TEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRY WORK

Q. Why are you doing this kind of work in Romania when there are people in America with exactly the same needs?
A. We’re doing this work in Romania because this is where God sent us to do this work. The social and economic reality is that there is a big difference between America and a third world country like Romania. In America, there are many government social programs, food stamps, low-income housing, and educational opportunities for low-income people. These types of programs are just not available in Romania. Only the private social foundations, like ours, are helping. And because there is so little help from the government, many families resort to putting their children into orphanages. The spiritual reality is the same in both countries and for people all over the world. The Bible tells us that mans’ biggest problem is not financial, but spiritual. Our sin nature, our rebellion against and our separation from God is the biggest problem. As a result, no matter where we live in the world, our greatest need is to become reconciled to God.

Q. What percentage of the people you minister to actually end up accepting Christ?
A. We have never felt it necessary to keep records of this type of percentage. Some women that come through the care home may say the right words only to manipulate for selfish gain; some may say the right words and then fall away eventually. We don’t know what is truly in each person’s heart. However, we do know that all of the woman and children who come here to stay see lives of faith lived out before them. All are shown the truth of the Gospel and the good news of salvation. All are cared for and shown the love of God. All the children living here are saved from abandonment or from living a life on the streets or in an orphanage. The mothers have an opportunity to grow in their faith, to heal and change their lives. Some women may have had seeds planted while they were here that at another time in their lives might bear fruit. We are doing what God is asking us to do. The rest is up to Him. God provided His Holy Word, the Bible. Jesus provided a way of salvation for all who would believe. God has done all that He has done to provide a way of salvation through faith for everyone on earth. And yet there are still those who will end up eternally separated from God because of their unbelief. Because there will be a judgment in the last days proves that we are each held responsible for receiving the Truth or denying it. 

Q. How many of the women that come through your program make a successful transition back into society?
A. As the world measures success, over 95% of the women have transitioned back into society well. But success in God’s eyes is whether or not they are now living their lives in obedience to Him. Only two or possibly three women who have left the care home have returned to their old ways of life. Most have been drastically changed for the better.

Q. How are the women placed in the care home? Is it through the government or some other means?
A. We only receive women into the care home through referrals from our collaborators. This is usually from crisis pregnancy centers we work with, local churches, child protection, or other social foundations that know of our work.

Q. How long is a woman allowed to stay at the care home?
A. Each case is determined individually. Some women with their children have stayed a very short time, while others have stayed a few years. The Lord makes it very clear to them and to us when they are to move on.

Q. What kinds of things do you need to keep the care home running?
A. Prayer support and monthly financial support are both our greatest ongoing needs.

Q. If I want to send materials, clothing or supplies, how do I do that?
A. Email our stateside representatives, Tom and Marion Caldwell, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they will email you a list of supplies needed and information on the best way to ship those materials.

Q. Can American doctors be a part of the medical van ministry on a short-term basis?
A. Yes, indeed! According to Romanian law, foreign doctors must work under the authority of a licensed Romanian doctor. Once the medical van ministry is fully funded, we will have a full time Romanian doctor on our staff.

Q. If I want to be a part of a short-term team to your ministry, whom should I contact?
A. International Messengers office at 800-243-6763, or email Tom and Marion Caldwell, our stateside representatives at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Q. If I want to make contributions to a specific part of your ministry, how do I do that?
A. Make the check out to International Messengers and on a separate piece of paper designate the funds to go to River of Life ministries in whatever specific area you desire: River of Life Care Home, medical van, elderly care home, etc. Your contribution will be tax deductible. Mail checks to International Messengers, PO Box 618, Clear Lake, IA 50428.  More information about donations can be found on the Donate page.

Photos-Top to Bottom: Mom & baby with River of Life Care Home in background, aerial view of the River of Life Care Home facility, some of the moms and kids residing at the Care Home, River of Life staff-both nationals and Americans.