Why Serve in Romania? Answering the Call to Transform Lives
When Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), He ignited a call to action that transcends geography, culture, and time. Today, that call is just as pressing, and one nation where the need for discipleship, hope, and restoration is profound is Romania. Specifically, underserved youth in Romania represent a group with enormous potential yet significant obstacles. Why should we serve in Romania? Let’s unpack the need, the opportunity, and the biblical mandate.
The Need: Underserved Youth in Romania
Romania has one of the largest populations of orphans in Europe. Decades of poverty and systemic challenges have left over 50,000 children in institutional care, according to recent UNICEF data. Additionally, many more children live in extreme poverty, vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and homelessness. These young lives often grow up without family, stability, or hope for the future.
Youth who age out of the system face staggering odds:
1 in 2 end up unemployed.
1 in 3 become homeless within a year.
Many fall victim to human trafficking or organized crime, with Romania being a significant source country for trafficking victims in Europe, according to the U.S. Department of State.
The material needs are apparent, but the spiritual needs are equally profound. Many children in these situations grow up without ever hearing the Gospel or understanding their God-given worth. In every sense, they are the “lost sheep” Jesus speaks of in Luke 15:4–7.
Why Serve Underserved Youth in Romania?
Serving these young people isn’t just an act of charity; it’s an act of obedience to God’s Word. Scripture continually reminds us of our responsibility to care for the orphaned, the marginalized, and the vulnerable:
James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Psalm 82:3-4: “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
These verses highlight the heart of God: a heart that breaks for those who are forgotten and a heart that calls His followers to action. By serving underserved youth in Romania, we are not only fulfilling this biblical mandate but also partnering with God in His redemptive work.
The Opportunity: Transforming Lives Through Christ
When we invest in the lives of underserved youth, we create pathways for transformation—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. Serving in Romania provides an opportunity to:
Show the Love of Christ Many of these children have never experienced unconditional love. Through acts of service, we demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways, reflecting the truth of John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Break the Cycle of Hopelessness Vocational training, counseling, and spiritual mentorship equip these young people to break free from cycles of poverty and despair. Programs like Reach Romania focus on holistic care, providing not just material resources but also emotional and spiritual guidance.
Invest in the Future When we invest in youth, we invest in the future of families, communities, and nations. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Equipping these young lives with biblical truths and life skills empowers them to be agents of change in their communities.
Why Romania? Why Now?
Romania is at a unique crossroads. As the country continues to develop economically, the gap between the marginalized and the privileged widens. The church has a vital role to play in bridging this gap, and the time to act is now.
Romania is a predominantly Eastern Orthodox nation, but many youth are disconnected from authentic faith and spiritual community.
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37). By stepping into this mission, we answer Jesus’ call to be laborers in His field.
Ministries like Reach Romania are already paving the way, but they need partners to expand their reach and deepen their impact.
What Can You Do?
Pray: Begin by seeking God’s heart for Romania. Pray for the youth, ministry partners, and the resources needed to meet their needs.
Give: Financial support enables programs that provide housing, education, and spiritual mentorship.
Go: Join us in Romania this summer. There’s nothing like being on the ground, building relationships, and witnessing God's transformative power firsthand.
A Closing Challenge
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Serving underserved youth in Romania isn’t just about changing their lives; it’s about meeting Jesus in the process.
Will you answer the call? Together, we can bring hope, healing, and the message of Christ to those who need it most.