On a mission to Moldova

A break from college classes opened opportunity for a Crane woman to do the extraordinary with her time off instead of relaxing in summer slumber.

With her eye on a mission of hope and sharing Christ, 22-year-old Cori Crumrine traveled to the Republic of Moldova in Eastern Europe for an eight-day adventure with orphans there.

The June journey may have been her second visit to the country, but Crumrine - a senior at Texas Tech University in Lubbock - said it was unlike anything she'd ever experienced before, and she hopes to return.

Organized through Children's Emergency Relief International and Baptist Child and Family Services, the mission trip involved humanitarian work in one of Moldova's orphanages and a Gospel message through Bible lessons, which were translated into Romanian and Russian.

Crumrine and five other college women from Texas held a Vacation Bible School with crafts, songs, snacks and lessons for the 40-some children who attended. They also distributed hygiene bags to the orphanage - complete with toiletries that are difficult to come by in the country.

About 16,000 children in Moldova live under government care because of the country's social and economic struggles. Crumrine said she was awakened to the vast needs during her first visit in December.

"There's about 69 orphanages in Moldova  - it's one of the poorest countries in Europe, and it has the highest child trafficking rate," she said. "We were warned before we left that it was pretty dangerous, but never was I afraid."

Haley Smith, news editor for Baptist Child and Family Services and CERI, said the nonprofit's programs extend beyond denominational lines to help children in desperate circumstances around the globe. In Moldova, the group sends volunteers to run camps and provide support to the government-operated orphanages.

She said there's work under way to move from mass orphanage system to an in-home foster care program.

"It's a culture where they typically don't take in other people's children," she said. "I think we have a great opportunity to impact the world for Christ."

Brenda Sanders, student missions consultant for Baptist Student Ministries and Go Now Missions, helps recruit college students for various mission trips and to aid the fund-raising process. Many of the trips are in direct relation to a student's degree major and apply their knowledge or skills.

"This year we had 333 students from all over Texas - they went to 17 other states and 30 different counties," Sanders said. "Every trip will have a different focus, but it's an opportunity to show and tell about the name of Jesus Christ."

Despite the language barrier, Crumrine said her time with the orphans of Moldova was profitable, and she conveyed the love of Christ through her compassion.

"I really loved the kids. They were so hungry for attention and love," she said. "We were able to spend more time with the kids every day, getting to know them and find out what their circumstances were and what they like - it's a short amount of time for the blessing you get.

"I hope that they understand that no matter if they have parents or not, they're loved by someone around the world and the creator of the universe," she said.

WHAT IS CERI?
>> Children's Emergency Relief International (CERI) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping hurting children around the world. CERI has programs in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.  CERI's mission is to provide hope for children, healing for families and help for communities around the world. 

WHO WENT?
The following college students went on the recent CERI trip to Moldova:
>> Staci Byrd, Midwestern University in Wichita Falls.
>> Cori Crumrine, Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
>> Valarie Randolph, Texas A&M University, College Station.
>> Claire Thompson, Texas A&M University, College Station.
>> Misti Tuerck, Baylor University and George Fox University.
>> Ashley Venzant, University of Texas at Arlington.

WANT TO HELP?
>> Sign up to sponsor an orphan in Moldova for $35 a month.
>> Visit the Children's Emergency Relief International at www.cerikids.org.
>> Those interested in CERI mission trips should contact executive director Dearing Garner at 281-360-3702 or e-mail dgarner@bcfs.net