Why Romania?
Why does Romania, the country often considered the most religious in Europe, need missions? Although 86% of the population claim to be Eastern Orthodox or Catholic, only 1-2% would be considered devout. Most just attend church on major holidays and consider that sufficient. Romania had a strong Protestant minority that survived intense persecution during the decades of communist rule, but sadly, many Protestant churches today are mired in the traditions of the past, spending more energy enforcing rules than reaching out to their communities. Very few Romanians have heard a clear gospel presentation even once in their lives.
Every summer a Global Encounters team spends three weeks leading camps and VBS programs for kids and young teens in Romania. Many of the kids who attend are from gypsy communities, the despised minority group in Romania. Many of these kids have received salvation over the years, and some former students have even become volunteers, teaching and leading at camp!
