Meet the Darvells: Founders of Maria Naomi
By Florina Darvell
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.
A Calling to Southern Romania
The seeds of Maria Naomi were planted during my early years in ministry, when I moved to the Olt region in Southern Romania in 2003 to join a church-planting team. My role included evangelizing children, supporting women, and visiting families in need. It was during these visits that I came face-to-face with the deep struggles many families face—struggles that were often rooted in the lack of local jobs and opportunities.
Southern Romania is a beautiful but challenging place, where economic hardship is a daily reality for many families. God opened my eyes to see that sharing His love couldn’t stop at words. It had to include action—real, tangible solutions to meet the practical needs of the people.
Maria Naomi: A Ministry of Transformation
In 2008, God blessed me with my husband, Mark, who joined me in this work. Mark, originally from England, shares my passion for ministry, and together we’ve dedicated our lives to bringing hope and lasting change to this region. The Lord has also entrusted us with two wonderful sons, David and Ruben, who have grown up immersed in a life of service and faith.
The same year that Mark and I married, I founded Maria Naomi with a mission to address both the practical and spiritual needs of the community. Over the years, the ministry has grown to include women’s Bible studies, children’s programs, and evangelistic events. Each of these programs provides safe spaces for individuals and families to encounter the Gospel and experience God’s love in a deeply personal way.
In 2014, we started a small sewing workshop under Maria Naomi to address one of the most pressing needs I saw: the lack of dignified, local employment for women. Many mothers in this region are forced to leave their families to find work in other countries, creating heartbreaking challenges for their children and communities. Through the workshop, Maria Naomi provides women with a steady income, marketable skills, and a supportive environment where they can stay close to home and their families.
Today, the workshop stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. What began with just a few women learning to sew has grown into a thriving initiative that equips women with the confidence and skills to support their families. It’s more than a job—it’s a place where women experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.
Ministry Through Relationships
At Maria Naomi, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Through women’s Bible studies, we create a space where Orthodox women, who may feel hesitant to attend a Protestant church, can come to explore faith in an informal, welcoming setting. These gatherings are a beautiful opportunity to build trust, share the Gospel, and foster genuine community.
Our children’s programs are another vital part of the ministry. Each week, we host Bible clubs for kids and teens, teaching them God’s Word, encouraging Scripture memorization, and connecting with their families. We also organize special events like Christmas celebrations and summer camps, which bring joy and hope to children while opening doors for deeper engagement with their parents.
Mark plays a key role in our street evangelism efforts, often striking up conversations in parks and public spaces. His British heritage frequently sparks interest, especially among young people eager to practice their English. Through these conversations, Mark shares the Gospel in ways that resonate with the hearts of those he meets.
Committed to God’s Mission
As a family, we see every aspect of our lives as an opportunity to serve the Lord. David and Ruben have grown up witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel in action. Whether it’s helping with events, interacting with the women at the workshop, or simply showing Christ’s love in their daily lives, they are an integral part of the organization.
Mark and I feel deeply blessed to walk this journey together. His gifts in evangelism and relationship-building complement my passion for empowering women and meeting practical needs. Together, we aim to reflect God’s love in everything we do, bringing hope to those who need it most.
Grateful for God’s Provision
None of this would be possible without the faithful support of our partners. Every step of the way, God has provided people who believe in the vision of Maria Naomi and who have come alongside us to make this mission a reality. Whether through prayers, financial support, or encouragement, each contribution has been a vital part of this ministry’s impact.
To everyone who has supported Maria Naomi, thank you. Your partnership is changing lives, strengthening families, and bringing hope to Southern Romania.
If you’d like to join us in this mission, we invite you to support our mission. Together, we can continue to share God’s love in ways that transform lives and uplift communities.
