Learn More About Red Page Ministries
Red Page Ministries focuses on grassroots mission-based ministry as it works to transform Romania from the inside out, one rural community at a time. Through church, individual, and business partnerships, our goal is to empower poor communities to self-reliance through social welfare, education, evangelism, and rural development. Red Page Ministries is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Lubbock, Texas. All financial and in-kind donations to Red Page are tax-deductible.
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The mission of Red Page Ministries is to break the cycle of poverty in rural Romania.
Our Vision is that through the House of Joy, Red Page Ministries will end rural poverty in the approximately 25 villages surrounding Susani, Romania by empowering an estimated 2,000 families to the point of self-reliance. While so doing, Red Page will create a grassroots, needs-based, mission-focused model that can be replicated in an effort to end poverty throughout rural Romania.
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The House of Joy is the vision of Ovidiu and Adina Petric. Developed after years of service in rural Romania, the Petric’s have poured their heart and soul into the creation of a ministry designed to restore those they love the most to the place they desire to see them; the place God designed them to be. Unique to rural Romania, Ovidiu and Adina built their ministry upon the foundation of the youth of Romania. Now, after six years of service in Susani, Ovidiu and Adina are following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to build the House of Joy to serve as a facility where the youth of their service area and their families can share in the Love of Jesus Christ through the programs developed by Red Page Ministries.
Red Page Ministries was founded in September 2010 by Jon and Kacee Hogg in an effort to provide resources and support for the House of Joy Foundation and Ovidiu and Adina. The Hogg’s, along with co-founders Todd and Lisa Long, faithfully served in Romania as missionaries where they developed a love for rural Romania. During that time of service they were blessed with the opportunity to partner with Ovidiu and Adina in the village of Susani as they grew their church and youth ministry. After four years of individual support they decided to expand their efforts by inviting churches to join the cause. What resulted was a mission trip with Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in June 2010. Pioneer Drive travelled with 43 church members who focused on construction, Vacation Bible School, and orphan care. During this trip participants poured the foundation for the House of Joy and began constructing the first floors. Participants also shared the love of Christ through VBS in Susani and a local orphanage in Gavojdia. The results of this trip and the overwhelming response by Romanians and Americans alike led to the formation of Red Page Ministries.
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Red Page Ministries focuses on grassroots mission-based ministry as it works to transform Romania from the inside-out, one rural community at a time. Our initial efforts consist of the construction of The House of Joy, a Youth Transformation and Community Revitalization Center in Susani. Red Page currently serves in a defined area surrounding Susani where there are approximately 25 villages and over 2,000 families. Red Page focuses on the following core competencies:
- Social Welfare
- Education
- Evangelism
- Rural development
Upon completion of the House of Joy, Red Page will facilitate holistic programs at the House of Joy designed to end rural poverty. Red Page will work directly with the poor in partnership with House of Joy social workers to create family plans in an effort to restore them to the place God intended them.
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Social Welfare
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“Romania’s ‘orphanages’ were a communist legacy where unwanted children housed in dormitory settings were neglected until they were ready to enter the workforce. Communist attitudes favored child placement in institutions, and parents were encouraged to believe the State could raise the children better than they.”(USAID 2006) Romania’s much challenged social welfare system had been faced with many demands during the Communist period. Yet, after the fall of Communism in 1989, many demands still exist. Red Page, in collaboration with the House of Joy Foundation, will work to create services at the local level in an effort to create stability and sustainability.
Focal Points
- Humanitarian Aid Distribution
- Home Construction and Improvements
- Case Studies and Family Plans
- Family Development and Parental Support
- Kinship Care and Foster Care
Goals
Develop partnerships between U.S. churches and Romania churches. Develop a one church to one village partnership for all 30 villages in the Red Page service area. Evaluate every family in the Red Page service area and create needs based programs in response to individual family plans.
Education
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With the 1989 democratic revolution that brought down communism, the Romanian education system began the process of reform. Unfortunately, implementation of that reform has been a slow process and rural schools have suffered the most. “Rural Romanian schools are generally poorly equipped in terms of physical and teaching material. IT technology is very scarce in rural schools and equipment for vocational and apprenticeship education is obsolete or missing. Generally, the quality of rural education is lower than in towns due to difficulties in attracting the qualified teachers due to financial problems. This adds to the difficulty faced by rural students to progressing on to higher education.” (Romanian Ministry of Agriculture Forests and Rural Development, 2006) Recognizing that without education there is very little hope to break the vicious cycle of poverty, Red Page places both formal and informal education at the center of our work.
Focal Points
- Vocational Training
- Integrated Technology Training
- Life Skills Education
- Educational Advancement and Support Services
- Leadership Development
Goals
Enhance the academic performance, literacy, and leadership skills of impoverished and academically weak students, while establishing programs for illiterate children, youth, and adults. Through partnerships with churches, businesses, and individuals, provide children with educational opportunities and equip them with life skills and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Target future leaders and provide additional training and development opportunities.
Evangelism
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Almost 40% of the Romanian population does not have an evangelical fellowship in their community. Estimates show that over half of all rural villages do not have an evangelical fellowship. Recognizing the local church is the hands and feet of Christ, over half of all Romanian villages do not have a church to facilitate His work. Consequently, Red Page places evangelism, discipleship, and the development and implementation of local congregations at the heart of our ministry.
Focal Points
- Recreational Discipleship
- Disciple Now
- Vacation Bible School
- Evangelical Camps
- Church Plants & Staff Development
- Christian Mentoring Program
Goals
Develop partnerships between U.S. churches and existing Romanian churches in our service area. Plant and staff churches in villages without an existing church. Develop a one church to one village partnership for all 30 villages in the Red Page service area. Develop and implement discipleship, evangelism, and mentoring programs.
Rural Development
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Approximately half of the Romanian population lives in villages. Of those 50% living in rural areas, 80% are classified as poor. Approximately 35% of unemployed Romanians live in rural areas. Strengthening the Romanian agricultural sector while providing a concerted effort for rural development will play a key role in poverty reduction in rural Romania. In an effort to end rural poverty in rural Romania Red Page has placed a significant value on rural development.
Focal Points
- Agricultural Development and Support
- Micro-business Development
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Goals
In partnership with businesses, organizations, and individuals, develop and promote models for agricultural improvement. Develop, recruit, and advance micro-business opportunities. Promote a diversified economic base that can provide adequate employment opportunities, satisfy the needs of commercial goods and business services, and support the fiscal responsibilities of the rural community. Develop and support public and private mechanisms to provide sustainable water and sanitation systems that adequately meet the needs of all community members.
