A Journey of Legacy and Hope
*names have been changed to protect the identities of families
June 15, 2025
A Journey of Legacy and Hope
As I write this, Debby Gass, our CEO, and her dear friend Rebecca—a retired special education teacher—are preparing to board a plane to Timișoara, Romania, home to The Village of Hope headquarters. This trip holds profound significance: it’s Debby’s first return to Romania since the passing of her beloved husband, Bob, and her first visit without him by her side.
Bob and Debby’s shared legacy has always been rooted in serving widows and the poor, inspired by the biblical call in James 1:27:
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”
Over the past 34 years, your unwavering support has transformed this vision into reality, impacting countless lives.
Debby eagerly anticipates reuniting with our Executive Director, Mariana Petersel, now approaching 80, her son Francisc, and our dedicated team. It’s been over seven years since her last visit, delayed by Bob’s illness and the global pandemic. Francisc’s son, David, a recent social services graduate, has joined our mission, dedicating his time to visiting families and preparing for our upcoming summer camp.
During Debby’s visit, she will engage with the families we support, collaborate with our team, and explore an exciting new opportunity—our plans to expand summer camp in the future. We are currently looking at potential land in the mountains of Romania to purchase and build a new summer camp facility. This location would offer cooler temperatures and a more comfortable environment for the children during hot summer months. Stay tuned for updates as we prayerfully consider this next step in our mission.
Support Our Summer Camp Initiative
Right now, our focus remains on making this summer unforgettable for 160 children who will attend our five-week camp at the Călacea location. These children come from rural villages and face unimaginable hardship. At camp, they will experience joy, healing, friendship, and spiritual growth.
• $40 sponsors one for child a day.
• $80 sponsors two children for a day.
• $280 sponsors one child for a week.
• $560 sponsors two children for a week.
• Any amount helps us reach our goal of welcoming 160 children to camp
Your generosity provides more than just a camp experience—it offers joy, healing, and hope to children who need it most.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support continues to light the path for so many.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Laura Squibbs
Director of Donor Relations and Development
