In Moldova’s rural villages, mothers and grandmothers often bear the weight of their families on their shoulders. Many live in the shadows of hardship—poverty, loneliness, and the struggles that come from raising children in difficult circumstances. Yet, they press on with resilience, offering love, stability, and strength to their families.
At JMI, we believe these women deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported. That’s why we created the Celebrations for Mothers program, a special initiative that brings joy, encouragement, and spiritual renewal to the caregivers of our sponsored children.
These gatherings are more than just events; they are a source of renewal and hope. For a few precious hours, women step away from the burdens of daily life and into a space filled with warmth, laughter, and fellowship. They are greeted with beautifully decorated spaces, engaging activities, singing, and an uplifting message from the Bible. More than anything, they are reminded that they are valued, loved, and not alone.
Moments That Matter
Each celebration is unique, but the heart remains the same—to bless and encourage women who often put themselves last. In February, we gathered in Straseni village at Emmanuel Church, where 15 women came together for a time of learning, worship, and community. For many, it was the first time they had experienced an event just for them, and emotions ran high. There was laughter, thoughtful discussions, and even tears of gratitude. The women left inspired, and the church leadership expressed their deep appreciation, vowing to continue these gatherings long after our team had gone.
In March, another beautiful celebration took place in the village of Maramonovca village. This time, 30 women attended, including mothers of sponsored children and women from the local church. The small congregation welcomed us warmly, and despite the many responsibilities on their shoulders, Pastor Alexander and his wife, Tamara, opened their doors for this special occasion.
Through music, discussions, and moving testimonies, the women explored what it means to be a daughter of God. They created handcrafted candles—an art therapy exercise that allowed them to express themselves and experience the joy of making something. One mother, Antonina, a woman raising four children in our sponsorship program, broke down in tears while sharing her struggles. But in that sacred moment, she was embraced by the women around her—her pain acknowledged, her burden shared. By the end of the night, she, like so many others, left with renewed hope.
A Simple Gift, A Profound Impact
At the close of each celebration, every woman receives a small, meaningful gift—a bag filled with personal items, a keepsake they might never buy for themselves. More importantly, they receive a printed photo from the evening as a tangible reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved. The smiles captured in those photos tell a sweet story: for one evening, these women could step out of their daily struggles and into shared joy.
Why This Matters
This Mother’s Day, as we honor the mothers in our own lives, we also turn our hearts to the unseen mothers and grandmothers of Moldova—women who give everything for their families yet often receive so little in return.
Through your support, we can continue to offer these celebrations, to remind these incredible women that they are not forgotten. That they are cherished. That they are loved by God and by a community that spans across oceans.
JMI’s Celebrations for Mothers in Moldova are supported through our General Fund. We would love for you to consider a monthly gift of $25 or more to help keep this program going. Sign up for our community of monthly givers, called the Justice League, here.
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