Prior to the course being advertised, I had been making enquiries about attending an Adventist lifestyle centre in Europe, for a chance to restore my health after a difficult year at work and in my personal life. When the opportunity to attend this training was advertised, I did not hesitate to apply. However, I was not confident that I would be able to get so much time off work at such short notice. Thankfully, God opened the way. I was granted time off work and in spite of the complex travel arrangements, I managed to arrive on time.
During my stay, I took the opportunity to follow the health principles that were promoted at Herghelia. I only ate what was provided (but also sampled the tasty cherries and other wild berries on walks), I chose to take the “evening tea” replacing supper, and used this time to reflect on the lessons and experiences of the day or to work on my project. I saw the positive health results in myself as well as in other patients. I became much calmer, less anxious and my endurance increased with each exercise session. Even my clothes fitted better. Before attending I was worried that I would get homesick, but the days flew by and I even started feeling at home – a feeling also shared by others in our cohort.
Nomsa Maphango, MD | England
The training was well-rounded and gave us a glimpse of ideal Adventist education which combines theory with practical application. It was a privilege to be allowed an insider view on the running of a lifestyle centre, and most of all to meet the individuals from the different departments who contribute to the success of the centre. The training has helped me to be more confident in the Adventist Health Message and how it is to be uniquely applied in dedicated lifestyle centres.
It was impactful to see the influence of Herghelia Lifestyle Centre on the local area and the ministries resulting, around Romania and further afield. A woman at the Campenita church shared with me that she moved from the UK to Herghelia, Campenita so that her child would have an Adventist education and grow up in an Adventist environment.
I didn’t come with a firm project in mind, but while on the course, God was already speaking to colleagues in the UK about moving forward with the plans of starting an Adventist lifestyle centre. By the time I left, I had already arranged to meet up with them to share what I had learned and to participate in the project.
Thank you to the Herghelia team for hosting us. May God richly bless your ministry.
Nomsa Maphango, MD | England
Newsletter XVIII Summary
God’s vision for end-time Adventist ministries to the world includes medical missionary work spreading globally like rivers of fire, with Sanitariums serving as outpost centers near the world’s major cities.
The wellness center management training at Herghelia was an incredibly enriching and deeply insightful experience. The program stood out for its multifaceted approach to wellness center operations, offering teachings from three distinct perspectives.
Prior to the course being advertised, I had been making enquiries about attending an Adventist lifestyle centre in Europe, for a chance to restore my health after a difficult year at work and in my personal life. When the opportunity to attend this training was advertised, I did not hesitate to apply.
The time I spent in Herghelia was very inspiring. We met very dedicated brothers and sisters there. They all worked passionately with each of us on every one of our projects, helping us to find suitable approaches to fit our specific needs, according to the culture of our country.
We knew the Lord wanted us to complement our existing medical missionary training school with a lifestyle center. What we didn’t know was how to start this institution. We had in mind something of a professional standard and one that would not “put the Lord to shame”.
I didn’t know what to expect from this training when I first heard God’s call to enroll. However, I can testify to how He made everything possible for me to be here. Tomorrow, I will leave this place feeling fully inspired and equipped with a wealth of new knowledge and ideas, and with the joy of having met so many wonderful people.
From the moment I arrived at Herghelia, I was awed by the breathtaking view and the tranquil landscape of the place. However, what truly left an indelible impression on my heart was the exceptional care and kindness displayed by the dedicated team of professionals that work there.
I would like to thank Herghelia for the training we’ve had. I’ve learned a lot of important things about the opening of a Lifestyle Center.
In my opinion, the lifestyle center establishment training was very good and very enriching. The different speakers explained the topics covered very well. I felt though, that it was too short. Two more days added to it would have been perfect.
The recent training course on how to open a lifestyle centre, was intense. The presenters shared with us all the elements that helped them achieve their goal of having a lifestyle centre in their area. But they also shared with us the failures along the way and explained the reason for these failures.
As we are preparing to start a health centre, a medical missionary school and a city center in the Netherlands, somebody advised us to consider the training Herghelia offers on how to manage a lifestyle centre in the 21st century. I did that, and I can say that this was an amazing experience.
The training at Herghelia was an unexpected blessing for me, as I hadn’t planned on diving into any serious project right away. However, through my interactions with fellow trainees, the Lord quickly revealed the importance of engaging deeply with the topics presented, for my spiritual journey.
I really appreciated the training we’ve had in Herghelia, from many points of view.
First of all, I think it was challenging as far as our beliefs. For instance, one of the case studies presented for discussion in one of our classes was: If a future SDA client in our health center, aware that he might need a cardiac valve replacement soon and also knowing that the new valve comes from pig, is asking our advice about doing this surgery, what should be our response?
I really appreciated the diversity of the speakers in this training course, and also their vast experience. They were able to share not only their theoretical knowledge but also their practical experience.
The course that I had the honour of attending in Herghelia was amazing! It was very educational, expanding my understanding on medical missionary work in a Sanitarium setting. The picture became clearer and more understandable.
During my training in Herghelia I had a roommate that lives somewhere up in the Romanian mountains. Once, he had to go back home to tend to an emergency, and he brought back some giant carrots and some little white peppers that were very sweet. I loved talking with him.
The training I received in Herghelia was very inspiring. I discovered here a structure that beautifully combines God’s love, compassion, special care and humility. It showed me that God’s laws are not only capable of preventing illness, but also of relieving pain and improving overall physical and mental health. If I had to choose only 2 most important points of this training, these would be:
I learned a lot of spiritual lessons as far as mission is concerned while I was attending Eden Valley Medical Missionary School and lately during training at Lisheleo Clinic and Holicare Sanitarium in Kenya. At the end of my internship there, I received a message from the school’s administrator in Eden Valley.
Please pray for and support the Sanitarium Global Movement. We claim the following precious promise that the Lord will inspire, lead and protect each particular project started according with His plans: “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
We want to establish a Worthy Students Fund to help prospective future Sanitarium leaders attend the annual “How to start and manage Sanitariums in the XXI Century” and cover part of the funds related to the production of a Loma Linda University Certificate online course in this field. We are working with LLU to produce such a course to be available to the SDA Church at large.
HERGHELIA – THE MOST URGENT NEEDS
- 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
We are getting close to final accreditation and adding an English program.
- Extension of the Lifestyle Center – $1,000,000
Right now we are working with an architect to fine tune the architectural draft.
Contact person: Valentina Dan
Phone: +40-748-118-084
E-mail: valentinadan1964@yahoo.com
Cont: RO02RNCB0193015969490004
SWIFT CODE: RNCBROBU
BCR Central, Tg. Mureș