1. Biblical support for the social assistance ministry

Godsays: „...be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in yourland”(Deuteronomy 15:10-11). He promises a special reward forhelping the poor (Proverbs 19:17; 22:9; 28:27). The Old Testament profets boldlyproclaimed God’s commandments concerning helping the needy (Isaiah 58:7-11). Jesuscame to preach the Good News to the poor and hungry (Luke 4:18-19). Even thoughHe Himself had very little, He used to share it with those who were in need. (John13:29). He also encouraged His followers to care for the poor (Luke14:1214). The first Church used to takeofferings for supporting the poor (Acts 11:27-30; 24:17; Gal. 2:10).

Ourhelping these people is directly proportional to our love for God. (Jacob 1:27;2:14-16; 1 John 3:16-19). For the Lord Jesus helping the poor becomes very personal:„For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and yougave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..." (Matthew 25:34-35).

2. The goal of Social Assistance Departament

Ahealthy church will always be responsive to the social needs around it. The Social Assistance Departament (SAD) ofthe Pentecostal Union of the Republic of Moldova assists the local churches andother public associations with initiating and functioning of assistanceprograms for the socially vulnerable categories of people in the spirit of Christ.SAD organizes a long term strategic program for regulating the most acute social problems the contemporary societyof Moldova confronts with.

Incooperation with active churches, SAD ministers to the society through numerousprojects of practical intervention: introducing and distributing of humanitarianaid, providing a day care program for the risk categories of children, nationaladoption of abandoned children, rehabilitation of adolescences living in thestreets, elderly people care, human traffic,prevention of growing the number ofpeople infected with AIDS, rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug-addicts.

Thenumber of people helped by SAD constantly grows, along with manifestation ofinterest on behalf of local churches for activity in social area. God makes thedifference in the society through people, who engaged themselves to serve thosewho do not deserve this, but they bear His image.