Donation leads Levelland student to ministry in Moldova

LEVELLAND—A college student’s $10 donation did more than buy a pair of winter boots for an orphan. It resulted in her traveling to Eastern Europe to deliver the boots in person.

When Lori Montgomery of Levelland, a freshman at South Plains College, made the donation, it qualified her for a contest to become part of a volunteer mission team to Moldova.

She and eight other Texas students, each representing their school’s Baptist Student Ministries, served with Children’s Emergency Relief International, the overseas division of Baptist Child & Family Services. 

Montgomery learned about CERI during a FOCUS student missions conference, sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas collegiate ministries.

“CERI had an interesting presentation on the mission trips they took to Moldova every Christmas and their goal to give shoes to the orphans. I felt I could donate my share to the children,” Montgomery said.

CERI annually sponsors the Moldovan boot drive as part of Operation Knit Together, which also provides heavy winter socks, scarves and mittens to orphans in Eastern Europe.

“Lori was so excited to give; it didn’t even cross her mind that she might be going on the trip. Fortunately, her parents were extremely supportive,” said Brenda Sanders with BGCT collegiate ministries. “It’s really neat that students donated to buy boots for orphans, not win a free trip.”

CERI offers multiple opportunities for students and community members to get involved in the lives of orphans including sponsoring a child, going on mission trips, or donating funds toward buying new winter boots.

“I’m afraid people are unaware of the work that this organization is doing among those in greatest need like the orphans. Many are not familiar with countries like Moldova,” Sanders said.

Montgomery’s student mission team put new boots on the feet of about 400 children a day at three orphanages.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see the volunteers sit down, remove the orphans’ old shoes and put a new pair of socks and boots on them,” Sanders said. “CERI does a great job of preparing students spiritually and casting a vision.”

“When I arrived in Moldova, I felt excitement and nervousness at the same time. I didn’t know what would happen,” Montgomery said. “People should research CERI and read all about them. It is a great cause. I am really thankful for the opportunity to personally deliver the shoes.”

One of Montgomery’s fondest memories is the moment when she removed the old socks and boots. The children walked into the room with frowns, but once they received their new socks and boots, their faces beamed with joy and relief, she recalled.

“I feel more of the needs in other countries now. I am grateful that God chose me to go to Moldova,” Montgomery said. “I am excited and look forward to future mission trips.”