The career of Viorel Gaga, deeply rooted in faith and service, began in the early 1990s through a meaningful collaboration with Bruce Thomas, the visionary founding president of the LOC Foundation. This partnership blossomed in Târgu Mureș, Romania, amidst a collective of youth pastors and local church leaders, all united in their quest for a deeper understanding of scripture and a shared commitment to cultivating Christian leadership across local, regional, and national spheres. This era was characterized by a profound spiritual awakening, as Vio and his colleagues felt a divine call to dedic ..read more

As spring beckons, Romania embraces a unique and heartwarming tradition that symbolizes the rejuvenation and hope that the season brings. Known as Mărțișor, this tradition is celebrated at the dawn of spring, specifically in the month of March. It is not only a cultural hallmark in Romania but also holds a special place in the hearts of those in Moldova. Mărțișor – a term derived from “marț,” the old folk name for March, encapsulates the essence of “little March.” This tradition involves the creation and gifting of a small, yet significant object – typically fashioned from two intertwined stri ..read more

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is more than just a commercial holiday filled with chocolates, flowers, and heart-shaped cards. At its core, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection between intimate companions, a day dedicated to expressing love and appreciation for those we hold dear. This tradition, rooted in both Christian and ancient Roman tradition, has evolved over the centuries into a global celebration that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, reminding us of the universal importance of love in human connection and well-being. However ..read more

Every journey has a beginning, and mine with the LOC Foundation commenced in 2002. This initiation coincided with my employment at a special needs school that had a collaboration with the Ludus orphanage. At that time, having just completed a specialization in special psych pedagogy, my focus revolved entirely around working with disabled children from the orphanage. My commitment to this cause persisted, encompassing various educational institutions and organizations, until a moment of realization prompted me to aspire to more meaningful impact—something that could prevent these children from ..read more

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In 1997, after a couple of years working as a leader in youth Christian camps, someone asked me to come and help for one week at their first VBS camp at Ludus Orphanage. I had never been in an orphanage before, had no prior contact with any orphans, and I knew that first impressions are important. However, for me, that week left a lasting impression. From that moment on, I started assisting with the VBS programs in the orphanages at Big Blue and Ludus. With each passing week, the desire to share the gospel with the kids and become a big brother for the orphaned children grew. In 2000, after sp ..read more

Meet Ovidiu, a beacon of determination and resilience! In his final year of high school, he’s blazing a trail as the first in his family to reach this milestone. Studying to become a car mechanic, he’s not just crafting a future for himself but shouldering the responsibility of paving the way for his younger siblings in a single-parent household. Supported by Livada Orphan Care, he’s grateful for the chance to learn and secure a job post-graduation. Ovidiu’s journey echoes gratitude towards the kind souls who sponsored his education, housing, and necessities. In the face of challenges, he fo ..read more

Livada recently interviewed some of the children in our care to learn more about them. Here’s what they had to say ..read more

Ogra, Romania – September brings not only the promise of autumn but also a heartwarming tradition that has been changing lives year after year. In what has become an anticipated event, children participating in Ogra’s Prevention of Abandonment program are set on a path to academic success, armed with the complete array of school supplies. This remarkable feat, which has touched countless young hearts, owes its existence to the unwavering support of our esteemed friends from the Netherlands, including Rudolph, Julie, Aniette, and their dedicated collaborators. For over a decade, their enduring ..read more

Because of some very generous Livada donors, for every dollar you donate between TODAY and September 11th, it will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift ..read more