Transnistrian church supports their first missionary: Moldova, Republic of

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Transnistrian church supports their first missionary

Moldova, Republic of | OM International

Olea presenting her ministry to her church

Two years ago, Olea started working with OM Moldova. Initially she hardly spoke a word of Romanian, but within five months, this Russian-speaking girl from Transnistria learnt to speak Romanian. “It was not only about learning another language, but also about changing my attitude towards the Moldovan people," shares Olea. "I was born in Transnistria and had many misconceptions about Moldova.”

Three times a year, local team members are encouraged to share about their ministry with OM during a worship service at their own churches. Awareness for the work in OM thus grows in the churches, and church members are challenged to support their missionary through prayer and – if possible - finances.

Olea is currently working in the Relief&Development Department of OM Moldova. She tells her church about people she has met at the Day Care Centres and through the Elderly Projects. Sad stories about poor families and the hard situations they live in are shared.

"...Being a missionary is not just a label, a name given by people. It's what’s in your heart that makes you a missionary..."

But because of her work with OM Moldova in Chisinau, some of these people now receive regular food parcels or can send their children to the Day Care Centre where children receive a hot meal, get help with their homework and meet people who really love them.

Olea’s church is a big church of more than 300 members and around 200 children. She is the first missionary to be sent out by them, and since January this year, her church has pledged to contribute financially towards her monthly expenses. This is a big blessing for Olea, who a month ago didn’t even know if her church would let her serve another two years with OM.

During the church service, Olea challenges church members to get involved in missions. “It’s easy for me to say I’m a missionary because I’m working with OM," says Olea. "But every one can be a missionary. Being a missionary is not just a label, a name given by people. It's what’s in your heart that makes you a missionary. It’s a passion, a decision you have to make anew every day. You can be in contact with your neighbours and be a light in your own environment.”

OM Moldova currently runs 11 Day Care Centres that reach 220 children in the village. From September to May, children are given a hot lunch due to the cold climate – for many, their only meal for the day. In addition, a group of elderly meet for a hot meal at 10 churches in the village each day, and elderly from 2 projects are given food parcels at home every week. OM Moldova also organises 2 conferences for workers to be trained and share fellowship each year. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .