We have had a connection with the Filadephia Church in Iasi since it began 25 years ago. When the change from communism happened, Margie Fforde, who was part of our church then, went to Romania to encourage local enterprise. This was not successful but when she came back she asked if we would adopt the Serediuc family ( David and Stratica) with support. They had formed an independent church and had 6 children and lived in a northern city called Iasi. We have enjoyed several visits Iasi and David and Stratica have visited Waterbrook twice. Angie Kite lived in Romania for a while and knows them well.
Hospitality is a key part of their culture and as a church family they share meals and fellowship together. Their weddings are also very special and every guest contributes to the cost of it. Their Sunday meetings are in a city centre location where they aim to bring the gospel to a city that is principally loyal to the Orthodox religion. Their mid week meetings are in a church house which we helped them buy and establish.
Although Romania is beginning to do better economically this has been slow and the cost of living is high but wages are very low. There is quite a bit of hardship in the city.