I began to revisit the idea of mission. In my mind, being a missionary meant dedicating a set period of time—like the popular “One Year for Christ” concept. I didn’t yet grasp the beauty of a whole life given to mission. The Lord, however, was patient. He kept working on my heart—quietly, steadily.

Years earlier my sister had undergone back surgery and continued to live with chronic pain. Out of love for her—and a desire to show gratitude for all she had done for me—I decided to learn massage and simple natural remedies to help her more effectively. In my search, I discovered the TGM Medical Missionary Training Center in Austria. Then I found a similar program back home at the Herghelia Institute in Romania. Choosing Herghelia made sense—financially, and because it would allow me to be close to my family for a year.

I registered for the first module, planning to decide later whether to continue. I’ll never forget arriving on a winter morning—January 8, 2010. As I approached the campus, the snow-laden trees arched over the road like a white canopy. It felt like a symbol of God’s protection. The staff’s warmth and the welcoming atmosphere quickly made me feel at home. Our class was large—25 students, most just out of high school, while I was in my late twenties. Being older made me more responsible in some ways, but also a bit out of place. The schedule was tight: morning work, afternoon classes, no late arrivals or absences. I remember thinking, I already know discipline and a strong work ethic—so why has God brought me here?

I loved the classes, and by the end of the first module I felt I had accomplished what I came for. I was ready to leave—yet I had no peace. I sensed the Lord impressing me that His purposes for me at Herghelia weren’t fulfilled yet.

One sunny spring morning, I was working in a greenhouse. It was warm inside—little green plants thriving in neat rows. I lingered there alone after my classmates left for lectures. To my surprise, no one noticed, and there were no consequences. In that quiet, the Lord made it clear: I needed to stay and complete the full course.

In July 2010, I graduated. To my surprise and joy, I was invited—along with three classmates, Laurențiu, Irinel, and Roxana—to serve as summer therapists at the health center, with the possibility of being hired afterward. My plans were turned upside down. Part of me wanted to return to Austria—to keep earning and to continue supporting my sister. Another part felt unprepared for the responsibility of being a therapist. Yet the Lord’s impression grew stronger, and I accepted Herghelia’s challenge.

I will never forget my first two patients. I felt deeply responsible for their healing and prayed often to our Great Physician. One was a Romanian woman living in Germany who faced many health challenges yet had a wonderfully positive spirit. Because she couldn’t lie on her back, I adapted her treatments and massaged her while she sat. Both patients were gracious and encouraging, often thanking me for my care. The way God blessed those treatments convinced me that working as a therapist in a sanitarium is truly a divine calling. I had never experienced anything more satisfying than being used by God to improve someone’s health and life.

Summer ended, and I still hesitated to sign a contract. I spoke at length with the administration—I didn’t feel ready. Among our small group of young therapists, someone suggested more training. After we presented the idea, three of us decided to enroll in a nursing school in nearby Târgu Mureș. Herghelia’s head nurse supported our decision so we could work and study at the same time. My savings turned out to be a blessing for our little team—I bought a car and handled much-needed transportation. For the next three years, our schedule was extremely tight, but God sustained us.

The year 2014 brought two great joys: I graduated from nursing school, and after four years of patient, steady courtship, I married Cornel. We’ve now been married 11 years, and the Lord has blessed us with two precious children—Rafael (10 years old) and Riana (6 years old). Cornel is a wonderful partner: spiritually grounded, a devoted father, warm, steady, and always present—a special gift from the Lord.

Looking back, I praise God for His patience with me. My years at Herghelia have been rich with growth and maturity, especially in understanding mission. I now see clearly that medical missionary work is part of our identity as Seventh-day Adventists. It doesn’t make sense to think in terms of “one year for Christ” any more than it does to think of “one year of being an Adventist.” God led me, through people who lived what they preached and through experiences that taught me this truth: nothing satisfies the soul like the joy of serving others and the relationships formed when their needs are met.

Today, each day at Herghelia feels like a gift from above. The time always feels too short to connect as deeply as I’d like with each patient. I often ask myself: Did I truly discern their needs and serve them well?

My daily prayer is simple: Lord, help me meet with You each morning and be filled by Your Spirit, so that I can pour out more of Your love to the people You send my way.

By Cristina Pașca, nurse and therapist at Herghelia

Editors’ note: Cristina is a quiet, sincere, and thoughtful follower of Jesus. She brings balance, a passion for spiritual growth, and professional excellence to our team.