about

Art, poetry and reflections
by the children of the
Fundeni Hospital Playroom
in Bucharest, Romania.

“The most unfounded hope is much more founded than the most founded despair.” – Richard Wurmbrand Despair is useless. Hope, on the other hand, is a “tree of life” energizing the spirit, providing healing, and generating inexplicable strength. Hope comes in many forms: a comforting word, an affirming touch, good news, an unexpected gift, a compliment, a personal achievement, an inspiring story… Many have conquered seemingly insurmountable challenges through a confident hope in something or someone greater than themselves. I’m reminded of the Bible story of David the simple shepherd boy who, through his undaunted faith and hope in his great God, defeated the “unbeatable” Philistine giant warrior, Goliath of Gath, with only a sling and a rock. David’s hope also led him to compose the comforting words we often repeat when facing life's difficulties: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Since 1995, For God’s Children International (FGCI) has been working in Romania with children who are battling “giants” and walking through “shadowy valleys” like abandonment, homelessness, poverty, hunger, and illness. Our motto and mission is: “to provide hope, dignity and love in Jesus’ name” for God’s precious, hurting children. One of the lamentable by-products of suffering is hopelessness. Despair cripples the soul and drains the joy out of life. But where hope flourishes, there is courage, purpose and power. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). I find my joy and strength in the hope of eternal life I have through my
Savior Jesus Christ. And this hope is not just reserved for sometime in

the future; it is active right now!
FGCI is delighted to partner with our friends at the Fundeni Hospital to provide a place of hope, joy and community for the dozens of children whose “home”—sometimes for months at a time—is the hospital. Dr. Nicolescu and the quality medical staff of the Fundeni Hospital pediatric wing provide invaluable care to hundreds of children who come to the facility for treatment each year. Corina, Elena and our other workers in the Playroom (Sala de joacă) program sponsored by FGCI and the White-Yellow Cross Foundation (Ilfov Branch) in cooperation with the Fundeni Hospital, compliment the children’s medical care by offering inspiration, emotional support, fun, storytelling adventures, creative arts, friendships, and a daily distraction from dealing with severe illness. The Fundeni Hospital Playroom is truly an oasis of hope for children passing through a desert of affliction.
Jared Neher and the Sala de joacă staff have compiled an impressive assortment of perspectives on “hope” in this wonderful book, Hope Illustrated. Here we discover an intimate look at life from the unique viewpoints and personal experiences of the Fundeni Hospital Playroom children. Presented in simplicity and honesty, their artistic expressions exude wisdom, humor, pain, joy, sorrow, courage, inspiration, and hope. It is our pleasure to sponsor the publishing of this special book. [All of the profits from the sales of Hope Illustrated will directly benefit the children in the Fundeni Hospital Pediatric Clinic.] May it bless and brighten the lives of all who read it.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
– Joel Burkum, Executive Director, For God’s Children International