetings from a beautiful Romania,

Because our girls were raised in such deprivation and abuse and neglect, they suffer from multiple health problems. We have to spend hundreds of dollars a month for dentist, doctors, medicine, vitamins, and tests. One girl, Elena, needs special care because she has epilepsy, is severely damaged because of a lifetime of malnutrition, has become uncontrolable and violent. There is no place to send her.......no one wants her.

And yet the Department of Child Protection (so-called) wants our foundation closed. A governmental agency, whom we visited, who is over them said this was clearly a case of abuse and harassment of us. The court will tell us their decision this next week. Thank you for your prayers for these girls.......keep on praying. They deserve our help.

Regarding my health problems and the abdominal tumor. The doctors said it is most certainly benign and surgery isn't so urgent at this time. I was admitted to the hospital because one of our workers noticed I was yellow in color. I had no energy and knew something was wrong. She is also a nurse and said I had severe anemia and needed blood tests. My hemoglobin was so low, the doctors said I wouldn't last another five days. They kept me in the hospital and gave me blood and what a miracle took place! It saved my life. But much damage was done because of a lack of blood and oxygen to my organs. My heart and lungs started failing, but thank God, He brought me through this valley. And because my pancreas started getting blood, it started working. They were giving me heavy doses of insulin because my blood sugar level was 300 - 400. Then, I started producing insulin like I should......and then received too much insulin. I went into insulin shock and almost died from that...my blood sugar went down to 26. Doctors and nurses were soon there there trying to revive me because they didn't want an American dying in their hospital.....and because they cared. They said I would have to take insulin all my life. But because of this crisis....I said I was too afraid and wanted only to take tablets. My blood sugar is normal now without insulin.

Praise God for His mercy and grace. There is power in His blood and power in the blood He put in our bodies. I sincerely believe that several years ago if I had gotten a blood test and started taking iron......that I would still have my leg and eyesight. My eyes started improving after they got some blood circulating. Amazing, but it shouldn't be. God told us the key to life and good health is in the blood. My urgent plea is for you all to get blood tests to see if you are anemic. Anemia can cause a multitude of problems and even death.

Seven percent of American children are anemic and over fifty percent of Romanian children. It can cause major health problems, retardation, and even death. Pity and warn anyone with this problem.

I thank God for you every day.......for life and friends He has sent our way. For all who sent emails, letters and telephoned us......it made me feel so good and happy.

Sometimes I get so depressed beause of all the stress and problems with the court. Someone said if you throw a rock at the devil, he will dump a truck-load on your head. We threw rocks at him by rescuing these orphan girls from the wicked, dangerous streets....and some even from a life of prostitution just to survive......and the devil was angry. He is very revengful. Vengence is God's - not his.

Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood..."

We love you and thank God for you every day..........sue and ron

September 21, 2005

KATRINA washed away a city and at the same time washed open an ugly sore that has been festering for a long time. There were many, many acts of heroism - people risking their lives for their families and neighbors and even strangers. And that is the way it is supposed to be. But when the world heard how despicably some acted - they were horrified. The Muslims and Communists said, "I told you so - this is what America is really like... their so - called freedom and Christianity are a farce."

What would cause a people in a time of great crisis to rob, loot, destroy, burn, rape children, snatch babies from their mother's arm is just to insure a seat on the bus? Is it our welfare system? Is it because people's minds are twisted and hearts are hardened from watching violence and pornography on TV? Is it because we are living in the last days and men are without natural affection? Is poverty the reason? Racism? Governmental failure? Or not enough churches?

Preachers and politicians will forever be seeking answers. But for certain, we know that the ones who acted in an animalistic way were not following the principles of the lowly man of Galilee who laid down His life for even His enemies.

Years ago, the mainstream churches left the ghettos and moved to the suburbs... leaving a spiritual vacuum in their culture. All the money in the world cannot heal this deep wound of the soul. The only way... is the way of the cross. We must take the gospel to the criminals, the outcasts, the poor, the marginalized... the message of love and forgiveness is our only hope.

FLOODS IN ROMANIA: The devastation caused by months of flooding got very little media attention. In some areas it rained night and day for three months. The water was so swift that graves were washed open. It was impossible to bury the bodies. Very little has been given to help the suffering. (And now the rains have started again - and it is very serious. Pray that the rain will stop.) They could have gotten millions from the European Union, if the president would have declared it a national emergency... but he didn't. The damage in our immediate area is due to heavy rains destroying roofs. We are glad to be able to help when we can.

Do you know the difference between relative poverty and abject poverty? When Jesus said "Blessed are the poor." what and who did He mean? Is it a blessing to be poor and starving?

PERSONAL NOTE: My eye was doing better after surgery, but I had a hemorrhage two times and lost my sight. It is now improving... so please pray that it will heal.

GIRLS' HOME IN BOLINTIN: Some of them have jobs in a sewing factory. We are hoping they will not get bored and cause problems and will be able to keep working. We have several needs to pray about: winter is coming on and we need coats, winter boots and clothing, blankets, firewood, radiators for the new room, three new washing machines, two dryers, and two computers. So many of them are constantly sick because of their past abuse in the orphanages. Every week, we have to go to the doctors and dentists with some of them. Several have kidney stones and might need surgery if the treatment doesn't work. This is all very costly, but they have no one else to care for them. Please pray for them.

September 30 is the trial date: the Romanian government vs. the orphans and outcasts. Who do you think will win?

May God bless and keep us all in His gentle care, Sue and Ron

Psalm 68:4,5 "Sing unto God, sing praises to His name: extol Him that rideth on the heavens, by His name JAH, and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation."

Ron and Sue Bates

June 12, 2005

Psalm 82:3,4 "Defend the poor and the fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and the needy. Deliver the poor and the needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked."

PRAY that the officials that want to close our homes for abandoned mothers, children and young women will have a change of heart. Our crime: we took in too many without their permission; we didn't give bribes when they hinted for a gift; we were not able to get the homes up to European standards as fast as they wanted. They told us to put them out - even back on the streets and we didn't and wouldn't. For those of you who sent special offerings to help with the remodeling, we give thanks. We aren't finished, but have come a long way. Pray that these officials will see these outcast girls and children through eyes of love and grace and not the letter of the law.

When a young orphan girl comes to us after being rejected all her life and put on the streets......and she asks for shelter from the pimps and perverts......are we supposed to say, "Sorry, we can't take you in until we raise money for Thermo-pane windows so we can get a license to keep you. Be ye warmed and filled."

When a mother comes to us in the freezing night with her three small hungry children with no place to go, we cannot say that we don't have enough square footage or bathrooms....so go back to the streets where they might be raped or killed. In our opinion (and we believe the Bible's) justice and grace lets them in and law shuts them out.

PRAY that God will alter their opinion and quest to shut down private homes for children. We want to work peacefully with the officials, not against them. We will all be blessed if we are on God's side. Pray that God will grant us favor in their sight and that they will give us the license we need.

Will God desert His orphans and let them lose the only home they have ever known? I think not because He is their Father.

He is the Father to the fatherless.

Prayer can move mountains and change stubborn, greedy hearts. Please pray earnestly for these oppressed children and young women. Psalm9:9 "The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

PRAY for Sue Wednesday, the 15th pf June. She will finally have the eye surgery needed on her right eye. Damage done by an eye injury and diabetes hopefully can be corrected. The doctors say she has a 50/50 chance of saving her eye. They will do cataract surgery on her left eye later. Other than that, she is doing great and waiting for her prosthesis to be made.

PRAY: Continue to pray for Mariana, our co-worker, who works on the Bible in Braille. She is only 40, but had a stroke. She was paralyzed on her left side, but is now able to walk a little. She thanks you for your prayers.

PRAY for the work printing the Bible in Braille We took 16 blind and handicapped believers to Moldova for camp. They had a great time of fellowship, food, singing and preaching. For these who are forced to spend most of their time in their apartments, this was a great treat. They give you thanks for helping them to make this special trip to be with other suffering Saints.

PRAY for those all over the globe that are working with "children at risk". Satan's days are numbered and he delights in trying to make people's lives (especially chuldren's). so miserable that they will curse God instead of bless Him. But our God evokes the praises of men, women, and children, even in ihe midst of their suffering. My, what an incredible God we serve.

GREAT NEWS: We are grandparents! Dana and Brandi had an 8 pound 10 ouncre baby girl named Briana. They are in California and willl return in August to resume their camp ministry. Pray for Briana and her parents!

We love and appreciate you all.......sue and ron

May 15, 2005

Dear Friends,

We hope this message finds you all well and rejoicing in the Lord. We are rejoicing because of the kindness and generosity you have shown us and the needy orphans and outcasts of Romania and Moldova .

It always makes us feel so good to know there are brothers and sisters like you all supporting us in prayer and fellowship. The needs are so great in these so-called former communist countries. Needs are both physical and spiritual.

Because kind believers like you help us to help others, it opens the door for the gospel. We just don't tell them: "Be ye warmed and filled," but are able to help in a substantial way so they will know that someone cares for them, not just in word, but in deed.

There are many, many examples of how the fellowship gifts are spent. Because the economy is so horrendous, the people are struggling to survive. And, of course, the children and elderly suffer the most.

We have a program called, "Baby Smiles". We give milk, food, clothing to mothers so they won't have to abandon their children. We work with a children's hospital in nearby Bolintin Vale. The administrator told me they have no abandoned babies in their hospital! Abandonment is very common because if a mother doesn't have enough food for her baby, she will take it to a hospital, pretending it is sick, and leave it.

But, at the hospital where we help, the lady doctor said that if a mother is thinking about abandoning her newborn, she is given clothing, milk and whatever she needs and tells her to come back in three months to see if she still wants to give up her child. The doctor said a mother has never come back because this gives her time to bond with her child.

Because of such kind of help, we find it easy to tell of Christ's love for the mother and child. Their appreciation and response is incredible.

We also have the privilege of helping poor families who have no jobs, but have large families to feed. This is mostly in the gypsy villages. When a gypsy comes to Christ, that usually means that they are without a job. Some were involved in questionable activities and when they came to Christ, they stopped their dishonest practices. They have a very difficult life.

We also help homeless mothers and children to have a place to stay until they can be reintegrated back into society. We feel like they should work and be independent, whenever possible.

We have a ministry to the street children - taking them food and clothing and the love of Christ for their pitiful lives. This is a very, very difficult ministry, because most of them immediately get on drugs and involved in illegal activities just to survive. We have been told by the religious leaders to stop helping them and to begin helping someone who deserves our help. So, this is a wonderful opportunity to tell them that none of us deserve God's grace......it is unmerited and free to all.

Our major ministry is the girl's home in Bolintin Deal. We have about 50 girls who were raised in the hell-holes called orphanages and then put out on the cruel streets when they turn 18, totally unprepared for what they face. The pimps and perverts are waiting for them at the train stations where most of them go to beg. We have been privileged to rescue these poor, pitiful girls. All their lives, they suffered abuse, neglect, and rejection. Now, they have a place of safety and security. They now suffer from physical and behavioral problems due to a lack of proper food and parental love. But, with God's grace and help, we want to help them be all that God would want them to be.

Most of them have come to Christ and desire to know Him more fully.....even with their handicaps.

Please pray that God will provide all their needs according tp His riches in glory. Because Romania is going to enter the European Union next year, they are requiring the private institutions to make their homes according to Western European standards. For example, we are too crowded and must add on extra rooms and 8 more bathrooms. This is quite expensive, but God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and cares deeply for these outcast girls.

May God be with you in a special, intimate way for giving to Him through them. Please remember "the least of these, my orphans and street kids," as you celebrate the august privilege of receiving the call to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

2 Corinthians 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through His poverty, might be rich."

We love you and are praying for you.......Ron and Sue

"We are never more like Jesus than when we are choked with compassion for others."

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Sue couldn't have eye surgery because there was't a place in the hospital. It will be in 2 to 3 weeks, Lord willing. She is waiting for her prosthesis to be made so she can hopefully walk again. Ron is doing very well - stronger than before his stroke. The doctors said this is a miracle. Why do we call it a miracle when it is God's every day goodness and mercy.

Mariana, one of our office workers in the Braille Printing House - is in the hospital. She is only 40 years old, but has a blood leakage in her brain. She is paralyzed on her left side. Pray for her full recovery.

Daniela, wife of missionary, Martin Mallette, has a herniated disk and is in severe pain. Pray that she will not have to have surgery.

We have been given two extra weeks to finishe the repairs, remodeling. addition to Bolintin. Pray that we will accomplish this and receive accreditation for the glory of God and the good of these girls.

Pray that we will grow in the grace and wisdom of our gracious God.

Pray that we all will be privileged to reach more with the GOOD NEWS of the glorious gospel of love and forgiveness found only through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.