Mirela is a young woman who came to Deborah House in 2009 following a journey filled with hardship and trials. Her story begins in a small town near Timisoara.
Her parents struggled with alcohol, and conflict was a daily reality. She started working at the age of 11, but her earnings were taken by her mother to buy cigarettes and alcohol. Raised alongside her younger sister, Mirela often endured physical abuse, especially from her mother, and never had a stable home, frequently moving from place to place.
One year, a neighbor noticed that Mirela was often left alone and took her under her wing. This neighbor was the first to tell her about God. At age 13, Mirela attended church for the first time, invited by the neighbor’s daughter. The church quickly became her refuge—a place of peace and hope.
Overwhelmed by her family situation, she eventually shared her desire to leave home and sought a place in a children’s center. Her journey to Deborah House began when the pastor from her church connected her with another pastor in Timisoara, a board member of Missio Link International, the Christian organization that founded Deborah House.
The beginning wasn’t easy at the Residential Center. Integration with the other girls was difficult, but with the help of counselors and social parents, Mirela began to adapt, grow, and change.
When it came time to choose a path after high school, Mirela wasn’t sure which direction to take. Seeing her potential, the team encouraged her to pursue medical school and assured her of their support. Although it seemed like an impossible thing to accomplish, she gathered her courage and enrolled. Today, she is in her final year of residency, specializing in Internal Medicine.
The road was long and challenging, but she learned not to give up. She felt the presence of God throughout and knew there were people standing behind her. Her doctors and mentors instilled confidence in her, especially one doctor who trusted her enough to let her work independently, proving that she was capable.
Mirela strongly believes that God placed within her the gift of empathy—a vital trait for any doctor. Her hospital experiences have shown her the importance of not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families.
In May 2025, Mirela traveled to the U.S. at the invitation of our partners, Missio International, to share her story. It was a moving, encouraging experience. Meeting dedicated people who had supported her and over 150 other girls over the years was deeply inspiring. She learned the importance of unconditional giving and caring for others, values essential in any profession.
During the two weeks, Mirela visited the Rotary Club of Perrysburg, OH – a major donor to Deborah House; Grace Church, Perrysburg, OH; and she was hosted by Lois Rosenberry, a member of the MI Board. During her stay in the Toledo, OH area, Lois and Mirela were interviewed on the Business/Life 360 show with Krisi K. We invite you to watch the interview in the link below. The next stop was in Marietta, GA, where Mirela met with loyal friends from Mt. Bethel Church, a 20-year MLI partner. Her visit ended in Knoxville, TN, where the MI team hosted her. Her time in the US was a beautiful blend of gratitude for the support that made Mirela’s success possible and learning. Mirela visited hospitals in Toledo, OH, and Knoxville, TN, and spent time with leaders who brought change to their communities and to Romania through their involvement with MLI.
For Mirela, a transformed life means hope: “It’s not your past that defines you, but the choices you make.” Choosing to learn, grow, and become a doctor changed everything. Now, she wants to be a source of hope to others, encouraging those in difficulty to speak up, ask for help, and embrace the opportunities they’re given.
“I want to thank God first for everything I am today. While I was in America sharing my story, I kept wondering where I’d be if I had never arrived at Deborah House. Probably not in a good place.
I remember a book I once received for my birthday called Gray Matter. Just reading that title reminded me of how I once felt—like ashes, without worth. But God chose to lift me from that place and make me who I am today.
I thank Him above all, and then everyone at Deborah House—my social parents, the counselors, and all the partners who supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today, ready to bring healing and light into the lives of others.” — Mirela
