Romania

Land & People

Romania is a picturesque country rich in natural beauty and history. During the days of the Roman Empire, Rome conquered the Dacians, ancestors of the Romanian people, and made the region a Roman province. Today, Romania is home to nearly 20 million people made up of primarily Romanians, Hungarians, Slovaks, and the Roma (or Gypsies).

Religion

The Romanian Orthodox Church is the largest organized religion in the country, with over 80 percent of the population identifying as such.

Year Established

1990

Past & Current Work

Baptist Mid-Missions entered Romania in 1990. Prior to the fall of Communism in December 1989, a Baptist Mid-Missions missionary made numerous trips into Romania and established valuable contacts with Romanian Christian leaders.

The first BMM missionary to Romania was a Romanian pastor who had fled to the US during Communism and had a burden for the Roma population in his homeland. He and his wife returned to Romania in 1993 to evangelize and plant churches among the Roma. Numerous churches were planted.

Today, BMM Team Romania is focused on Grace Baptist Church, a Roma church plant in the village of Luncsoara, about one hour east of Oradea. The team consists of Lucas and Kimberly Warner, Dave and Ruth Kimmel, and Nicki Carr. Previously, the Lord used the ministries of Tim and Sandy Fink (now director of Bibles International) and Travis and Becky Gravley (now administrator for Church Relations and Enlistment) in pastoral ministry as well as in leadership training among the Roma.

Goals

BMM Team Romania exists to establish New Testament Baptist Churches in Romania. The Roma make up roughly 10 percent of Romania’s total population, but many live in extreme poverty on the margins of Romanian life and culture. They are openly discriminated against and frequently stereotyped as worthless, unintelligent people who should not be trusted. These are the people God has called us to reach.

Workers Needed

Church Planting
Interested in church planting? Help establish indigenous local churches through preaching God’s Word, teaching theology, men’s and women’s ministries, and modeling servant leadership. We are always looking for men, women, and couples to join this effort.

Youth Workers
Excited about reaching the next generation? Youth ministry is a core focus of Roma ministry. Help reach the next generation of Roma youth through weekly children’s classes, youth group, and VBS.

Reading Teachers
Enjoy teaching? Teach reading to young people and adults who did not learn to read in school so they can learn to study the Bible for themselves.

Musicians
Have musical ability? The Roma have a rich musical heritage, and they love to sing and worship. Join our church planting team and use your musical skills to minister among the Roma.

View the Romania field's video here.

Additional Facts

http://www.britannica.com/plac...