Cornova Church
Something is growing in Cornova, Moldova.
What began as a new church project is becoming a place of new life, ministry, and growth. With the help of Celebration Church, Moldovan church friends, and a shared vision for reaching unreached areas, the Cornova church building has advanced from its cement foundation to an enclosed structure.
God is at work in Moldova, and His church is growing.
Spring is an amazing time in Moldova, when the country comes to life. Flowers, plants, trees, and crops flourish, and Moldova’s beauty can be seen everywhere. But that is not all that is growing.
Spiritually, new growth is also happening in Moldova. For 20 years, we have served as missionaries in Moldova, and the last five years have been a time of abundant growth with many churches started.
One example is the Cula area of the Ungheni region. There are 15 villages and a minimal church presence. Working together with a strong Moldovan mother church, over the past three years we have helped with six new church efforts in Cula.
Most recently, new church growth began in the village of Cornova, Moldova. In May, we welcomed a team from Celebration Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, to help with the new Cornova church project.
Together with our Moldovan church friends, the team advanced the building from the cement foundation slab to the roof and an enclosed structure. God is at work in Moldova, and His church is growing.
It started in Ungheni in 2005…
In 2005, while serving as associate pastors in Wisconsin, we brought a mission team to Moldova and worked with Lumina Lumii Church in Ungheni, Moldova. The church building was under construction and our team worked on the third floor. Within a week after returning to the states, God called us to full time missions and back to Moldova. Shortly after this we arrived in Moldova. Over the last 20 years, and especially the past five years, we have partnered together with Pastor Gheorghe and Natasha and their congregation to establish another 15 new churches. Praise God!
Before the Celebration Church team came, Pastor Gheorghe (George) and his team cleared the newly purchased land and prepared the foundation slab.
Ready for the team. Let’s build a new church.
The first two days were a little difficult as we had an incredible amount of rain. It was the most rain we’ve seen during our 20 years living in Moldova.
Rainy days hit us hard the first two days but we still got a lot done.
Sunny days. Blue skies. Beautiful village setting. New church on the rise.
The Minnesota Men…Alex, Pastor Louis, Max and Westin. Sandy, and the mother of Max and Westin, was also part of the MN team but wasn’t in this photo because she was working :). Good job guys…cool photo for your next music album cover.
Here’s Sandy…I told you she was working. Great to have you on the team Sandy!
Westin and Alex working up high and working hard.
Always an exciting day when the first roofing materials are put on.
Moving inside and time for drywall.
The Minnesota - Moldova connection. This team did a ton of work. God bless you! We are workers together in God.
Church built, roof on, doors and windows installed, drywall started, enclosed building. Great work everyone! Thank you God!
Sunday Church Services
Sunday morning we were at the Ungheni Lumina Lumii (Light of the World) Church. Pastor Louis preaching and Natasha interpreting.
Sunday morning we were at the Ungheni Lumina Lumii (Light of the World) Church. Pastor Louis preaching and Natasha interpreting.
Sandy, sharing her testimony.
Sunday afternoon we were at the Boghenii Noi Church. This church is the exact size of the Cornova Church. A mission team from Aberdeen, SD came in June of 2025 and helped start the building of this new church. Weekly Church services were started before Summer ended and during the school year, Monday through Friday, children come for an after school program. How wonderful to see what God is doing in Boghenii Noi and what we believe he will do in Cornova. Thanks be to God!
Walking home from church.
Thank you Pastor Brian, missions team and Generations Church. It was amazing how God put everything together and we give him the praise. You have made a difference in Moldova and our hearts are full of gratitude.
And Finally
In two more days, we will host our fourth mission team in three months. With these teams, we have targeted three new church projects. We are also helping with another new church in a purchased facility that is being remodeled.
All four churches are in locations where there is currently no church. Please pray for Cuza, Cornova, Balanul Nou, and Milesti.
When mission teams come, we can make big progress in a short time. However, there is still more work to be done, especially on the inside. Any financial gift or extra donation will be a great help for the four churches mentioned above.
From August through December, we will return to the United States for a time of itineration. We have an amazing report to share and look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible.
So, what is growing in Cornova? Jesus is building and growing His church. Thank you for your partnership, prayers, and for loving Moldova with us and through us.
Troy and Heidi Jo Darrin
Chisinau, Moldova