Sanctuary — An Orphanage in Ocna Mures, Romania

Dozens of orphaned children lay neglected in torn, damp cots in a run-down hospital. With a meager staff and scant supplies, the facility couldn’t provide the children with the vital care they needed. Undernourished and suffering, these orphans were starved for love. Some had gone for days without being touched by an adult.

The sight of their condition shocked Gary and Kelly Wilkerson, who were visiting the hospital in Romania. They asked the facility’s director, “Would you give us these children if we could provide care for them?” His sober response: “It would take a miracle.”

“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
God provided that miracle. In 1992, not long after the Wilkersons’ visit, World Challenge purchased a home just down the street from the hospital. Refurbished and staffed with loving, nurturing caregivers, Sanctuary opened its arms to the parentless children living a few blocks away. Overnight, an entire hospital wing emptied as orphans found a warm, loving home.

At Sanctuary, children who had no concept of hope now have a future available to them. Love fills the house, as young hearts and minds are filled with God’s Word. They enjoy sports and creative activities, and are educated in the basics until they’re old enough to attend school. Children who once barely had any human contact are now being integrated into society as beloved servants of Jesus Christ.

Many of the children at Sanctuary have been adopted by families from America, Israel, Italy, France and other nations. Yet, now that international adoptions have been closed, we are praying for godly families in Romania to adopt the children.

As the need continues to expand, Sanctuary has had to add more houses and facilities. World Challenge has also planted a church in the community, with the words and works of Jesus making a profound impact. The World Challenge medical team makes regular trips to Sanctuary, to provide physicals and medical care for both the children and the staff.

At Sanctuary, orphaned children are growing to understand that God truly is their loving Father—one who will care for them and never leave them.