Frumușica
On the northwestern side of Moldova lies the village of Frumusica, a small quaint town whose name means “beautiful” in Romanian. Simple village homes, rolling hills, agricultural valleys, roaming chickens, wells, horse drawn carts, grooved dirt roads and well worn walking paths are all part of Frumusica’s beauty. But, the picturesque surroundings are only an introduction to the real attraction…the wonderful people.
Like in the Bible, a home church was meeting weekly for services and Bible study. Maria, an elderly woman, hosted the gatherings in the largest room of her near 100 year old house. It was crowded and growth was limited. They needed their own church building but it seemed like an impossibility. They were praying for a miracle.
This past August, God answered their prayers and sent an initial mission team to begin construction of a new church. Then, in late October, we welcomed a team from Thrive Church (Wausau, WI). Their work on the interior of the church was crucial. Winter was coming and it was vital to make progress so the congregation could begin using their new facilities. In only three months God was doing amazing things.
The last week of October, together with the Thrive Church team, it was a joy to share in the first service of the newly built church. Beautiful village, beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ and a beautiful new church on the rise in Frumusica. Take a look!
“Sister” Maria welcoming us to her home where the church had been meeting.
Pastor Sergiu and his family live in the village and lead the church in Frumusica. Here the Thrive team is visiting Maria’s home to see where the church currently meets.
The meeting room. The gathering place. The home church. I’m sure there are many wonderful memories of singing, praying and sharing God’s Word together in this room. It was an honor to spend time here and think of the dedicated believers faithfully coming together. The team took time to share scripture and pray together before heading to the new church property and work site.
I think Maria may miss having the church meeting in her home on a weekly basis?
The August team from Bowie, Maryland getting the new church started. Praise God!
Before the August team left the walls were up and the roof was on. Thank you!
The Thrive church team arrived in late October. One goal was to finish the insulation on the outside of the building and also begin work on the inside. We hoped to get enough done so we could have the first service together in the new church.
Lots of insulation, drywall, electrical and lighting work on the inside. There was something for everyone.
Inside and outside, the Thrive Church crew, along with our amazing Moldovan church friends, was able to get a lot of work done on the new church.
Mission accomplished. The outside is looking good and ready for Winter weather.
And another mission accomplished. We made enough progress on the inside to have the first official service. It was amazing!
The first service had many guests and friends from area churches. It was a joyous gathering. The Frumusica church family is on it’s way and in good shape for their weekly services and ministry. Pray for them as they serve their community.
Pastor Sheldon had the honor of preaching the first message in the new church.
Did I mention we had many guests? We had to use all available seating areas.
Moldovan style church potluck. Lots of good food and fellowship.
We had wonderful home visits with Frumusica’s warm and hospitable people.
Heidi prefers the home visits and relational connecting over the construction :).
The ladies from the Thrive team were very talented and hard working. Whatever was needed they were ready. Working at the church, home visits, serving the community, teaching at the schools, singing and sharing in church services. Great job ladies!
The school where we were able to have wonderful opportunities with students and teachers alike. Most villages have schools offering grades 1-9. For grades 10-12 and higher young people often have to travel to larger cities and many live in a dorm setting during the week and then return home on the weekends.
The traditional greeting and hospitality as our team entered the school.
At the entrance, students and teachers warmly welcomed our team. In this small community, many had never met Americans before or had them visit their school.
At the school, students awaited us eagerly. The young girl in front, in traditional dress, sang a beautiful song to welcome us.
The local school serves a number of surrounding villages and has around 200 students. There are about 20 teachers including the director (principal). The Thrive team had some educators on their team and, besides being in the classrooms, we were able to have some sharing opportunities with the school staff. It was great!
English classes with the students are always enjoyable. The longer we are in Moldova the more we see English growing, especially among the young people.
Pastor Sheldon’s wife, Michelle, who has taught in school for many years was loving the whole cross cultural experience with the students and teachers.
Somebody is having fun in English class.
The Thrive team sharing a special service with another new church we are helping in Pirlita. So many wonderful brothers and sisters in Moldova. Beautiful people.
Thank you Pastor Sheldon & Michelle for bringing the team to Moldova. Thank you Thrive Church family for having a big heart for missions and for your prayers and support behind the team. They represented you very well. God bless you!
We are excited to visit as many churches and friends as possible. We have a tremendous report about what God is doing in Moldova. If you are interested in having us come, in any capacity, please contact us. Thank you.
2026 is underway and we are on the move. We are already preparing for the upcoming misson teams that will work with us in Moldova. As well, Fall itineration plans are starting to fill the calendar and the year is looking good. We appreciate your prayers in these two areas of planning and preparation.
Frumusica, Moldova…another church is having weekly services and ministry to their community. Thank you faithful partners for helping make this possible. Your support is invaluable and we couldn’t do it without you. God is building his church and we are workers together in Him. God bless you!
Every day we wake up in Moldova is a privilege.
Troy and Heidi Jo Darrin
Chisinau, Moldova