Entries by Comunicare MLI

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Short-Term Mission Teams – Northern Ireland, UK, July 2025

Allow us to tell you about our partners in Northern Ireland… especially about the Free Presbyterian Churches and Serve Youth. The story of this friendship began in the early ’90s when Rev. Stanley Barnes visited Romania and established a valuable relationship with Pastor Eugen Groza [1954-2018], a founding member and president of Missio Link International (MLI). Rev. Barnes is the one who introduced us to the Northern Irish community, opening doors for a fruitful collaboration. Over the years, at his invitation and that of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church, the girls from Deborah House have had the joy of visiting Northern Ireland on multiple occasions. The legacy of service left by Dr. Stanley and Ina Barnes is continued with dedication by their daughter, Heather Garrett, by Sharon Craig, and other partners in the area.

This friendship, along with Sharon, also brought Phil Hartin, the leader and founder of Serve Youth, to join us. In 2022, together with Serve Youth, we organized a camp at the Alpiniș Leadership Center specifically for our girls! Annually, since 2017, Serve Youth teams have been organizing camps and Vacation Bible Schools for both the children and youth in MLI’s programs and for children in rural areas near Timișoara.

We cannot talk about our partnership with Northern Ireland without mentioning Rev. David Park and his wife, Susan, from Hebron Free Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney, who have been serving in Romania with dedication for 17 years. Their shared desire is to see the girls from Deborah House overcome their past difficulties and succeed in life, happily recalling the success story of Mirela, who became a doctor (find out about Mirela’s story here). The mission of this church reaches vulnerable people, especially from Roma communities, in areas such as Aleșd, Moldova Nouă, and the Buzău Mountains.

In addition to sending teams and making visits, our Northern Irish partners are generously involved in supporting programs for children and youth from vulnerable communities. A special model of partnership is the Matching Grant between Missio International, Knoxville, USA, and Hillsborough FPC, UK. Annually, for over ten years, communities from different countries, and even continents, have joined their efforts to support children in the CAR-MLI (Children At Risk) programs.

All these carefully woven examples over the years bear witness to the impact a partnership between Christians can have when it’s based on testimony and action.

Rev. David Park & team

Serve Youth

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The Story of Our Emotions

Alpiniș Family Camp – July 2025

In the fast-paced world of today, the Alpinis Leadership Center is increasingly becoming a place where parents and children reconnect. Beyond a welcoming setting, our family camps—whether skiing in the winter or enjoying the quiet of the mountains in the summer—represent a voice of the gospel in family life.

This July, we had the joy of hosting ten families at our “The Story of Our Emotions” camp. It was a week full of captivating stories and workshops led by Ina Bulzan, psychotherapist and story teller, designed for both parents and children. In addition to creative crafts, interactions and sports activities, we explored nature together through hikes and a treasure hunt, flew kites, and had fun with water games. We also had moments of spiritual reflection, with songs and Bible stories adapted to the camp’s theme.

After this experience, Ina Bulzan shared some valuable thoughts:

“I consider the family camp to be a unique vacation opportunity for parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their children, actively participate in their lives, and fully embrace their parental role. The theme of emotions proved to be extremely beneficial, allowing for a variety of activities and, most importantly, contributing positively to relational dynamics. It was a significant effort for both children and parents to learn how to recognize, experience, express, and, at times, regulate their emotions.”

Ina added that “managing frustration, fatigue, agitation, focus, and conflicts is an ongoing effort for a parent alongside their child. However, in the relaxed context of the camp, alongside other participants, this work becomes easier. The group brings additional challenges but also numerous advantages: new friendships for children and parents, role models, support, and valuable resources.”

The families’ interest, openness, and willingness to participate in everything offered, and their flexibility and joy were remarkable.

“For me, the parents’ discussion group was a truly special moment. It was a rich source of ideas and support, vital, I would say—the ‘village’ we all need to raise our children. It was an excellent opportunity, fully utilized by parents, including for expressing their spiritual convictions.”

A truly remarkable aspect was the presence and contribution of adoptive and foster families. We believe the impact was mutual: these families, in turn, found acceptance, support, and encouragement from the other parents.

There are so many voices and models that shape parent-child relationships. We see a growing need among families for these kinds of experiences—a need for authentic reconnection, a search for what is best. Through these camps, we offer an alternative anchored in Christian values, a framework where parents and children can rediscover the joy of being together.

“This was the second year we gladly returned to the family camp at Paltinis. From hikes, water play, sports activities, competitions, and so much more, lovingly planned by Cosmin, to crafts, games, and stories about feelings carefully prepared by Ina, the camp week flew by, but we left with a ton of family memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.”

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Short Term Mission Teams, USA – July 2025

This summer, the spirit of selfless service shone brightly at Missio Link International (MLI) as two dedicated Short Term Mission (STM) teams, one from Mt. Bethel Church in Marietta, GA, USA, and another from First Baptist Church of Clinton (FBCC), MS, USA, visited us and served the children in our Children At Risk (CAR) programs. 

Mt. Bethel Church has been a steadfast partner for over 25 years, supporting Deborah House and MLI since its inception, including during the renovation and construction phases. Chris Sweitzer has faithfully led teams from Mt. Bethel since 2001, returning regularly, often accompanied by his wife and two sons. This year, the team included two mother-daughter pairs, with the daughters being part of a Mt. Bethel youth group that regularly connects with our girls via Zoom. 

The FBCC team was notably led by Megan Moore, a young woman whose connection to Romania runs deep. Megan first visited the country at the age of 12 with her parents. Later, she returned with a team from Mt. Bethel Church and even spent a summer volunteering at Deborah House.  Megan’s role as an ambassador of MLI has grown as she joined the Missio International board of directors, a testament to her profound commitment and a living example of long-term dedication. 

The purpose of both teams was clear: to serve, to be a witness, to spend precious time with the children and young people, and to actively engage in the activities of MLI

MLI’s CAR programs, including Deborah House, Aspirations, Back to School, and Harmony, are dedicated to combating child abuse in all its forms—exploitation, sexual abuse, human trafficking, violence, and neglect. Through licensed residential care, trauma counseling, educational support, vocational training, and social reintegration assistance, these programs offer tangible support deeply rooted in the Gospel, aiming for transformation in the lives of vulnerable children and young adults.

The dedication of these STM teams, their willingness to invest time, energy, and love, provides invaluable encouragement to both the children and the MLI staff. Their presence, time spent in talks and activities, makes our children feel seen, valued, and deserving of a future filled with hope.

To our dear friends from Mt. Bethel and FBCC, you are always welcome, and we deeply appreciate your presence and partnership in this vital mission!

Mt. Bethel Church

First Baptist Church of Clinton

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“Navigating through Life” Camp

Missio Link International and Zionsville Presbyterian Church, IN, USA

The partnership between Zionsville Presbyterian Church (ZPC), IN, USA, and Missio Link International (MLI) is truly special. It’s a relationship that has transcended geographical and cultural barriers, blossoming into a lifelong friendship spanning over 25 years! ZPC is a deeply committed partner, involved in various aspects of our work, from training pastors and leaders to organizing youth camps, church planting and sharing of resources. Their global focus includes a significant commitment to Romania.

One of the most anticipated expressions of this partnership is the annual youth camp at the Alpinis Leadership Center (ALC). This year, from July 14-19, we teamed up with ZPC to host the “Navigating through Life” camp. 15 youth and leaders from ZPC joined over 55 youth from our partner communities in Giurgiu, Fetesti, and Calarasi, south and south-east of Romania. It was an extraordinary experience of friendship and learning—a true Adventure with Purpose.

The camp’s theme, “Navigating through Life,” guided the young people in a shared discovery: how God has given us a map—the Bible—for life’s journey. Team spirit and connections were strengthened through challenging activities and moments of introspection. Even when the weather wasn’t ideal, the youth managed a hike up the Batrana Peak, with some even going further, which was perfect for bonding and contemplating creation and Creator.

The focus was truly on teamwork and growing together. Constructive group discussions allowed the young people to delve deeper and better understand “what’s behind the facade,” referring to emotions and relational dynamics.

The youth also had the chance to try archery, learning the importance of focusing on the target and avoiding distractions. They also tested their concentration and determination on the ropes courses at Arka Park, an outdoor adventure park, where a key life lesson was reaffirmed: “we don’t have to win; it’s important to help each other finish.”

We are profoundly grateful for every young person who attended and for ZPC’s unwavering faithfulness. This camp was more than just a series of activities; it was a transformative experience that solidified friendships, offered practical life lessons, and underscored the power of unity and faith. 

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ProTECT

ProTECT is a social initiative dedicated to combating human trafficking, in which the Missio Link International Foundation has been an active member since its inception. This year, we focused on strengthening support for survivors (individuals who experienced trafficking) and influencing policies at both national and European levels. Our work ranges from creating an essential guide for interacting with survivors and establishing standards for assistance centers to actively shaping the National Anti-Trafficking Strategy and rejecting a pro-prostitution report at the European level. Our work continues.

Pioneering Survivor Support: Interaction Guide and Licensing Standards for Assistance Centers (2025)

One of the key objectives for the ProTECT Platform in 2025 is to create an Interaction Guide for Survivors, specifically for individuals who have exited exploitation. This guide aims to support organizations working with victims by providing them with the necessary tools to understand the context from which survivors come and, at the same time, to offer concrete services and support to individuals with experience of trafficking and exploitation.

Simultaneously, we intend for this guide to be a valuable tool for potential employers, educational institutions, and even public bodies, specifically for the staff within these institutions who interact with human trafficking victims in their daily work. It is crucial to emphasize that the status of a trafficked person is not a deficit or a label. The purpose of this guide is not to portray victims as inferior individuals who require indulgence and tolerance from others, but rather to raise awareness of this phenomenon among those who interact with this vulnerable category.

In early 2025, the Platform contributed to the development of national standards for licensing centers dedicated to human trafficking victims. These standards represent the legal framework upon which centers offering services to victims of human trafficking will be licensed and legally operate. These standards, mandated by current legislation, are essential to guarantee the quality, safety, and effectiveness of services offered to this vulnerable group, ensuring them a coherent and structured path toward recovery and a new life.

A Consolidated Vision: National Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2024-2028

The normative act concerning the National Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2024-2028 has been published, and the ProTECT Platform contributed substantially to the drafting of this document. Based on the pillars of Prevention, Punishment, and Assistance, the strategy incorporates ProTECT’s proposals, including a funding mechanism for victims, a National Identification and Referral Mechanism (NIRM) for human trafficking victims, and last but not least, trafficking prevention (including for migrants). Future priorities involve operationalizing funding and the NIRM, creating assistance standards, and monitoring the implementation of the plan. Together, we are making a real difference!

Victory at the Council of Europe: Stopping the Pro-Prostitution Report (October 2024)

On October 3, a pro-prostitution report, which could have indirectly legalized prostitution within the European Union, was withdrawn from a plenary vote at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This crucial victory, a result of remarkable collective mobilization, was led by Romanian MEPs, alongside MEPs from Sweden, France, Spain, and Germany. With 51 votes for withdrawal, we gained precious time to advocate for a redrafting of the document in favor of trafficking victims. The year 2024 has been favorable for the anti-trafficking movement at the European level, marked by the adoption of several resolutions and the rejection of a pro-prostitution report. The fight continues for a Europe where the most vulnerable women and girls are not commodified.

Contribution to the Evaluation of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) (2024)

At the invitation of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), which evaluated the Romanian state’s actions to raise awareness and reduce this phenomenon, the ProTECT Platform contributed the perspective of non-governmental organizations experienced in human trafficking to the questionnaire for Romania’s fourth evaluation round. Our responses, alongside those of state institutions and other NGOs, will form the basis of GRETA’s country report, which will include recommendations for addressing vulnerabilities in human trafficking.

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Project Management at Păltiniș Leadership Institute

In a world where periods of change overlap and become increasingly longer, companies must find a balance between the two dimensions of their activity: (1) Operations, which aim to exploit current capabilities to achieve objectives, and (2) Projects, which add value to the organization by exploring new competencies. In other words, they must simultaneously focus on the organization’s functioning and its transformation.

Thus, the transformation of the organization, through the execution of projects, is an essential dimension for the company’s future. It includes all strategic and tactical initiatives and programs of the organization. Organizational change refers to innovation, transformation, agility, and long-term value creation.

However, only 8.5% of large projects achieve their targets regarding both cost and delivery time. In other words, 91.5% exceed the allocated budget and delay delivery! It seems unbelievable, but these are the results of Bent Flyvberg, who maintains a database of over 16,000 projects! Furthermore, 99.5% of projects exceed the allocated budget, delay delivery, yield unsatisfactory benefits, or combine all three parameters. As Flyvberg observes:

“To do what you said you would do should be routine or at least commonplace, but it almost never happens!”

One of the main causes of these failures can be found in the statement “Fail to Plan… Plan to Fail!” This statement is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but the author is less important than the implications of a lack of planning! If you fail to plan, you are simply planning to fail!

In this context, at the Project Management workshop, organized in Păltiniș from March 28-30, 2025, we reviewed and practically applied the steps to follow for project execution, thus (re)discovering the importance of good planning!

The topics covered included the definition of a project and project management, but especially the application of concrete tools in the project management phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, and Closure.

The Project Management program offered a valuable opportunity to learn and apply essential concepts for project success. Through a practical approach and the use of case studies, participants were able to better understand the challenges encountered in project management and develop concrete planning and execution skills. The importance of rigorous planning was emphasized throughout the training, reaffirming that success in the project domain largely depends on prior preparation and organization.

Many thanks to everyone involved for their contribution to this learning experience, and thank you to the facilitator Adrian Hudulin (www.train2excellence.ro)!

[1]  https://hbr.org/2021/11/the-project-economy-has-arrived

[2] Bent Flyvberg and Dan Gardner, How Big Things Get Done.

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Short Term Mission Teams – June 2025

This past June, we had the joy of welcoming two short-term mission teams from our generous partners from the USA: The Refinery Church, Phoenix, AZ and Living Hope Church, Memphis, TN. Their visit brought energy, smiles, and encouragement to our children and staff alike.

The teams served kids and youth, beneficiaries of our Children At Risk programs. Whether playing board games, engaging in fun activities, enjoying a walk, or sharing a meal in the city, the team prioritized relationship-building and being there for the children.. These small gestures helped the girls feel seen, known, and valued, providing a sense of belonging and joy. One particularly meaningful afternoon involved sharing personal testimonies.

Thank you, Refinery Church and Living Hope Church, for visiting us and partnering with our ministry!

Daniel Reed, from Serve Youth, Northern Ireland, UK, returned to Timisoara, this time as a mid-term volunteer at Children at Risk. Daniel will be with us for the next six months and will help the CAR team with the day-to-day work. Thank you, Daniel; we are happy to have you with us.

This is what the girls said about the visits:

,,I appreciate that they took time out of their schedule to visit us, talk to us about God, and help us learn new things.’’ – Paula

,,I thank them for the time they dedicated to being here with us.’’ – Raluca

,,I like that they are funny and creative.’’ – Denisa

About the Programs:

  • Deborah House is a licensed residential center for child protection, consisting of two family-style homes. Since 2002, it has provided a space for healing and hope to over 150 underage girls who are survivors of severe abuse. In this safe space, the girls receive post-traumatic counseling, therapy, education, vocational training, and holistic care that supports their reintegration into society.
  • The Back to School program supports around 150 children and their families from the Recas area. These programs transform lives by combining educational and spiritual support with practical resources—food, school supplies, and hygiene products—while providing biblical counseling to mothers and children alike. The goal is to break the cycle of abandonment and juvenile delinquency through lasting change rooted in Christian values.
  • Harmony serves around 170 youth ages 14–22 from the Buzias Educational Center each year. Many come from hardship backgrounds, but through Christian education, counseling, and life skills training, these young people gain new hope. Harmony works to reduce recidivism and increase the chances of successful reintegration into society.

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Family Camps At ALC

In a world where the fast pace of life leaves less and less room for authentic relationships, the Alpinis Leadership Center (CLA), located in Paltinis, Sibiu County, near the ski slopes, has become an essential space for families to reconnect. Since 2023, Alpinis has been hosting camps designed to bring parents and children together in a natural, safe, and deeply formative environment. Whether in the quiet of summer or the snowy winter, each season opens up opportunities for growth, healing, and stronger bonds.

Winter Parent–Child Camps – A Strategic Focus

The winter camps, held near the slopes, are more than just an excuse for fun—they are real family experiences. During the most recent camp, held in February 2025 under the theme “Hidden Treasures,” participating families shared unforgettable moments—from first ski descents together to meaningful end-of-day conversations.

For the Alpinis team, skiing is not just a sport but a metaphor for life: falling and getting back up, patience and progress, mutual support, and shared joy. Each day becomes a setting for genuine conversations about faith, values, and family, adding spiritual and emotional depth to the time spent together.

During the February 2025 camp, our young skiers enthusiastically took part in the Alpinis Cup, a charity ski competition aimed at raising funds to purchase a ping-pong table for the girls at Deborah House. It was a beautiful opportunity to combine the love for sport with solidarity and tangible support for those in need.

The Journey Continues Beyond Winter

In the previous summer, during the “Our Story” camp, parents and children explored emotional relationships together under the guidance of Ina Bulzan—psychotherapist, storyteller, and author of the children’s book “Căscărici”. The continuity between summer and winter camps is part of Alpinis’s broader strategic vision: to build a community of families growing in relationship with God and with one another.

From July 21–26, 2025, Alpinis will host a new family camp titled “The Story of Our Emotions.” With Ina Bulzan as special guest, participants will explore the rich and sometimes overwhelming world of emotions—those inner experiences that shape us. This camp promises to offer a safe, authentic space where parents and children can learn to express their emotions, listen to each other, and discover the “treasures” of the soul together.

Alpinis – An Adventure with Purpose Since 2006

For nearly two decades, Alpinis has been more than just a camp location—it is a place of transformation, where the Gospel is lived out naturally in the midst of nature. Summer and winter camps, the Alpinis Outdoor Challenge, and leadership trainings are all expressions of one vision: creating a context where young people and families can encounter God and become His disciples.

The bond between Alpinis, families, and camps is both deep and purposeful. It is a place where life stories are born, relationships are mended, values are cultivated, and communities rooted in faith are formed.

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MLI in 2025 – Strengthening the Foundation, Expanding the Impact

On June 4, 2025, we came together with the Missio Link International (MLI) team, once again, for a day dedicated to evaluation, reflection, and strategic planning. This was a natural follow-up to the April 2024 meeting, when we assessed direction and set goals for the coming years.

A year later, we returned to review our progress, identify challenges, and outline the next steps. Under the guidance of Adrian Hudulin, senior consultant at Train to Excellence and a dedicated MLI volunteer, the team engaged in a day of careful analysis.

🔹 The vision and mission are clear, shared, and actively applied across all areas of ministry—from supporting children at risk and training leaders to the work at Alpinis and support for local churches.

🔹 The organizational structure is solid, with a functional network of partners and a check-and-balance system that ensures quality and accountability.

🔹 The MLI team brings added value through the competence and experience of its members—respected professionals in their communities and fields of work, as well as young people eager to learn and grow.

What’s next?

With the lessons learned over the past year, we have adjusted and refined our strategic objectives for the upcoming period. In an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, we reaffirmed our commitment: MLI remains a Christ-centered organization, relevant in society, and ready to meet real needs with professionalism and passion.

Just as we encouraged one another in 2024, we remain anchored in the promise of Ephesians 3:20–21:
 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

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Beyond Success

In January 2025, Daniel Toma joined our Missio Link International (MLI) team and was challenged by Fivi Danalache, the coordinator of the Children At Risk (CAR) department, to become certified for the course “Beyond Success” by Equip Romania, John C. Maxwell—a challenge he accepted with both seriousness and enthusiasm. At the beginning of February, he completed the training, and on February 19, he was already teaching his first lesson in the “Choices for Freedom” program.

This course was specially designed for young people deprived of their liberty, accredited by the National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP), and included by MLI in the Harmony program at Buzias Educational Center.

The course consists of seventeen lessons addressing deep and relevant topics for teenagers and at-risk youth—topics such as authentic friendship, forgiveness, value, and choosing what is right. Twenty boys took part in the course, fifteen completed it, and thirteen were rewarded with twenty credits each for their involvement and perseverance.

What makes these lessons especially appealing to youth in the educational system, beyond the content, is the approach: positive, encouraging, and focused on rediscovering personal value and a strong identity. In an environment where youth are often seen through the lens of their mistakes, this type of education offers them a new perspective—a chance at a different future.

The program also brings tangible benefits. Participants can earn up to 25 credits based on behavior and involvement, which can lead to various rewards within the center: outings into the community, the ability to purchase goods from the prison shop, reduced disciplinary actions, or even the cancellation of negative notes from their personal record. Credits act as both a motivational tool and a means of tracking progress, being awarded or withdrawn depending on behavioral evolution.

Through the Back to School program, at the end of March, the course was adapted for 5th and 8th grade students and implemented at the “Constantin Paunescu” Inclusive Education Center in Recas under the title “The 6 Keys to Success.” The first course of the program ran from May 8 to June 12 with a group of fifteen students. At the end, each student received a certificate of appreciation for their participation and the conscientiousness they showed.

In the final lesson, the discussion focuses on the importance of authentic friendships, healthy relationships, and especially the most important relationship a person can have: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the One who never disappoints and loves unconditionally.

What’s next?
Daniel Toma will continue working with minors through the “Choices for Freedom” program and with young adults (ages 18–22) at the Buzias Educational Center, using the course Exploring Life – From Basic Needs to Life’s Purpose. Starting June 24, a new series of courses will also be launched for minors. One day every week, the Abstinence = Freedom course will be taught – a sexual education program developed by the Estera Foundation in Timisoara, addressing sensitive topics such as self-image, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy, abortion, and the benefits of abstinence. The Estera Foundation is a Christian organization based in Timisoara that provides counseling and support for mothers and couples facing unplanned pregnancies.

All these courses are designed and delivered as part of a broader vision: to offer young people—even in the most vulnerable contexts—a new perspective on their own lives, one based on eternal values, hope, responsibility, and an encounter with Jesus Christ. What begins as a simple lesson often becomes a turning point—a meeting with a different, better, and possible way of life.

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