I am grateful to God for what He continues to do at Herghelia. I come here every year in my role as auditor for the institution, but I always look forward to the spiritual experiences God has in store for me beyond my professional duties.
Some of you may remember Isaiah, my Pentecostal friend whom I first met at Herghelia four years ago — I shared that story in a previous newsletter. Last autumn we were here together again, and we made plans to return this spring for a fourth visit. In September I stopped by to see him and his family in their hometown. We spent a wonderful few days together — enjoying the scenery, visiting local sights, and hiking in the Jiu Valley. We paused now and then to pray and thank God for the beauty of nature. When we said goodbye, we were looking forward to meeting again at Herghelia in the spring. But then something unexpected happened.
Just days before our session was to begin, Isaiah’s wife slipped on an icy path and broke her leg. He had to cancel. I was disappointed, but as I prayed about it I felt at peace, trusting that God had a reason for it. And He did.
On one of the first days of the session, I noticed a distinguished elderly lady in the dining room. She walked with a cane and was accompanied by a younger woman who, I later learned, was set to take over her position as a governmental adviser when she retired. I joined them for lunch. The conversation quickly turned to spiritual matters, and I was surprised by how open both women were. By the end of the meal they suggested we meet each evening to study the Bible together.
Those meetings were a blessing for all of us. It was clear how much joy they found in discovering new things from Scripture. They were so eager that they would often bring their Bibles to lunch as well, not wanting to wait until the evening. Their questions were sincere and thoughtful. Before long they suggested we call each other “brother” and “sister,” which felt like a natural reflection of the friendship that had grown between us.
What stood out to me about “Sister S,” as the elderly lady came to be known, was how freely she spoke about what she was learning — even at the lunch table, where others could hear. She did not hold back or seem embarrassed at all. I got the impression she wanted people around her to know why she was so excited. For a long time she had carried deep questions about life and eternity, and now she was finding answers.
Since her biggest concern was about the end of the world and what the Bible says about it, we focused our evening studies on the book of Revelation. Others in the session confirmed to me that she had previously served as an adviser to one of Romania’s presidents. She was also very taken with a presentation Pastor Condrachi gave one evening on Revelation 13, and we continued discussing that topic the next day at lunch when he joined us. He offered her a copy of The Great Controversy, and encouraged by her interest, I introduced her to the full Conflict of the Ages Series — all five books. She ended up buying the entire set.
On the last day of the session, the daughter of “Sister S’s” companion came to visit, and that evening she joined our study group too. We sat together until ten at night and nobody wanted to leave.
I drove home that Friday morning deeply thankful for what God had prepared for me — far more than I had expected or asked for, just as He promises in Ephesians 3:20.
Before leaving, we set up a WhatsApp group to continue our Bible study together. We started with five members, and a Baptist friend from the session — Mr. S., who already knew “Sister S” — joined shortly after. We meet every Monday evening at eight. Last Sabbath I shared with them information about an evangelistic series on the Romanian Hope Channel, and they were so interested that they suggested moving our Monday meeting so they could keep watching.
Please pray for these dear friends, that they will fully embrace the truth they are discovering. God answers prayer — I have seen it myself.
By Costel Andruxandei — Romanian Union SDA Auditor
Editor’s note: Costel joins us every year as our auditor. While he is here, he also prays and looks for chances to share his faith with other guests. The Lord consistently honors that.
Newsletter XXII Summary
The patient program at Herghelia continues to function well, though due to economic hardship in Romania, the average number of patients per session in 2025 declined from 51 to 48.
Following the cancellation of the presidential elections in December 2024, social trust declined and social anxiety increased, compounded by economic downturn and the broader global crisis.
My name is Ovidiu, and I am a nurse and therapist at Herghelia. After nearly 22 years of repeating that introduction to patients, it feels completely natural — but the road that brought me here was one I never could have planned on my own.
I grew up in the flatlands of southeastern Romania, in a large and beautiful village, the way all the places of our childhood seem beautiful. My family was traditional, and like most people in our area, we were Orthodox. My grandmother had a deep spiritual side and passed that on to me from an early age. We even had a relative who served in the local church, and my grandmother dreamed that her grandson would one day become a priest.
As the chaplain of the institution, I spend one hour with our guests each session during the first week, meeting as a group on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I usually teach them a couple of Scripture songs and deliver a short spiritual message.
This session, two gentlemen are joining us at Herghelia for the first time, one of whom is a magistrate. At our first meeting, they both arrived a little after my presentation had begun. I was speaking about the importance of a positive attitude in life and how we can develop one. Basing my message on Psalm 42, I highlighted three main ideas, supporting each with illustrations
I am grateful to God for what He continues to do at Herghelia. I come here every year in my role as auditor for the institution, but I always look forward to the spiritual experiences God has in store for me beyond my professional duties.
Some of you may remember Isaiah, my Pentecostal friend whom I first met at Herghelia four years ago — I shared that story in a previous newsletter. Last autumn we were here together again, and we made plans to return this spring for a fourth visit. In September I stopped by to see him and his family in their hometown. We spent a wonderful few days together — enjoying the scenery, visiting local sights, and hiking in the Jiu Valley. We paused now and then to pray and thank God for the beauty of nature. When we said goodbye, we were looking forward to meeting again at Herghelia in the spring. But then something unexpected happened.
When her turn came to introduce herself at the welcome gathering that session, Mrs. M — one of our guests — openly admitted that she had been afraid to come to Herghelia. I was eager to learn more, and later that evening we had a chance to talk. She shared with me that she had been planning to come for a long time and genuinely needed our services but had hesitated. Although all of her friends who knew us had exceptionally good things to say about our medical care, when it came to the fact that we are Adventists, everyone had advised her to be cautious. I appreciated her honesty and assured her that Herghelia is the safest place on earth as far as her soul is concerned — her personal relationship with God.
Five years since a bold idea took root at Herghelia — and today we can say with gratitude: every step has been worth it.
Two graduating classes. A generation of character.
Before we tell you about the new school year, we want to celebrate with you the second graduating class of the “Vasile Dan” Herghelia Nursing School.
HERGHELIA – URGENT NEEDS
- Scholarship Ethiopia: 7500 USD
- Scholarship Uganda: 6000 USD
- New Wing Project: 160.000 USD
- Medical Missionary Nursing School – Online/On-site Pilot Program – $15,000
2 ways to donate via OCI tax deductible:
A. Donate ONLINE:
Go to OCI website: https://outpostcenters.org/en/oci-website/donate
Choose Herghelia Institute as the recipient, choose or write the amount of donation and in the cassette where is written “Leave them a note” please write “For Ethiopians training” or “For dr. Ivan’s training” or “Scholarship Ethiopia and Uganda” or “ New wing” or “ Nursing School”
B. Write a check to:
OCI International
5132 Layton Lane, Apison, TN
37302 United StatesIn the MEMO please write: For Herghelia Institute – Scholarship Ethiopia and/or Uganda or, For Herghelia Insitute New wing or, For Herghelia Institute Nursing School
- Contact person: Valentina Dan
Phone: +40-748-118-084
E-mail: valentinadan1964@yahoo.com