September 16, 2019  · AMY HECKMAN

During Freedom Sunday, churches that participate collect an offering to support anti-trafficking ministries around the world. This year, part of that offering will go to support the ministry of Open Door Foundation in Romania. Keep reading to learn how they’re extending hope and care.

Residents enjoy preparing dinner together

In Bucharest, Romania, the local Nazarene church works in partnership with Open Door Foundation to serve women subjected to sex trafficking. Open Door is the only emergency shelter within Romania that offers a holistic approach to care for trafficking survivors.

Survivors are helped through medical treatment, dental care, legal assistance, continuing education and occupational training, job placement assistance, life skill and home management training, emotional and spiritual counseling, and financial assistance. Some women live full time in the shelter, but many more attend support groups and counseling on an outpatient basis. The Open Door staff works with all women on the goal of their full autonomy and reintegration into society, lowering the risk level of being trafficked again.

Residents learn to make jewelry and other crafts

Minors are also treated at Open Door through a day program that meets twice a week at the Nazarene church. Participants are offered therapy, medical and social assistance, legal care, and food supplies.

The local Church of the Nazarene is committed to support this ministry with prayer, and four of the shelter staff are part of the Nazarene church. Volunteers from this and other churches offer workshops and lessons to the residents in cooking, health, and beauty training, and spend time with the residents gardening, crafting, or providing transportation. Many of the Open Door residents attend services at the Nazarene church, and there they find supportive relationships as they learn more about the abundant love and care of God. Recently, two young women from the shelter accepted Christ into their lives, and their family members are starting to attend church with them.

Delivering items to a community where Open Door does prevention work

In the future, the staff of Open Door hope to expand their work to include a shelter for minors and a second shelter for women.

This Freedom Sunday, pray for the staff of Open Door Foundation, the local Nazarene church partnering with them, and the 124 survivors of exploitation currently receiving care there.

Learn more about the Open Door Foundation and leadership.

Learn more about Freedom Sunday, held this year on September 22, 2019.