Since 2008, Maria Naomi has empowered thousands of Romanians through Gospel-centered discipleship, compassionate outreach, and life-changing job opportunities for women.

15 years of Gospel outreach in Southern Romania

About Maria Naomi

Read the full story

“When a woman asked me, ‘If God loves me, why don’t I have food for my children?’ I knew I had to do more than just talk about love—I had to show it.”

— Florina Darvell

How Maria Naomi began

At its core, Maria Naomi exists to uplift communities—both economically and spiritually. By addressing tangible needs and sharing eternal truths, we foster an environment where women can thrive, families are supported, and hope endures.

In 1999, Florina Darvell felt the call to share the Gospel in the villages of Southern Romania. By 2008, Florina and her husband, Mark, had a vision to expand this mission. Together, they founded Maria Naomi, a nonprofit dedicated to meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of the local community. Their initial efforts focused on outreach events for women and children. Yet, as Florina witnessed the economic challenges faced by women in rural villages, a new purpose emerged: creating sustainable employment opportunities to empower these women and their families.
In 2014, Maria Naomi acquired a property, transforming a residential home into a multi-purpose hub for ministry. It quickly became a place for hosting Bible studies, children's programs, and a sewing workshop. This workshop, now the production center for our clothing label, Melissa's Natural Fabrics, was built to provide more than fair wages. It offers a supportive, encouraging environment where women from surrounding villages can develop valuable skills, regain confidence, and earn an income.

Through this workshop, lives have been transformed. Women who once struggled to provide for their families now find dignity and purpose in their work, learning to sew high-quality garments while growing in faith and community. The products they create are a testament to their talent, resilience, and the power of opportunity.
Today, Maria Naomi’s ministry extends far beyond its sewing workshop. Women's Bible studies offer a safe space for spiritual growth and encouragement. Children's programs provide a nurturing environment where the next generation experiences God’s love. Evangelistic events continue to share the Gospel, reaching hearts across Southern Romania.

Meet the leadership team

Florina Darvell

Director, Maria Naomi and CEO, Melissa's Natural Fabrics
Since 1999, Florina Darvell has devoted herself as a missionary in Southern Romania, dedicated to spreading the Gospel and uplifting underserved communities. She currently leads Maria Naomi as Director, spearheading programs that enhance support for the communities in Southern Romania. Additionally, Florina serves as the CEO of Melissa's Natural Fabrics, an extension of Maria Naomi that supports the organization's outreach efforts through its clothing label. Alongside her husband, Mark, and their two sons, David and Ruben, she has been serving the Lord, aiming to demonstrate God's love through faith in action.
Mark Darvell

Facilities Manager
Since 2008, Mark Darvell has been involved in ministry outreach in Southern Romania, focusing on Gospel-centered initiatives and evangelism. Originally from England, Mark moved to Romania to join forces with his wife, Florina, aiming to serve underserved villages and bring hope to struggling communities. As the Facilities Manager of Maria Naomi, Mark leads street evangelism and mentors individuals in their faith. His passion for creating deep, meaningful connections is evident in his dedication to spreading the love of Christ and supporting the organization’s mission through practical and spiritual guidance.

At the heart of Maria Naomi is a team of talented artisans transforming natural fabrics into beautifully handcrafted products. These women bring skill, dedication, and creativity to every piece they create, representing the mission of dignity and empowerment at the core of our work.

Explore their stories and see how they are shaping a brighter future for their families and communities.

Meet the artisans behind the work

Meet our artisans

Together, we can make our 2035 vision a reality

At Maria Naomi, our vision for 2035 reflects our commitment to sharing the transformative power of the Gospel while meeting practical needs.

Each product crafted and life impacted reflects the power of the Gospel to transform communities.Together, we can break cycles of poverty, strengthen families, and inspire hope through ethical employment and Gospel-centered outreach.

Join us in turning this vision into reality. Your support builds lasting impact.

Employ 50 full-time artisans

Employ 50 women in our community with dignified work, empowering them with skills to craft high-quality natural products that sustain their families and communities.

Reach 75% in self-sustained operations

Build our clothing label, Melissa's, into a thriving, self-sustaining business that covers 75% of operational costs by 2035, ensuring we can expand programs and invest in Gospel-centered initiatives.

Disciple 1000 women

Reach and disciple 1,000 women through weekly Bible studies and host 200+ community gatherings that reach our underserved communities with the love of Christ and meaningful relationships.

Transform lives through the power of the Gospel

Your gift equips women with dignified jobs, reaches families with hope, and strengthens communities through the power of the Gospel. Join with us and rejoice as we see the Lord change lives, strengthen families, and uplift entire communities. Start making a difference with us today.