Reaching Romania
Reaching Romania is an international ministry of The Union Mission in Norfolk, Virginia. Located in the city of Lugoj, Romania, it was the vision of Dr. Ted Bashford, former Executive Director of The Union Mission and founder of The Bashford Foundation. His desire was to relieve the physical and spiritual suffering of the Romanian people by providing “Food for Body and Soul.”
Dr. Bashford served as the Executive Director of The Union Mission for 53 years. A man of vision, faith, and compassion, he had a deep love for the poor and needy — especially for children and the elderly. In l993, he saw a segment on the television program 20/20, concerning the orphaned children in Romania. His heart was deeply touched and in October 2000, at the age of 81, he made his first trip to Romania. The Bashford Foundation was established in 2004 to provide a means for The Union Mission to officially begin making a difference in the lives of these hurting people. Since then mission teams have traveled each year to minister to the people of Romania through Vacation Bible Schools, medical and wellness clinics, and training conferences for men and women. Land has been purchased, a building has been constructed and is ready to provide children with a loving Christian home.
View the Timeline of Past Mission Trips …
Project Romania changed its name to Reaching Romania in 2017. The word project made this ministry sound temporary, whereas it is an ongoing ministry. The needs of the Romanian people are great and it is our desire to serve them and teach them to serve one another. We hope that Reaching Romania expresses our partnership with, and love for the people of Romania.
Fifty percent of children in Romania suffer from severe deprivation due to poverty, neglect, lack of parenting skills, and domestic violence. The abandonment rate of children in Romania has not changed in the past 20 years. To help these children, The Bashford Foundation opened it’s very first loving Christian home in 2017 to care for children in Lugoj, Romania. The first five children receive nutritious meals, Christian training, clothing, education, and experience the joys of being a child. The Children’s Home plans to expand to include more children in the years to come.
