In 1996 Michelle and John Wilbur traveled to Eastern Europe to work in an orphanage they had supported as an educational experience for their home schooled high school children. They saw first hand the plight of the children of Romania and also the way business was conducted after a generation under communist rule; in order to survive, all means were used. During their visit they met a couple who had started a summer camp for children with difficulties at no cost to the recipients; a faith ministry called Benita after a young niece who had died in an accident. The parents asked if "something could be done for the children of Romania?"

Lidia and Iacob Murza expanded this summer camp to soon include a daycare and preschool, an afterschool tutoring program, a soup kitchen, an assistance agency for families in crisis, a transition home for young women as well as abandoned or orphaned children, and now a high school awareness program for the prevention of drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol and tobacco addiction, and people trafficking.

Upon returning home to Washington State the Wilburs began sending supplies to Romania to assist these projects. In 1999 they adopted two Romanian daughters who helped them understand the language and culture. The Wilburs shared their experience with others who began to donate supplies for the biannual shipments to Eastern Europe. As more and more people became interested in contributing to the Christmas and Easter shipments, Benita International Children's Organization was born. Friends from many churches and families are helping to supply finances for food, families in crisis, teachers, educational materials, and Christmas toys for the children of Romania. Would you like to help?

In 2004, the Board of Directors became aware of a mission in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, with many similarities to the one in Romania, called Foundation For His Ministry. It also has a kindergarten and daycare, a home for children, a soup kitchen, and outreach for families in crisis. A team visited the facility in December, 2005, and were impressed with the exceptional accountability which exists, much like Benita in Romania. It was decided to begin shipments and support to Foundation For His Ministry as well. A work team of friends and board members of Benita International volunteered at the mission in Mexico again in February, 2006, with positive reports. Since there is also a medical clinic at this mission, medical supplies are welcomed. Bridge Ministries in Seattle, WA, has donated braces and prosthetics and others are delivering diapers, shoes and needed supplies for shipments. Annual mission trips to work and help are scheduled to the mission in Mexico.

Presently Benita International Children's Organization (BICO or Benita Intl) supports with finances and materials the Benita Assistance Project in Romania and Foundation For His Ministry in Mexico. As donations and contributors increase, assistance may expand to other countries as doors are opened. All contributions are used 100% toward the ministry designated or if undesignated, toward the project needed most.