We have been waiting at the boarder for three hours. For the first time, I am travelling to Moldavia with friends. The customs officials speak Russian. With a few dollars we are able to understand each other in Romanian. From the freedom of Romania, we enter a different country. Why take this on? The struggles with the authorities are tiring. There are still so many children on the street, our children break your heart the way they pray for their friends. We work with many young assistants, they all need direction and education. Is it arrogance, that we nonetheless venture into Moldavia? After the first mile in Romania, that we go another? The youth pushes us on to help the poor. They want to give back what they have received. The catholic Bishop called, even pressured us, to come to Chişinău.

It is winter and we have no house. The bureaucratic blockades seem insurmountable. The street children hide from the police and from the cold. Their parents have fled to other countries in the search of bread and work. Thousands of children have been left behind. From Romania to Moldavia - we dare to go the extra mile Jesus recommends: "If someone forces you to go one mile with him, go with him two miles." (Mt 5,41) At that time, a Roman soldier, according to the rights of the occupying forces, was allowed to make any Galilean carry his bags for one mile. But, just one mile. What a surprise, when the oppressed man goes an extra mile with the legionnaire! The enemy becomes a friend.

I was sent to Romania thirteen years ago. Six months were planned, but the children won't let go of me. It's getting better, but the task with the youth doesn't get easier. That is the first mile. In Moldavia we begin the second mile. And we are amazed. Young people hungry for knowledge gather around us. They want to save the children and their country. The wife of the communistic president offers to work with us.

The charges in our first house overwhelm us. They call me "Moschu", grandpa; in Romanian I was "Parinte", father. Have I gotten older? We are building a "City of Children", house for house. Warmth and hope should shine from twelve community houses.

Dear friends, what could the "second mile" mean for you? In spite of all the problems in the church, to remain true, to go to church on Sunday, not to stay away. No time, and nonetheless to take time for jogging and nature. Or, for someone who is in career stress: to take time for the parents and grandparents, in order to not lose sight of life. To be under pressure and, of your own free will, to give twice as much - that is a risk. Nonetheless, the chance of winning is great. Where can you start the second mile in your life and surprise your problem child?

Many young people want to go the second mile, the mile of reconciliation. We are planning a house in Bucharest for them. A centre for the searching youth in the East and the West. Where they are needed. Where their lives become meaningful. Where they feel their calling. The goal of life - the children whom we care for reveal it to us. The best of Europe's youth will encounter each other and learn from each other in CONCORDIA Casa Europa. Grateful children, whose lives will be saved, will surprise us; but, even more the thankful children who are able to save lives will surprise us.

We invite everyone to the CONCORDIA City of Children in Moldavia and the CONCORDIA Casa Europa in Bucharest. We entice friends great and small - to go the second mile. It costs a lot, but gives hope which we haven't seen any more. With your prayers and with your gifts, we can go on. We will take in children that no one looks after.

In joy over the new task, we send our greetings under the motto: "the second mile."

Yours,

Chisinãu, August 2004