Herghelia Patients Program and Operations
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. Prices rose, the standard of living decreased, and people became more conservative in their spending. The newest Gulf/Iran crisis didn’t help either. For the first time, we had to begin paid social media advertising in December 2025.
Until recently, Herghelia relied mainly on word of mouth, but we have now expanded our digital outreach and begun producing content for:
- YouTube
- TikTok
There are five Lifestyle Centers in Romania, three of which are larger than Herghelia. All were built and operate based on the Herghelia model. This may also explain why active advertising has now become necessary.
Most importantly, our ministry remains centered on the patients. We have a dedicated team of 45 people working daily to serve them and to fulfill our mission: not only the healing of the body, but also the renewal of the spirit.
Patient Testimonials
Two recent testimonies illustrate the impact of the ministry:
“In a corner of the Transylvanian plateau, among gentle hills, at the edge of an oak forest, you find a semi-earthly realm… The place invites introspection and contemplation. Here I learned to properly conjugate the verb ‘to understand,’ in the context of life. The cosmopolitanism of these people at Herghelia is diluted into the purpose of their lives: the good of their fellow human beings! Grafted onto the splendid natural setting, they have built here a health center — a sanctuary of doing good. Nowhere until I came here had I ever experienced such complete peace of soul!”
(Sergiu M., Giurgiu)
“Herghelia? A place of inspiration, discovery, and… challenges. It is impressive to see this team, a handful of ‘small people with big souls,’ working with such dedication and professionalism for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the guests — sick, tired, difficult… each in their own way; without making any distinction. I was also delighted here by nature, by every sunset and sunrise… I saw the beauty, the perfection of God in the things created. I came with many health problems and each one changed for the better: I lost 4 kg, my muscle mass increased, the migraines left me, nothing hurts anymore… I don’t know how insomnia and depression disappeared too — I simply don’t have them anymore! I no longer have heartburn and, surprisingly, I’ve started to see and hear better too… I no longer feel the need to get energized in the morning, as I used to at home with a cup of coffee or black tea; the cheerful chime of the little bell that calls me to exercise is enough for me. I have energy to spare! Thank you, beautiful people!”
(Francisca D., Mureș)
Herghelia Lifestyle Online Academy
In December 2024, we launched the Herghelia Lifestyle Online Academy with two courses:
- Burnout
- Type 2 Diabetes Reversal
More online products are in development. The Academy is designed to:
- provide access to those who cannot attend the on-site program,
- support follow-up for graduates of the Herghelia program,
- and build a broader community through free, high-quality, evidence-based content.
At present, follow-up support is available for diabetes patients. The Academy is also helping establish trust among people who have not yet visited Herghelia by offering reliable educational material and demonstrating the quality of our paid on-site and online programs.
Expansion Project
Herghelia is moving forward with plans for a significant expansion. We are currently finalizing architectural drawings for a new wing that will upgrade our treatment facilities and add 12–20 additional rooms. Patient feedback consistently indicates that upgraded facilities are essential to meet current demand.
We had initially hoped to begin construction in spring 2026, pending all necessary approvals. However, the regulatory landscape in Romania has proven more complex than anticipated. While we are confident that urban rezoning approval will be granted, the bureaucratic process requires additional time. Additionally, since we planted a forest near the center, we must secure permits for the removal of a limited number of trees.
Despite these delays, we remain optimistic. We expect to obtain all necessary permits and begin construction in fall 2026, or no later than spring 2027.
International Outreach and Partnership
Our international engagement has expanded significantly this year. We have been invited to visit several OCI projects across Europe and Africa to strengthen medical missionary work in the European Union Division and beyond.
Recent Visits:
- Fall 2025: Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary
- Spring 2026: Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Kenya
Italy
After years of limited medical missionary activity, the Italian Union has taken renewed leadership and launched a strategic commitment to health ministry. We were honored to serve as main speakers at a Medical Convention held at Villa Aurora, where the Italian Union Seminary is located. We shared innovative approaches for medical missionary work—both at the individual and institutional levels—that resonated deeply with participants.
East Africa
Nick was invited as a main speaker at the OCI/Central East Africa Division Convention, addressing “How to Start and Manage a Lifestyle Center.” The Division Health Ministry Department has committed to establishing five Lifestyle Centers throughout the East Africa Division, with promising prospects in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya.
Scholarship Initiative for Global Leaders
We recognize the critical need to support emerging leaders from the Global South. We are establishing a Scholarship Fund to make our ASSA training and new Intensivist Fellowship program accessible to deserving candidates at affordable rates. Our vision is to establish training sites on each continent, reducing tuition, travel, and accommodation costs.
The Urgent Need
This fall of 2026, we have an extraordinary opportunity to train key leaders who will launch Lifestyle Centers in East Africa. However, they lack the resources to attend our programs. We are asking you to help.
Meet the Leaders
Ethiopia Team: We present Anteneh Hailu (President) and Geleto Gemechu (Assistant to the President)—dynamic leaders who have successfully operated a thriving vegetarian restaurant and medical missionary ministry in Addis Ababa for several years. Their administrative acumen and proven ability to sustain a business demonstrate their capacity to establish a Lifestyle Center. A third team member, a physician, would significantly strengthen their preparation. Together, they are committed to launching Ethiopia’s first Lifestyle Center and have the vision and people—they simply need specialized training.
Uganda: Dr. Ivan Mwebesa, a passionate physician committed to pioneering Uganda’s Lifestyle Center initiative is the leader of an Uganda team of dedicated Adventist members having the vision to open a Sanitarium in Unganda.
At Division headquarters visiting with dr. Daniel Gemeda, the Health ministry director (front row in suit) along Anteneh (first on the right), Geleto (first on the left) and Andy Ojodeh (on the back) the OCI VP for that Division territories.
The Financial Picture
The Ethiopian team needs a 66% scholarship to attend the “How to Start a 21st Century Sanitarium” training (September 20–October 4, 2026):
Expense | Cost per Person | For 3 People |
Early Bird Tuition | €800 | €2,400 |
Room & Board (14 days @ €57/day) | €800 | €2,400 |
Travel to Kenya (for visa appointment) | €500 | €1,500 |
Romanian Visa | €100 | €300 |
Round-trip airfare to Romania | €1,000 | €3,000 |
Total Cost |
| €9,600 |
Ministry Can Contribute (1/3) |
| €3,300 |
Scholarship Needed (66%) |
| €6,300 ($7,500 USD) |
For Dr. Ivan’s Intensivist Lifestyle Medicine Fellowship (September 6–18, 2026):
Expense | Amount |
Early Bird Tuition | €4,200 |
Room & Board | €800 |
Airfare | €1,200 |
Visa & Travel | €400 |
Total | €6,600 |
Scholarship Requested (75%) | €4,950 ($6,000 USD) |
Combined Need for Both Leaders: €11,250 ($13,500 USD)
Dr. Dan with Dr. Ivan at the Conference on How to start and manage a Sanitarium, Nairobi April 2026
TWO OPPORTUNITIES. ONE URGENT DEADLINE.
This fall, three leaders from Ethiopia and one physician from Uganda are poised to receive life-changing training at Herghelia Lifestyle Center in Romania — training that could launch new Lifestyle Centers and transform health and faith across East Africa for decades to come. But we need your help to get them there.
MOST URGENT — The Ethiopian Team (Deadline: 2 weeks)
One physician and two administrators are registered for the “How to Start a 21st Century Sanitarium” training (September 20–October 4). Because Romania has no Embassy in Ethiopia, they must first travel to Nairobi, Kenya just to apply for their visas — a journey that must happen within the next two weeks or they cannot attend.
Their ministry is covering one-third of the costs. We are asking donors to cover the remaining 66% which is:
- Tuition (3 persons): €2,400
- Room & Board (14 days): €2,400
- Travel to Kenya for visa: €1,500
- Romanian Visa fees: €300
- Round-trip airfare: €3,000
- Total Cost: €9,600
- Ministry contributes 1/3: − €3,300
- Scholarship needed: €6,300 ($7,500 USD)
Consider this: one trained physician and two empowered leaders, multiplied over decades of service, could transform health and faith throughout East Africa. Two weeks go faster than we think — please act today.
ALSO NEEDED — Dr. Ivan’s Fellowship (Uganda)
Dr. Ivan from Uganda has been accepted into the Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist Fellowship (September 6–18). A 75% scholarship would make his attendance possible:
- Tuition: €4,200
- Room & Board: €800
- Airfare: €1,200
- Visa & Travel: €400
- Total Cost: €6,600
- Dr. Ivan contributes 25%: – €1650 (2000 USD)
- Scholarship needed: €4,950 ($6,000 USD)
COMBINED NEED: €11,250 ($13,500 USD)
Whether you can give €100, €500, €1,000 or more — every gift is a lasting investment in leaders who will multiply your generosity for years to come. All donations are tax-deductible through OCI. Details on how to give are at the end of this newsletter.
Please don’t wait — especially for our Ethiopian friends. The clock is ticking.
“The Lord has presented matters to me again and again, and given me instructions to say that God Himself is ruler and counselor and guardian of every sanitarium that shall be established.” —Ellen G. White, Letter 180, 1901.
“The Lord years ago gave me special light in regard to the establishment of a health institution where the sick could be treated on altogether different lines from those followed in any other institution in our world. It was to be founded and conducted upon Bible principles, as the Lord’s instrumentality, and it was to be in His hands one of the most effective agencies for giving light to the world.” —Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 223
Upcoming Unique Educational Programs at Herghelia
Please share where you are and internationally
This year, the ASSA “How to Start a Lifestyle Center” training will be held from September 20 to October 4. Faculty will include:
- Dr. Zeno Charles-Marcel, GC Health Ministry Director
- Dr. George Guthrie
- Dr. Viriato Ferreira
These faculty members will complement the leadership of Herghelia Lifestyle Center.
Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist Fellowship 2026
Inaugural cohort
We are launching the first European Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist Fellowship at Herghelia from September 6–18, 2026. This may be the only fellowship affiliated with an institution that serves such a large number of patients, offering participants the opportunity to observe the real-time impact of an intensive lifestyle change program. The program director is Dr. George Guthrie, and faculty include:
- Dr. John Kelly
- Dr. Brenda Rea
- Dr. Zeno Charles-Marcel
- Dr. Richard Hart
With gratitude and hope,
By Nick & Valentina Dan on behalf of the Herghelia Lifestyle Center team
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