The Agape Project

In MLI’s mission, spiritual and social objectives go hand in hand, as they are both part of the same gospel. MLI seeks to bring good news to the poor and the outcasts – caring for them as whole persons, with both physical and spiritual needs.

Besides orphans and the disadvantaged, the elderly are those who have suffered most as a result of many years of communism. They worked hard and did their best during those years of oppression. Most of them lost their health during that time. They do receive a pension but after years of inflation at a rate of over 3400% it is not enough to afford a decent life, nor adequately meet their needs – medical or otherwise. Like every human being, they deserve at least a decent life.

The Agape Projects sets out to serve the elderly and poor in the community in Timisora (a city of approximately 400,000) by providing them with a daily meal Monday through Friday, as well as emotional and spiritual encouragement and support.

Life Stories…

Mrs. L.C. is a 52-year-old widow who lives in Timisoara. She rents a single room and shares a bathroom and kitchen with her two neighbors. She has one married daughter who has no children and with whom she does not have a close relationship. The reason for this estrangement is Mrs. L.C.’s faith (she is a Christian and attends a Pentecostal church.)

Mrs. L.C. has had serious mental problems. She suffered from a period of depression during which she became very discouraged and “felt that she had no purpose in life, until she met God.” She feels much better now, even though she doesn’t receive any support from her daughter. Her only source of hope is her faith.

Because of her psychiatric problems, she has not been able to work except for short periods of time, and she doesn’t have any qualifications. She is retired, on an invalidity pension, and her income is not sufficient to support herself.

Mrs. L.C. has been accepted asthe beneficiary of services andministry provided through Agape,and is very happy when she receives her daily meal. She has told me that this is the answer to one of her prayers, showing that even if your family gives up on you, the Lord “never deserts you!”

– Luminita Barbulescu