It has not been without its problems, not least when Violeta’s husband, Valer (Casa Filip’s Managing Director) was himself diagnosed with skin cancer. Valer had been overseeing the building project. Praise God that he has now recovered, and the new building is completed. ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.’ This is the testimony of the team at Casa Filip as the work has come to completion.
New bathrooms, kitchens and floors have been installed. New furniture for the dining room has been purchased, ready to serve meals to those who stay as guests. All 15 bedrooms are now fitted out and ready for use by those undergoing cancer treatment in Cluj-Napoca hospital, and their families. The Casa Filip team joke that the new building is nicer than their own homes! What a blessing this will be for those staying there in future days, as they go through dark weeks and months of treatment, knowing that they are loved and cared for in this special place. The new house can accommodate up to 40 people, a far cry from the original building, where Violeta and her team were frequently devastated to have to turn people away, for lack of space.
Carmen was one of the first guests at Casa Filip in 2018, when she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Struggling with two teenagers when her husband then left her, she turned to Casa Filip for support during this bewildering and heartbreaking time. Now the cancer is back, and the long, difficult road begins again. Carmen knows God loves and cares for her through the dedication and support of the staff at Casa Filip.
Casa Filip was set up following the death of Filip, Violeta’s first husband. She says: ‘I could never anticipate that Filip’s illness and death and all the pain of going through his experiences, would be transformed into thousands of blessings for other people.’ From its inception this project was directed at both the physical and spiritual needs of those who come to stay. The opportunity to share the love of Christ and the message of His saving grace would be of supreme importance. SGA (UK) has supported this ministry from its commencement in 2018, and it is now part of the Phoebe project. SGA Phoebe Reps. will be happy to share about this work and provide further updates in ladies’ events.
Pray that all those who stay within Casa Filip’s walls would be strengthened with health, peace and salvation. Pray for interactions between staff and guests, that the Lord will be honoured in all that is said and done. Pray that the Casa Filip team will be helped to continue this vital work, for the glory of God.