A Journey That Began with an Invitation
Iulian's Story
I grew up in a beautiful church community, in a village where nearly all the residents cultivated vegetables in greenhouses. My family was no exception. Following the local custom of that time, thirty years ago, after completing middle school, my formal education ended. I was entrusted with a small greenhouse to manage, and over the years, I gradually expanded the cultivated land.
When I was about 20 years old, I received an invitation to serve as a volunteer evangelist in a nearby town, where a small group of Seventh-day Adventist believers—about eight in number—used to meet. In the winter of 2006, the pastor of that group organized a Health Exhibition and invited the students from the Medical Missionary School in Herghelia to assist. That was when I met Daniel Seniuc, the deputy director of the school. He encouraged me to apply for the following academic year.
At the time, I had other plans and gave little thought to the idea. I focused on building another greenhouse and, with the arrival of spring, planted a new crop. Time passed quickly. As summer approached and the application deadline drew near, the prospect of such a significant life change felt daunting. While I continued to hesitate, Daniel called again to ask whether I had reached a decision. I was still uncertain. He told me he was praying for me. A few days later, he called once more. This time, I made the decision: I would enroll in the Missionary School.
Simona’s Story
The same year—2006—but in the summer, one of my closest friends, Abi, was completing his studies at the Missionary School in Herghelia. In support of Abi, several of us from the capital decided to attend the youth camp at Herghelia. Most of us had recently adopted the principles of health reform. A year earlier, when Abi left for Herghelia, he had given me the book Counsels on Health as a birthday gift. I read it out of respect for him. When I arrived at the camp, I was amazed to see that everything was happening just as the book had described.
The camp program captivated me with its simplicity and depth. Despite what felt like a bold and uncertain decision, I chose to leave my life in the capital city and enroll at the school for the upcoming academic year.
Together...
A few months after graduating from the Missionary Medical School in Herghelia, we were invited to participate in a missionary project called The Health Caravan. During that year of collaboration, the friendship between Simona and myself developed into a deeper relationship, and in 2009, we were married.
Condrachi family – Iulian, Simona
with sons Arthur – Teodor & Alfred – Ianis
In the meantime, I had begun theological studies. After completing my training, I served as a pastor in various churches, as well as chaplain at the God Cares School in Namibia and the Dumbrava Health Center in Romania. Now, 18 years after taking that first step of faith, we have returned to the Herghelia Health Center—this time as a family, with two children, to serve as pastor of the Herghelia Sanitarium Church and chaplain of the Health Center, once again in response to an invitation.
It all began for each of us with a simple invitation to the Missionary School. That year marked the beginning of a journey filled with transformation, purpose, and many callings.
By Iulian & Simona Condrachi
We happily welcomed the Condrachi family back to Herghelia. It’s a good feeling to have “Herghelia’s children” go out for a while, develop, specialize and return afterwards in our institution to enrich the team.
Newsletter XX Summary
This spring, from May 7-10, we had the absolute joy of hosting the Outpost Centers International (OCI) Convention at Herghelia. More than 350 ministry leaders and staff showed up, representing 64 ministries from across the world—part of the 400+ institutions that make up OCI. These amazing people traveled from nearly every continent with one common goal: to share their experiences, connect with one another, and praise God for the ways He’s blessed their projects and organizations.
I grew up in a beautiful church community, in a village where nearly all the residents cultivated vegetables in greenhouses. My family was no exception. Following the local custom of that time, thirty years ago, after completing middle school, my formal education ended. I was entrusted with a small greenhouse to manage, and over the years, I gradually expanded the cultivated land.
How does one ever describe the Herghelia Lifestyle Center? From the moment we stepped into the van leaving the airport in Cluj that cold, early spring night, we felt the warmth and hospitality that we soon discovered pervades every part of the life-restoring experience that is Herghelia. Nestled among the rolling farmlands and peaceful forests filled with birdsong, Herghelia is a gem that calls you back time and again. It is little wonder that over 40% of the guests who come for healing return, some of them many times. I’d like to be one of them.
Every beginning of a new session is anticipated by our team in Herghelia with great enthusiasm and emotion. We look forward to finding out who next the Lord will lead towards us and how He will fill their needs. Amazingly enough, each time this process is different!
My connection story with Herghelia goes back in the year of 1997 when I came across an announcement posted in the Romanian Adventist Review mentioning that the newly opened institution – Herghelia Lifestyle Center – had a few openings for nurses in it’s medical department. I remember thinking: “Wow, what a blessing, a special privilege for a nurse to work in such a setting!” But who was I?! I felt unworthy. I felt that nothing could recommend me for such a privileged position. However, in the following days, a set of circumstances convinced me that the Lord was leading me in this direction.
I am really excited about the OCI Convention I attended this year in terms of discovering and getting acquainted with this organization, its mission, the members and their wonderful work. It was also a chance to get to know Herghelia better, to discover the heart of each team member and learn of their commitment to God’s work in the medical field.
After the OCI event that took place in Herghelia this past Spring was over, in an attempt to evaluate, I came to the conclusion that it was quite unique. Like many of us, I also use to participate in different kinds of projects and events before the OCI Convention. However, none of them was ever like this. This event has opened up to those who love God’s work ample opportunities for involvement and service in different branches of ministry.
Due to the fact that the old building is undersized and outdated, we have decided to construct a new facility for our Lifestyle Center and repurpose the current building for Education/Nursing School use.
Since the new building project will likely take several years to complete, we will need to upgrade the existing building in the meantime to ensure it can continue to serve effectively during these transitional years.
HERGHELIA – THE MOST URGENT NEEDS
- Replacement of old carpet: $25,000
- Extension of treatment area (200 m²): $150,000
- Worthy student fund for “How to start and manage Sanitariums in the XXI Century” – $5000
- Certificate online course on “How to start and manage Sanitariums in the XXI Century” – $2000
- Medical Missionary Nursing School – Reframing the Medical Missionary Training Program – $25,000
Contact person: Valentina Dan
Phone: +40-748-118-084
E-mail: valentinadan1964@yahoo.com
Cont: RO02RNCB0193015969490004
SWIFT CODE: RNCBROBU
BCR Central, Tg. Mureș