Taking your first step into missions is exciting, life-changing, and, let’s be honest, a little intimidating. Whether you’re heading across the globe or serving in a neighboring community, preparation is key to making the most of your experience and being an effective part of God’s work.

This Christmas at Maria Naomi, the spirit of giving transcended borders, filling our little Romanian village with stacks of Christmas boxes sent from our generous donors across the globe.

When I first arrived in Southern Romania in 2009, I thought I was coming to serve, to bring help and hope. What I didn’t expect was how deeply God would work in my own heart through the ministry. That week changed my life, and it’s why I keep coming back to Maria Naomi’s headquarters every year since that first trip in 2009.

In 1999, I couldn’t have imagined how one simple ‘yes’ to God would lead to a ministry that touches entire families and communities. From leading Bible studies to creating jobs through our sewing workshop, our family has embraced a mission to bring practical help and the Gospel’s light to Southern Romania.

For many Roma families, daily life revolves around survival. Employment opportunities are scarce in rural Romania, and discrimination makes finding steady work even harder. Factories rarely hire Roma workers, and when they do, it’s often for the lowest-paying, least secure positions. Seasonal agricultural work or collecting recyclable materials are often the only ways to earn an income.

I often think about how their stories are intertwined with the mission of Maria Naomi. By providing meaningful work, we’re not just addressing immediate needs but helping women build a foundation for long-term stability.

One of the first women to join our workshop came to me in desperation. Her husband had left to work in Germany, leaving her alone to care for their two daughters with no income. At the time, I didn’t have work to offer her, and it broke my heart. I prayed for a way to say “yes” to her.

When we say, “God loves you” or “God cares for you,” we can show it through practical actions. One woman once told me, “If God loves me, why don’t I have food for my children?” That question stuck with me. Providing her with a job was the answer—not just for her immediate needs but for her long-term growth.

The Maria Naomi Workshop is more than a workplace; it’s a space where women gain skills, grow in faith, and support their families with dignity. By valuing their craftsmanship and preserving their independence, we reflect God’s love in practical ways, transforming lives and uplifting communities.