Since 2014, we have been serving in Eastern Europe in the tiny land-locked country of Moldova. For five of our years in Moldova, we worked alongside a US based non-profit with houses for young men and young women here in Moldova. Within this organization, we served as house parents to many young women who had either aged out of the orphanage system or were from socially vulnerable families. Our goal there was to provide them access to a safe and loving home, access to education, and a chance to know Jesus. We loved doing life with our girls and daily showing them God’s love! Since our departure from that organization in the summer of 2019, we have been continuing to maintain relationships with many of the dear young women with whom we have worked. We have also increased our vision to include partnering with and supporting local organizations and families who are doing the work of loving and caring for children and youth from Vulnerable groups. we love being able to build intentional relationships with amazing young Moldovans. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use our gifts for his glory within the Moldovan community! We look forward to Partnering with you! Team Jones in Moldova
Since their move to Moldova, every day life for Brian and Kathryn has been quite full. They have served as administrators, house parents, foster parents, local liaisons, teachers, trainers, camp leaders, mentors, handymen, and much more in Moldova. They have had over sixty young people be cared for in their homes over the last eleven years. Their hearts are for seeing every child in a loving family. Brian and Kathryn’s goal is to daily live out the gospel by loving people just as they are and to be a beacon of hope in a country where hope is often difficult to find. They continue to work with local families, schools, orphanages, churches, and other NGOs to assist in various ways, share the gospel, and to share information and training about personal safety, disability education, attachment, play, and trauma-informed care. These trainings have proven to be a beautiful place to begin conversations about God’s heart for His children. Over the past several years, they’ve also had many opportunities to serve refugee families from Ukraine who have moved into Moldova.
Camps are a big deal in Moldova. Since 2014, Team Jones has participated in COUNTLESS camps. In previous summers, alongside two other local organizations, they helped with a five day anti-trafficking camp for 150 young women from orphanages and vulnerable families across Moldova. Throughout their time in Moldova, Team Jones has had the privilege to participate in and lead camps with different orphanages, centers, churches and NGOs within Moldova.
Kathryn and Brian try to spend as much of their time as possible continuing to show up for the young people they have served- many of whom are now married and some are even parents! Over the years, Brian has had the opportunity to walk many of our girls down the aisle. It is the biggest honor of his life to continue to be called into the role of father for so many of our dear ones. Team Jones continues to be overwhelmed with God’s goodness that they have the honor to be a part of the lives of these precious young women. The greatest joy for Brian and Kathryn is seeing the girls independent, in healthy relationships, and loving Jesus! Kathryn and Brian are a part of the Christian Alliance of Moldova without Orphans. In this role, Kathryn has the opportunity to train parents and caregivers all over the country. God continues to provide ways for Team Jones to show up and show God’s love to all of the amazing young people in Moldova. Thank you to everyone for supporting Team Jones in Moldova and for making daily life in Moldova happen!
Keep Up with the Joneses