News from Romania

After two long years of restrictions due to the pandemic, Romanian women were finally able to meet face to face in Sinaia on 24-27 September 2021. This meeting was organized for the Romanian Union, by Women’s Ministries Director Liliana Radu, to encourage the Women’s Ministries leaders of the Conferences in Romania. Dagmar Dorn, Director of the Women's Ministries Department of the Inter-European Division was our special and honored guest, invited for this occasion. Romania's Women’s Ministry team, consisting of Mariana (Banat), Alina (Moldova), Gianina (Muntenia), Daniela (Oltenia), Simona (North Transylvania), Anna (South Transylvania) and Viorica (Singles) was completed by Eliza Spatarelu and Elida Oncea.
During these days we had special devotionals, prayers were lifted up, we cried, we hugged and supported each other, and we opened up and made ourselves vulnerable. We were fed and encouraged by the Word of God presented by Dagmar who introduced us to the Women of the Exodus and in particular to Shiphrah and Puah (the midwives of the Exodus), Jochebed (Moses' mother) and Miriam (Moses' sister).
The presentation built a bridge between the women who lived in the times of the Exodus and us today. We were reminded of their deeds, their wisdom and courage to act in times of crisis, their unwavering trust in God in those terrible times, and how God helped them and gave them victory over the obstacles they faced. The exhortations "What can we learn from these women?" "Aren't we waiting for the Great Exodus? The Great Deliverance?" "Are we not also living in special times?" "We, too, must go to save", "Let us resolve to be courageous women to support other women", "Let us protect, spiritually nurture and help" penetrated our hearts and the Holy Spirit encouraged us to reconsecrate ourselves to God, to work with even more dedication for the salvation of people for His glory.
Because it was 25 September (Orange Day), we also focused our attention on Enditnow with Simona and Dagmar. We were made aware of the fact that we have to say no to violence and not to remain indifferent and we were presented with very practical aspects of ministry in this area as well. Then Dagmar presented us the overall vision of the Division and the General Conference on domestic violence with reference to the Three Steps Action Plan.
The seminar What is my place in ministry? presented by Eliza Spatarelu was designed to encourage women to find their place in ministry by providing answers to questions such as "Where could I serve better?" "What is my talent and how do I put it into ministry so that it becomes effective ministry and I don't get lost in other things where I can't serve at full capacity?" We took a test and we found out the answer to these questions.
The session with presentations of mission projects and ministry ideas from the Romanian Conference leaders was a blessing because we could see how beautifully this love for the people is put into practice. Added to this blessing was the fact that Elida Oncea brought us the joy of service from abroad.
Translation was provided throughout the meeting by Gianina Floricel, Elida Oncea, and Liliana Radu.
The interview on TV Speranta, within the program "Faith Journal" lead by Beatrice Lospa crowned our meeting. Dagmar spoke about what the women are doing in the Inter-European Division and Liliana about the women's ministry in Romania, both encouraging women to work for the others around them and for God! Dagmar said: We will go together to influence our world, to be lights and hands and feet of our Lord Jesus."
Reported by Liliana Radu, WM director, Romanian Union