YOUR VISION, OUR CALLING!
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.
This was actually the second time we’ve hosted this event, the last time being way back in May 2011. OCI folks couldn’t wait to return, and it was so heartwarming to see their excitement. They told us they had been looking forward to coming back and couldn’t wait to soak in the breathtaking scenery, experience Romania’s warm hospitality, and, of course, enjoy the incredible food.
With the theme “Your Vision, Our Calling,” the convention was all about inspiring, connecting, and supporting ministries in their outreach work around the world. Adventist Church leaders, both local and global, showed up to support the event, making it even more special. The spiritual side of the convention was truly uplifting, with early-morning prayer sessions and inspiring devotionals led by Elder Mario Brito, President of the Inter-European Division; Adam Ramdin, Executive Producer of “Lineage Journey” and Narlon Edwards, Director of “Red River Outpost” in the U.S. We were especially blessed by powerful messages from Elder Paul H. Douglas – Treasurer of the General Conference, as well as insightful contributions from Daniel Duda – President of the Trans-European Division, Aurel Neațu – President of the Romanian Union Conference, Vlad Bogdan Cristian – President of the South Transylvania Conference.
Beyond the energizing main sessions—where we talked about what it means to be co-workers with Christ in a world that’s longing for hope—attendees had the chance to dive into breakout sessions covering practical topics like: launching and sustaining a ministry, building strong teams, navigating church relationships, Sanitariums and other ministries, start-ups and fund raising.
One of the highlights of the Convention was “OCI Exchange,” a special networking time where people grouped up based on their ministry focus, swapping testimonies, ideas, and dreams. There was also a neat activity where attendees paired up to connect on a more personal level, sharing stories and encouragement with one another.
As the convention went on, a familiar feeling settled in—a strong sense of belonging to a movement that’s making a real difference in so many lives. Time and time again, our guests expressed how amazing it was to be part of a group dedicated to supporting the Church as it spreads the message of salvation to the world. May our Lord find us faithfully at work, doing His business, until He returns! As the OCI president Steve Dickman mentioned in his opening prayer: “Because we don’t want to be the only ones ready for the advent. We want those around us to hear the good news and also be in the eternal kingdom”.
Yours in His Service,
Nick and Valentina Dan
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