Glad to be back home!
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.
First, as I was walking one day on the street of my home town Brașov, I met Emanuel, a young boy recently attending my church. He was happily sharing with me the fact that he had just applied to work as a cook in Herghelia and he was accepted. Furthermore, Herghelia sent him to get some further training in Norway in order to be more suitable for the job. Just a few days later, another family in my church, who at that time were very close to Dr. Nicolae Dan (back then the young president of Herghelia) and his family approached me, encouraging me to apply for the nurse’s position in Herghelia. They even offered to intervene for me with good references so I would get that job. I remember thanking them politely but in the same time refusing their offer. I explained that I was praying and that I expected that the Lord would let me know if that was His calling for me. I also told them that my arrival in Herghelia was not going to happen through referrals. It would either happen by God’s leading or not happen at all!
Then I began to pray about this matter and after a while, under strong impression by the Holy Spirit, I decided to apply. I clearly remember that in the day I mailed my application I had a very powerful conviction that my place was in Herghelia. So much so that in the interview that followed several days later, I told the interviewers in Herghelia that I was sure they would hire me. And that was the case! To my delight Herghelia did hire me. Yet again, my Lord didn’t fail me! What followed were 4 years of rich blessings and amazing providence stories in serving the sick, hand in hand with my Master.
In 2001, a new chapter in my life began as I was getting married and moved with my family to the USA. My husband, a pastor, received a call to join a ministry there. In the years that followed the Lord blessed us with two dear children – a son and a daughter.
Cristea family – Norbert & Bobbie with son Arthur & daughter Emma
Later, when we moved back to our home country Romania, I decided to return to Herghelia and to the joy of my calling. Unfortunately, not long after, I had an accident that forced me to stay home for quite a long period of time.
The year of 2024 brought big changes in my life that led me to look again for a place to work. First name that came in mind was Herghelia – this was the place to which I felt I would always want to return – the place where I got the real training for my life, to start with. For me, Herghelia indeed represented “the school of life”! Through a set of interesting circumstances, this year in May, I arrived again in Herghelia. Although some changes had taken place over the years, as is usual for a developing institution, the feeling I still had was that I truly returned home. My role this time is that of Dean of girls and Clinical Instructor in Herghelia Nursing School. Everything is new for me in this domain, but to my surprise I like it very much. Besides the amazing feeling I have of being home, the thought that I am working with young people who aspire to serve the Lord, is very fulfilling.
In conclusion, yes, our Lord is worthy of our praise and honor. He knows how to lead according to what is best for us – to Him be the glory! We owe it to Him to do our part and do it faithfully!
By Bobbie Maria Cristea
Dean of the girls & Clinical Instructor
Herghelia Nursing School
So wonderful to have Bobbie back to Herghelia. She is a mature Christian, a dedicated medical missionary and well- rounded educator, both by precepts and by deeds.
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