Gary's Centre will bring 'Hope' to Moldova orphans

In August 2008, he travelled to Moldova as part of a team of Christians sent by the local-based ‘Vision of Good Hope – Moldova’ charity. And when he was unexpectedly called to his heavenly home by the Lord Jesus the following February, his friends in the group rightly decided to name a new outreach centre they were building in Moldova after him. Gary’s building was opened on Thursday, April 8, 2010. His parents, David and Helen were part of a 10-strong team who travelled to Eastern Europe to witness the beginning of this very special project. Also there were Gary’s fiance, Rachel, her mum and dad, as well as Mark Neilly and Drew Davison who have been involved with ‘Vision of Good Hope – Moldova’ for many years. Recalling the opening of the new centre, Mark said: “I think that David and Helen were thrilled by what they saw.” “In particular, they were impressed with our missionary, a girl called Marina Gaedenko. Marina has a tremendous vision for the people in Moldova as well as a real desire to share about Jesus Christ.” Everyone involved with ‘Vision of Good Hope’ is really excited about having the centre as it provides them with an opportunity to reach out to the wider community beyond their ‘House of Hope’ orphanage in Transnistria. Mark added: “We reckon there are about 10,000 people living locally in the three villages around the House of Hope and we believe that this is an opportunity for us to share with them the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Children who come to the centre will have the opportunity to play games as well as receiving help with their homework and hearing about the Saviour. Their families will also receive food parcels – a very important practical ministry in Europe’s poorest country. Members of ‘Vision of Good Hope’ are also keen to care for people outside of their own orphanage and outreach centre. For example, during a visit to a state-run boys orphanage, members of the team handed over a set of football strips that had been generously donated by Roy Walker on behalf of Ballymena United FC. Boys at the home are going to receive soccer coaching and hope to play games against schools, colleges, etc. Mark, Drew and the others also donated two tonnes of seed potato to a Christian farmer who has a real desire to help local young people. In return for the use of the tractor and implements bought by the Braid Vintage Enthusiasts a few years ago he has promised to supply the House of Hope with potatoes and other vegetables for free all year round and to pay young men from the home to help with his harvesting in June and September. His vision is to create a village on the 500 acres of land he rents where boys from the House of Hope (and state-run orphanages) would have the chance to buy their own house and hear about Jesus. Drew and Mark also revealed that things are going extremely well at the House of Hope orphanage. “Thirty children currently live there and we have space for five or six more comfortable”, said Drew. “The oldest child, Nastia, will be 18 in a couple of months and she is hoping to go to university in September to study English.” Remarkably, there are now four Vision of Good Hope’ shops which are all doing extremely well and raising money for the work of the charity. The latest outlet is in Ballymoney and is a welcome companion to the one in Rathriland as well as the two in Ballymena. These are found on Church Street and the Larne Road respectively. Members of ‘Vision of Good Hope – Moldova’ who like to thank everyone who has supported the shops or indeed other aspects of their work in any way. For further information, contact Mark Neilly on 028 25 684212. Alternatively, you can log on to: www.visionofgoodhope.co.