Envisioning a Transformed Romania

Young people routinely gather in a small tea house in Târgu Mureş, Romania, to talk and study.

Young Romanians meeting at a tea house to talk and study.

The tea house is operated by Philothea Klub, a Christian nonprofit that is one of Christian Reformed World Missions’ ministry partners in Romania.

Begun in 1994, Philothea Klub focuses on teaching biblical values and training Romanian youth to serve their communities. It also offers substance abuse talks, mentoring, counseling, workshops, clubs, and summer camps.

Recently Gabriella Belenyesi, Philothea Klub’s director, joined CRWM’s collaborative movement of leaders ministering to Romanian youth.

Much of Romanian society, and youths in particular, still live under the influence of Romania’s communist past. Some of them are orphans or are from broken families, having grown up in a society lacking religious faith and pulled apart by betrayal, distrust, and fear.

In response, CRWM is linking with partners like Philothea Klub to reach Romanian youths. CRWM missionary Steve Michmerhuizen regularly organizes “Compass and Map” meetings for these ministry partners.

Participants share their stories and challenges, offering each other encouragement and ideas. They also discuss ministry strategies.

These “Compass and Map” events are just a few links in a growing transformational network movement in Romania.

“This is a strategy that crosses denominational, ethnic, and class boundaries to identify, encourage, equip, and link grassroots Christian leaders for the transformation of lives, communities, and culture,” says Michmerhuizen.