Bethesda Foundation

Over 25 years ago, the Bethesda Foundation began as a modest shelter for boys, responding to the urgent needs of abandoned street children in Romania. Estera and Benu initially opened their home to these boys, offering them warm meals and messages of love and hope. As their efforts expanded, they acquired a building to shelter orphaned boys, and even laid the groundwork for a new church. What was the boys’ home has now evolved into apartments that house refugees and also provide accommodations for missionaries visiting to support the work of Bethesda House.

Bethesda now operates a girls’ home, providing a nurturing environment for abandoned and orphaned young girls, complete with a resident adult ‘mother,’ a nurse and a cook. They also run a day center that opens before and after school, offering meals, tutoring, computer access, school supplies and basic hygiene services such as showers and laundry. Here, children can also receive basic medical care, new clothes and learn about the hope found in Christ. This center serves as a safe haven from life’s challenges, ensuring children always have a supportive place to turn.

Bethesda also hosts an annual summer camp for local children from the day center and church, and provides emergency relief for families in crisis. More recently, they’ve been able to assist refugee families from Ukraine. We’re very thankful to partner with the wonderful, dedicated people of Bethesda Foundation!