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From October 7th to October 17th, 2022, a group of 13 people from various locations in Germany traveled to Romania. A strong sense of camaraderie developed during the journey. The joy of serving others united us, and we felt a deep connection.
Humanitarian aid
Before our departure, we had purchased various toys, stationery, and hygiene items, which we distributed to families in Romania. We bought the necessary food locally and assembled it into packages. Each package contained a Romanian Bible, basic foodstuffs, laundry detergent, and a bag of sweets for the children. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we, divided into two groups, distributed a total of 400-500 packages to families, older siblings, orphanages, and community centers in many villages.
Visit to a children's home in Arad
First deployment in the city of Arad
Upon arriving in Arad, we received a very warm welcome from our brother Koray, who accompanied us throughout the entire trip. During our stay in Arad, we stayed in a mission building that was still under construction. We visited the two large local congregations, Gloria and Betania, where we were privileged to offer a sermon and singing for their edification. Our journey then took us to a Romanian children's home, currently housing nine children.
Three of these children's stories in particular deeply moved me. Stefan is eleven years old. His father has died, and his mother is seriously ill in the hospital. Jordana is fifteen years old and came to the children's home at a very young age because her mother died in a fire. Her father lives in the city, but they have no contact. Julia came to the children's home when she was three years old. She was abandoned by her parents. She is now fourteen years old.
Psalm 27:10 says, “Though my father and mother reject me, Lord, you will receive me.” We made it our goal to share this immeasurably great love that God shows us with the children and to make them feel loved and needed. Thanks to Jordana, who speaks excellent English, we were able to communicate with the other children as well. Together we played, did crafts, talked, and gave each child a bag of sweets.
Stopover in Niculesti
On our way to our main project in the Buzâu region, we made a short stop in a village called Niculesti. A community center is currently under construction near this village. After visiting the construction site, we met with a family who lacked the funds to continue building their house. We presented them with a donation and then continued on our way.
Main deployment in the Buzâu area
Upon arriving in Buzâu, each of us understood perfectly that our missionary journey truly began here. We had no idea yet of the grace of God and the blessings we would experience with our brothers and sisters here, and how deeply we would come to love these people. Almost daily, the brothers went to buy food, which we later packed. Completely unaware of what awaited us, what conditions we would encounter, whose eyes we would meet, what suffering we would share, or what needs we would be helping, we distributed these packages in the various surrounding villages.
Our goal was not only to provide humanitarian aid, but to be a blessing to people. By giving them love, security, warmth, joy, and hope. Not our own, but the hope of the Most High. Together we prayed for their needs. We memorized a short Romanian song with the words "Ce minunat e sã fii într-o familie," which means, "How wonderful it is to be in a family." We sang this song in every house with the aim of uplifting our brothers and sisters with love, so that they are not alone in their need, but that we are one holy family in the body of Jesus. Scattered across different parts of the earth, we nevertheless inherit a common eternal home in heaven with our Father. We saw much suffering, poverty, and hardship.
I would like to report on the lives of two families: In a house that is still unfinished, a family with five children lives. They have a kitchen consisting of an old stove without a chimney and a simple table. Because the stove had no chimney, the room was very stuffy and the smell of smoke was very strong. The carbon monoxide it contained is extremely harmful to health. Only a few kitchen utensils were on the simple table. Another room served as a sleeping area for the whole family.
The second family I'd like to briefly tell you about has three children. Two of the grown children have intellectual and physical disabilities. A new house is currently being built for the able-bodied child, financed entirely by donations. The two disabled children are very rebellious and make living together considerably more difficult, as they cause a lot of damage in the house. Therefore, the old house is being renovated for the disabled children. We were quite surprised when the father of these disabled children opened a package of cookies and offered them to us, even though he himself has very little.
We saw these circumstances, looked into the eyes of these people. They smiled at us, but their eyes were full of sadness, listlessness, and hopelessness. Yet not everyone radiated this hopelessness. I remember a mother of eight children whose eyes shone with peace and joy. We also met an older woman whose daughter was ill, who radiated deep love and profound peace.
Outdoor kitchen of a family with 8 children
Children's festival in the village of Sinti and Roma
In the Sinti and Roma village, we drove through the streets and saw magnificent, enormous houses. Next to these houses stood small, dilapidated dwellings. When we arrived, a total of 50 children were waiting for us, calling out to us with joy. We sang songs, played with them, and tried to use our crafts to help the children understand the love of Jesus on the cross and the saving message. Miriam, who is only 15 years old, and her mother work together with the children there, telling them about the word of God.
Children's festival in the village of Sinti and Roma
Community visits
The word is true and alive. We were privileged to witness the emergence of many small congregations in the Buzâu area. People gather in living rooms or cramped spaces to worship the Lord. In the Buzâu region, we attended a total of three services. The congregations were small and simply furnished. In the mountains, we even sat shoulder to shoulder in a small room. The faces of the believers were filled with joy and kindness. This filled us with great love for these people.
Here we became acutely aware of the importance of praying for one another and allowing ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. In every service, we were privileged to receive the Lord's grace and witness the work of the Holy Spirit. Powerful prayers and the presence of God touched every heart. We spent very edifying and blessed hours with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
An older sister's house in the mountains
Complete devotion
Devotion – this word took on a completely new meaning for us on our journey. A pastor from one of the churches shared his story with us. He was originally from Romania but lived in America and was eventually called by God to return to Romania to carry out God's work. Through many visions, dreams, signs, and the early death of his brother, God revealed his calling to him. His brother, who died young, served and worked in God's field, taking people off the streets, caring for them, feeding them, and telling them about God's love.
As a result, many lives were changed and saved. God showed him that he should continue this work, and so the rehabilitation center where we stayed overnight came into being. He gave us these words: God does not choose people for service who are already ready, but chooses people whom He can form for this service.
Time flew by. We saw and learned a great deal. Grateful for this opportunity, I would like to conclude with the words: It is a privilege to serve the Lord.
Diana Disiuc
Municipality of Saarbrücken
More information about the project and the opportunity to donate: