Second Fiddle Ministries

The Borscht Benefit which is planned for March 1, 2014, is a new initiative to help people in central Ohio experience a taste of Moldovan food and culture and, in the process raise funds to support the work of Moldovan organizations who are empowering women as entrepreneurs and as young leaders.  

The Moldovan Challenge

Moldova is Europe’s materially poorest country. As a result, one or both parents in a family are often forced to seek employment abroad. In many cases, families become desperate. Young women, especially in rural areas, become targets for those who will offer transportation to a job in another country. They leave thinking they are going to have legitimate work, but upon arrival, they are forced into prostitution. These factors have contributed to Moldova becoming the primary “source” European country for trafficking of women to the rest of Europe.

With appropriate support, Moldovans have proved to be an unusually creative and determined PEOPLE who are in a strategic PLACE between Europe and the former Russian empire where there is great POTENTIAL for God's saving power to make a difference in addressing evils like sex slavery.

The Moldovan Opportunity 

Second Fiddle partners with two Moldovan organizations who are making important contributions to Moldova's progress after decades under communism. CSC, an IFES member movement, serves university students and recent graduates, helping them integrate their faith into everyday life. The faith-based microfinance institution Invest Credit currently serves over 1000 clients and is particularly interested in empowering Moldovan women in small businesses, where they are able to create employment and serve as role models.

In 2013, CSC served over 250 students and graduates [alumni] with solid training and fellowship that enables young leaders to integrate a Biblical faith into their lives. Invest Credit has already empowered hundreds of women through the microfinance products and services it offers. 

We'd love to raise $5,000 from the Borscht Benefit: 100% of your gift will go to Moldova, to either CSC or Invest Credit. 

The Borscht Benefit begins at 6pm at St Stephens on the Ohio State campus...click the link below to reserve your place!  https://www.facebook.com/events/237403939766904/

Can't join us on March 1? Click on "Donate now" and you can give securely and conveniently online.  

Here's how your donation makes a difference 

Iuliana has been faithfully serving students with CSC for many years. Recently she wrote this about the annual "Bible and Life" conference that CSC organizes: "We are thankful to God for this conference, because we saw how God is working in the life and heart of students, some of them just in the beginning of their Christian life. We had a small team of students help us in leading a seminar and the small group discussion. And of course CSC graduates [alumni] helped with seminars and finances. For me, it was a big encouragement when I saw students helping other students."

Aliona faced challenges that many women in rural Moldova know firsthand. Her husband left for what he thought was employment in Russia, but this income never met their expectations. With several children, Aliona had think of some way to generate income. For her, Invest Credit became a life saver. It provided her a $700 loan to purchase a greenhouse, and the greenhouse allowed her to grow produce that generated income while allowing her to watch her children. Aliona is a successful entrepreneur; she now has 5 greenhouses and employs six people full-time and three more on a seasonal basis. She has created a secure environment that keeps her beautiful daughters from having to seek out alternatives.

Thank you for your generosity. May God bless you richly.

Note: If you prefer to give via check, make it out to Second Fiddle Ministries (654 Myrtle Ave., Holland, MI 49423), enclose a note stating "Borscht Benefit", and 100% of it will be used to make loans to benefit Moldovan women entrepreneurs and student leaders.