Prayer Mobilization Line: Country of Focus

Nazarene Missions International - Prayer Mobilization Line - October 20, 2021

Romania

 Country of Focus • Fast Facts

General:

Romania—work established in 1992; 3 organized churches; 72 members.

Regional:

Romania is on the Central Europe Field of the Eurasia Region.

Cultural:

Romania, as a nation, dates back to 1862, and gained independence in 1877 from the Ottoman Empire. During the First World War, Romania joined the Allied Powers, and following the war acquired Transylvania as new territory. During the Second World War, it aligned itself with Germany in the invasion of the USSR. However, overrun by the Soviets in 1943, and the establishment of a communist “people’s republic” in 1947, along with the abdication of the king that same year, Romania entered into a period in its history marked with oppressive regimes that continued until 1996, when the communist-dominated government lost power. Romania is now a part of NATO and the European Union (EU).  

Special:

The official language of Romania is Romanian. The majority religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity (82%). Protestant denominations make up only 6.4% of the religious landscape. Recent laws (2006) have made it more difficult for denominations and religious charities to register in the country. Over 24% of the population is under the age of 25 years, and the literacy rate stands at nearly 99%. The poverty rate (nearly 24%), is one of the highest poverty rates in the EU. The country reports more than 1.5 million children are living in poverty. It is estimated that 41% of the Romanian population have no access to running water.  

Mission and Ministry

Ministry Challenges

During the COVID-19 pandemic the number of cases in the Romania has reached 1,398,264 with 40,461 reported deaths.

Romania has been reporting few COVID-19 cases, and particularly in areas where our churches are located, the numbers were low. However, those numbers have begun to rise as more people choose to stay inside as colder weather increases. Because of the physical sizes of our church facilities, maintaining required social distance is not easy, and churches have had to go to online or hybrid delivery of services. Re-engaging church members and communities is proving a challenge, and churches who have done significant compassionate ministries are finding that people are feeling disconnected from the churches because of limited access to buildings. In rural communities, young teenagers during the pandemic lockdowns have been married, with some brides being as young as 13 and 14, with many becoming mothers for the first time. This will, no doubt, have an impact upon this young generation. 

Ministry Approaches

One of the significant ministries in Romania is the Open Door Foundation, helping those who have fallen victim to the human trafficking, primarily of women. God has been doing amazing things in the lives of those being helped by Open Door, and the ministry of the Bucharest Church of the Nazarene. Many have come to faith in Christ and have begun mentoring younger women. The pandemic closures of churches have made it possible for repairs and renovations to take place in our buildings, an unexpected blessing. Also, children in Tigmandru have returned to the Child Sponsorship Program in greater numbers. Many children have been anxiously waiting for the return to in-person programs through the churches, and there is great excitement that these programs are beginning again. Small gathering services have begun in several homes that were not operating before COVID-19. 

Praises

• “We give God thanks that our churches are able to meet together in person again. Even during this time of COVID, people have come to Christ and have been baptized. Ministries to children are growing.” (Josh and Shannon Herndon)
• Give praise to God that visitation to many in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the birth of numerous house churches that are beginning to reach new communities with the Good News of Jesus. 
• “The upcoming district assembly will see five Romanians ordained, a significant milestone since there are currently no ordained Romanians serving on the district.” (Jonathan Phillips)
• Missionaries serving in Romania “give thanks to God that there is renewed motivation and inspiration for the work.” (Casey Bloom)

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the ministry to survivors of human trafficking that is being carried out through the Church of the Nazarene in Bucharest.
• Pray for the work being done in the renovation of local churches, and construction work in Sighisoara.
• Pray for the young mothers in Tigmandru and their children, and that children’s ministries may continue to grow and thrive on the district.
• Pray for the Herndon family as they begin to make preparations for a transition from Romania to Italy, and all that will involve for their children.
• Pray for the continued work of education through EuNC in the preparation of ministers for the Romanian churches.
• Pray that God will continue to increase the unity among the churches, pastors, and congregations, as they seek to carry out their ministries, that new believers will develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, and that there will be a spiritual curiosity about God in communities.
• Pray that the church may be a transformative presence throughout the country.