Entries by Comunicare MLI

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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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“The Weaver’s Gentle Hand” – Dave Gall

I have served with the Missio Link International team, Timișoara, Romania since 1994 when Pastor Eugen Groza invited me to coordinate church partnerships, a program to equip and enable strategic local churches across Romania by fostering relationships with churches in the USA. I continue to serve in this ministry, and it is rewarding to look back and see the fruits. Clearly a highlight of these 30+ years is the people I got to know, the deep friendships with special men and women. Dave and Joan Gall have become friends and family.

In 1996 I met Dave Gall who came to Romania with his friend Mal Long, representing Zionsville Presbyterian Church, IN. In Romania the spread of the evangelical churches is uneven, with a very thin presence in some areas such as south, southeast and our strategy has always been to go where the need is greater. ZPC through Dave were quick to embrace the vision and decided to come alongside a small church planting community in Giurgiu, south Romania. Over the years the ZPC partnership extended to other south Romania places in the Fetești area, Slobozia, Călărași, as well as the Lord’s Army group across the country, a renewal movement within the Orthodox Church. 

Dave came with many questions wanting to learn, and with a plan, a five-year plan for the partnership. In 1996, this confused me as Ceaușescu, the communist dictator, also had five-year plans! Five-year plans again? Are we becoming friends and partners until 2001 and then what? 29 years later, in 2025, the partnership with ZPC continues to unfold, the five-year plan continues with joys and disappointments, with deep friendships and flourishing ministries that went beyond any of us could have planned. I also remember deep disappointments when I thought Dave would not be back, I am glad I was wrong. Under Dave’s leadership, our partnership with ZPC and Romanian churches has become a unique mission model. Dave went deep in ministry and friendships taking many along with him on the journey. 

How should mission be done in an area where there is a church? Why is this partnership model unique? Can a presbyterian church and leader in the USA equip and enable Baptist, Brethren and Lord’s Army/Orthodox mission in Romania? I am sure there are jokes about this. Dave helped us refine a partnership model that crossed denominational lines and focused on the Kingdom of God. Often groups have their own agenda and come with a five-year plan. Dave led a partnership in which the main agenda was to enable local leaders in developing the best strategies for their areas and then assist them to follow through. The five-year plan became a relationship of trust with clear objectives, planning and accountability, not limited to a rigid grid but open to the Weaver’s hand and plans. Hundreds of people on both sides, ZPC and Romania have gotten to know, trust, pray and serve together as part of this partnership. They became friends and family.  

This is not the place to detail the projects in which Dave’s leadership in the partnership with ZPC has a major impact in Romania, but a list to show the breadth of impact is relevant: 

  • Giurgiu, south Romania: partnership, church planting in rural areas, two church buildings, the Bethel Home children’s home, student scholarships, leadership development. 
  • Fetești, southeast Romania: partnership, church planting in rural and city areas, church buildings, student scholarships, leadership development.
  • Călărași, southeast Romania: partnership, church planting, one church building in rural areas, leadership development
  • Lord’s Army group in Târgoviște area, Alba Iulia, and Cluj: partnership and enabling leaders, and church planting. 
  • Serving on the MLI Board until 2022

    MLI Leadership Development: 

    • Annual Missionaries Conferences with pastors and their teams. ZPC continues to bring together pastors and their team of local leaders for equipping, connecting and mutual encouragement. 
    • MLI Annual Pastors Conferences with pastors
    • Alpiniș Leadership Center, Dave was instrumental in shaping vision and facilitating support for the development of this location as a tool for the Kingdom. 
    • Annual Youth Camps since 2003 with youth from partnering churches at Alpiniș. 
    • Hosting Romanian visitors and organizing visits to encourage others to participate in the ministry. 
    • MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) the initiation of the program in Romania.

I am honored to write these lines on behalf of MLI, and implicitly on behalf of pastor Eugen Groza (1954-2018) who was president of MLI and close friend of Dave and Joan. Dave served on our board of directors for over 20 years and his input and gifts in evaluation, planning and ambassadorship for MLI continues today. Dave would visit Romania four times a year and his agenda was always full.

Ministry and personal life blended throughout these years. Dave and Joan became part of our families and likewise, their home in Zionsville has become home to me and to visiting Romanians with loving extravagant hospitality. His whole family became connected to Romania.  

Personally, I have so much to learn from Dave. His style of leadership is one of enabling others and exploring new possibilities. Dave has a special gift to ask questions and to listen, I always feel heard. I always look forward to our conversations addressing life, ministry and theology. His late interest in spiritual direction is inspiring and I think blends well with his style. Time with Dave is fun, he values the journey not only the destination. He loves Romanian dishes, sarmale and ciorba de burtă, (cabbage rolls and tripe soup); once he insisted to order his own food: ciorba de bucă please! (bucă = butt, burtă = tripe) that one never died between us… 

I am thrilled that Dave chose to tell his story, he has a meaningful legacy to pass on. His early retirement to dedicate time and effort to people in Romania, his passion for mission and the church are a model of following Christ. A legacy and footsteps to follow! Thank you, Dave and Joan! 



Amazon Link

About the book (Amazon): 

David Gall was born in a small German town in North Dakota, where the rules were as clear and direct as the highways and farmland grids that stretched to the horizon in every direction. The whole world seemed to be designed on a grid, and the grid made choices about who to be and what to do very simple. The grid served David as he entered adulthood and worked his way up the ladder at a major pharmaceutical company. The grid also made faith and church clear and obvious.

For David, God interrupted the plan with invitations and wrenching moments. An early retirement, 30 years of building partnerships among churches in Romania and the United States, seeing countless lives impacted as David responded to God’s invitations, and still found himself asking, “Is this all there is?”

This is the story of a successful man looking back at his life from a contented place, making sense of the fact that for all of his efforts and all of his searching, every person and every experience carried the tension of God’s weaving hand pulling thread after thread together into a tapestry of life. It’s a quiet story from a man who’s found a profound peace after all of his striving, whose success has very little to do with his accomplishments, and everything to do with the persistent work of the Weaver’s Gentle Hand.

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Skiing – a Tool for Evangelism and Discipleship

Winter Camps – an Investment in the lives of Children and Parents

Parent-Child Winter Camps – A Strategic Focus

Ends of The Earth Cycling has been generous in providing Missio Link International Foundation a grant for ski equipment at Alpinis. Thank you!! The location of Alpinis Leadership Center, right next to the ski slopes, has made it possible to develop Alpinis, an adventure with purpose — family-focused camps designed to foster reconnection, rediscovery, and recharging, away from the busyness of daily life. Our vision is to facilitate the formation of Christian values and character, equipping the younger generation in Romania through gospel-centered camp and outdoor programs, leadership training, conferences, and retreats. Alpinis is more than a building — it is a place that cultivates an environment where people are encouraged, equipped, and encounter God. Whether winter or summer, we see how time spent together – away from the busyness of daily life – creates space for reconnection, rediscovery, and recharging.

In this year’s winter camp, parents were not merely spectators of their children’s experiences – they were active participants. Many reconnected with skiing themselves, alongside their kids, cheering them on through every stage. For some, it was even a first: the first time on skis, sharing the same excitement and joy as their children.

The Alpiniș Cup – Celebrating Growth and Perseverance

A highlight of the ski camp was the Alpiniș Cup – a friendly competition on levels of expertise. It was more than just a race: it was a celebration of courage and progress. The pre-race jitters, the cheers from the sidelines, and the applause at the finish line created unforgettable memories – for both kids and their parents. The purpose of the competition was to raise money for a ping-pong table for the girls at Deborah House.

Skiing – A Context for Growth and Witness

For us, skiing is more than a sport. On the slopes, we learn essential life lessons: how to get back up after falling, how to be patient with ourselves, how to celebrate the success of others. Each day becomes an opportunity to reflect, to have meaningful conversations, and to live out Christian values in a natural and relational way.

The Equipment – a Valuable Resource for Families

With the support received from Ends of the Earth Cycling, we were able to equip our ALC location with ski gear specifically for the children and families who attend our camps. Access to this equipment has removed one of the major financial and logistical barriers for many families – allowing more children to participate, including those from less privileged backgrounds. 

Yet beyond the practical value, this gear has become a tool through which we build something far more meaningful: relationships. Relationships between children and parents, between participants and leaders, and ultimately, between people and God.

Continuity Across Seasons – A Growing Community

Our connection with families doesn’t melt away with the snow. Last summer, during the “Our Story” camp, we focused on emotional and relational growth, guided by a Christian psychotherapist. This continuity – across seasons, themes, and generations – is building a strong, healthy community, anchored in clear values while also meeting an important need: parenting models and the gospel.

Encouraging Feedback That Fuels Our Mission

,,The Alpinis ski camp was the perfect setting for our family to become friends with skiing.
The stunning scenery, the convenient location of the lodge, and all the facilities for gearing up made the whole ski prep process smooth—even for a family with three kids.

We had heard that skiing with kids can be a challenge, but for us, the camp’s organization and logistics made it anything but difficult. Having access to equipment, your hands-on support on the slopes, and the friendly, well-matched instructors for the kids made the whole learning process easy and very enjoyable for them.’’– Ileana

,,Our girl, Maia, who is usually very cautious and not particularly athletic, left absolutely thrilled with how well she did on the slopes, and so did we. The fact that we had equipment available at the lodge was very practical and extremely helpful.’’ – Simona

This is just one of many heartfelt testimonials we’ve received from camp participants. With every camp, we’re reminded how a simple sport can become fertile ground for character development, strengthening family bonds, and authentically living out our faith.

Thank You, Ends of the Earth Cycling!

We are deeply thankful for your partnership and support. Your investment has been – and continues to be – an investment in people’s lives. Thank you for choosing to journey with us to the ends of the earth… and into the hearts of the children and families climbing together toward the heights of growth and faith. 

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A Story of Hope

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



Click here to watch the interview

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Mission Conference 2025

Pastoral Care – Knowing God, Knowing Self

As part of our long-standing partnership of over 25 years with Zionsville Presbyterian Church (ZPC),  and Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, IN, between April 7-10, we had the joy of hosting the 2025 Mission Conference at Alpiniș – an event dedicated to partners in Romania, actively involved in ministry alongside MLI and ZPC. Approximately 60 pastors, church workers, and leaders from Alexandria, Giurgiu, Fetesti, Cluj, Calarasi, Zimnicea, and Timisoara gathered for a time of equipping, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. 

A Time of Equipping, Deep Reflection, and Renewed Vision

Following the theme of the conference – Pastoral Care: Knowing God and Knowing Self – we invited participants to explore the deep connection between one’s relationship with God and self-awareness, inspired by the words of John Calvin:

“Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God… and without knowledge of God, there is no knowledge of self…”

In this context, Lisa Prince introduced the Enneagram, a tool for self-knowledge and personal assessment, giving leaders a fresh perspective on their own identity and that of those they serve. Rev. Stan Johnson and Rev. Jerry Deck led sessions focusing on the biblical truth that man is created in God’s image. 

“Even though we had talked about it before, I was so touched, made aware, and challenged by the need to take time to listen to the Lord’s voice. I leave thankful, humbled, and eager for that time of listening.” — Octavian Ivanica, Alexandria

“Stan Johnson challenged us to study more deeply the God of creation, Jerry encouraged us to place the challenges of ministry in God’s hands, and Lisa invited us into a level of self-discovery like never before. Once again, the conference at Alpinis pleasantly surprised us. Beyond the warmth of the hospitality and care we received, the atmosphere, times of worship, and biblical teachings made these days truly precious. We wholeheartedly thank all those who gave, served, and invited us to be part of this blessing.” — Adrian & Florica Simion, Zimnicea

“The ministry of the US team encouraged and deeply strengthened us, giving us a clearer awareness of the Lord’s love and of our identity in Him. It was a time of refocusing on what truly matters in our relationship with God.” — Hardi & Beti Kubassek, Open Doors, Medgidia

Regional Conference

As part of the MLI Leadership Development program, on April 4-6, just before the conference at Alpinis, Rev. Stan Johnson led a regional conference for youth and ministry teams in Alexandria. This meeting provided a focused setting for training, encouragement, and connection among local workers.

Gratitude and Blessing

Thanks to technology, we were able to celebrate two special moments together: the friendship and service of David and Joan Gall in the Romania partnership since 1996 and the launch of the book “The Weaver’s Gentle Hand”, in which Dave shares his story of life and ministry. We also had the opportunity to thank Romanian churches who, in partnership with ZPC, contributed to the Uganda mission in September 2024 and to hear from Rev. Dickens from Uganda in an online message.

The atmosphere at Alpinis greatly enhanced our connection, drawing us closer to God and one another, we concluded our time around the Lord’s Table. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this time possible – the MLI team, our partners at ZPC, and all who faithfully serve behind the scenes.

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