Bringing Hope to Forgotten Places
Serving vulnerable children and families across rural Romania
Who is Sandel?
Sandel is a pastor who serves children, teens, and families in rural Romania, especially in villages like Balaci and Roșiori de Vede. He brings Bible teaching, encouragement, and practical help such as food, crafts, and school supplies to communities that are often overlooked.
He also mentors teens from placement centers, inviting them to serve with him as part of the mission team. Many are growing into young leaders who are learning to follow Jesus and give back to their own communities.
Sandel builds trust slowly and kindly, caring for families and local churches through friendship and steady presence. His hope is to see a new generation of young people carrying God’s love throughout these villages.
Joy in Balaci
Children from Balaci and nearby villages filled the tiny church with singing, crafts, and laughter. Many came with parents, others we picked up in packed cars. Volunteers and teens from the placement center helped lead songs and activities.
Even the priest who was unsure at first sent his sons to join. The church felt like a living room full of joy. God’s love brought strangers together and made this little village shine.
A Crash and a Miracle
On the way home after VBS, a speeding car ignored a stop sign and crashed into us. Our car spun hard and glass flew everywhere. Four teens from the placement center were with us, and we feared the worst.
But God protected every one of us. Only Mari fainted and later recovered. The next day we returned to celebrate with the kids. Their smiles reminded us why we came. It felt like God turned fear into thanksgiving.
The Bridge of Mission
Most of the children in Balaci come from Orthodox homes, and at first the village priest was unsure about us being there. We simply kept showing up with open hearts. We sang with the kids, taught Bible lessons, played games, shared meals, and quietly served the families around us. Little by little, the joy in the children and the kindness in the volunteers began to speak for itself.
Then something beautiful happened. The priest’s heart softened, and he sent his own two sons to join us. A hesitant beginning turned into friendship, and a whole community celebrated together. To God be the glory.
