2026 Romania Mission Trip Summary (Save the date for March 2027) – by FCFI President, Steve Cernek

FCFI President Steve Cernek returned from a mission trip to Romania in March, where he joined longtime FCFI friend Dave Ferris, a young volunteer named Daniel, and Dave’s daughter, Kirsten, in supporting a growing ministry that is preparing to impact lives for Christ across the region.

The team traveled to Romania in early March and was welcomed by Pastor Alex and his family, who hosted them at Camp Rabi, the ministry facility where they stayed and worked during their visit. While Wisconsin was experiencing blizzard conditions back home, the team enjoyed sunny Romanian weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s throughout their stay.

Their primary focus was helping prepare Camp Rabi for upcoming summer ministry opportunities. The facility, a former nursing home being transformed into a Christian retreat and camp center, hosted limited camp sessions last year, but significant work remained to be completed.

During the trip, the team worked alongside local believers to complete a variety of important projects. They installed bathroom fixtures, enclosed and drywalled a meeting room area, prepared the chapel building for painting, and completed exterior finishing work, including enclosing the eaves and portions of the building’s exterior.

“With God’s help and the involvement of many church members, we accomplished a great deal during our time there,” Steve shared. “It was rewarding to work alongside fellow believers and help move forward the vision of a fully functioning facility that God can use in this part of Romania.”

That vision extends far beyond the buildings themselves. Camp Rabi is being developed as a place where churches can host summer camps, retreats, and outreach events that share the life-changing message of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Plans for this summer include two special outreach camps designed to serve children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. One camp will focus on children from smaller villages and underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to participate alongside church youth and leaders. A second camp will combine music instruction with biblical teaching, providing children with opportunities to learn basic musical skills while growing in their faith.

The ministry also hopes to host Christ-centered retreats for pastors and their wives, young families, and other groups seeking spiritual encouragement and fellowship.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was the opportunity to worship alongside Romanian believers.

“Even when our earthly languages are not the same, our heavenly connection is powerful,” Steve reflected. “The encouragement, fellowship, and love we share in Christ are strongly felt.”

In addition to their work at Camp Rabi, the team delivered supplies and visited another ministry near Arad known as River of Life Ministry, which has been supported by Dave and Kirsten Ferris. They also enjoyed visiting local dairy farms and experiencing a taste of Romanian agriculture and hospitality.

Those interested in learning more about the ongoing ministry in Romania will have an opportunity this summer. Pastor Alex and his wife, Rodi, are planning to attend the FCFI Conference in Branson, Missouri, July 21–24. Pastor Alex will lead the early morning devotions, while his son, Abiel, will lead worship during the conference.

The work in Romania continues to move forward, creating opportunities for young people, families, church leaders, and communities to encounter Christ through camps, retreats, and outreach ministries.

As Steve encourages, “Keep serving and stay focused on Jesus as you follow His leading. I look forward to seeing many of you in Branson this July.”

If you would like to go to Romania next March (2027) please reach out to Steve (spcernek@gmail.com).