How our church partnerships introduce families to faith and supportive community

Dreaming of a different life

“I hadn’t set foot in a church for years. What would people think? I wasn’t sure I belonged there anymore.”

Marinela, 33, who lives in Casolt, Romania, with her husband and four children, grew up in a difficult home environment where she had to fend for herself from a young age.

“We lived in a shack, and our family had nothing,” she said. “I used to go around the village after school asking if people had any work I could do, to help earn money for my family.”

As a young woman, Marinela dreamed of a different life, one filled with peace and faith. She tried going to the village church when she was younger, but she always felt out of place.

Years later – when Marinela and her family were receiving regular support from Mission Without Borders – they were invited to a church Christmas party. After much coaxing from her children, Marinela walked into church again for the first time in many years.

A changed heart

Marinela didn’t expect much, just a routine service, a few songs and maybe some Christmas gifts.

But that day was different. Nicu, a Mission Without Borders staff member, decided to share his testimony.

Marinela said, “His story echoed my own struggles: trying to get everything together, only to fail, and always sensing that something was missing.

Marinela with Nicu and Lavinia in the Church afterschool classroom

“I received the best Christmas gift ever… Jesus. I felt happier than I did even when I held my children in my arms for the first time after they were born. This was my turning point.”

A bigger family

It has been five years since Marinela gave her life to Christ. Her life changed in ways she hadn’t expected. The church became her community and for the first time in years, she felt a sense of belonging. She began attending church regularly and has held many prayer evenings and Bible studies in her house.

In the meantime, the family thrived on the Mission’s Family Sponsorship program and after a few years of regular support, they no longer live in poverty.

“God has faithfully provided for us every single day, taking care of our every need,” Marinela said.

Having the church and the Mission in the village has been a true blessing for Marinela and her family – and for many others.

“I have found the love and peace I always longed for but never knew how to get.”