Vision or Purpose statement

Russian Orthodox ChurchThe Central & Eastern Europe and Mediterranean (CEEMed) Region covers the territory formerly included in the Soviet Union, as well as the Mediterranean countries. ABWE entered the region in the late 1980s, just before the fall of the Iron Curtain. As the region opened, so, too, did opportunities for evangelism and partnership with the courageous believers who had endured persecution for their faith. This is a vast and diverse region, but the CEEMed team is united in its focus on church planting, leadership training, and facilitating missions movements—working alongside our national partners to further the Gospel in this part of the world and beyond. Currently, fourteen teams serve in countries across the region.

History – when and how the work got started

Vasiliy Kaletnik became an ABWE Global Access Partner (GAP) in 2003. Vasiliy is Moldovan and bases his ministry out of Falesti, Moldova. He is active in numerous ministries, including church planting, children’s ministries, humanitarian care for children and teens, and evangelism. Vasiliy and his wife Olga have three adult children living in the USA. He is hoping to use medical clinics to go to smaller villages in his area and share the gospel.

Map of MoldovaPart of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001.

For additional history and other country information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldova

Cultural understanding – challenges nationals face, challenges for visitors

Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import almost all of its energy supplies.  In urban centers unemployment as high as 75% is reported.  Though separated from the Soviet Union, Moldova is still heavily dependent upon Russia for its energy supply.

The Republic of Moldova has a population of 3.4 million and is one of the most densely populated European countries. Moldova is populated by several different ethnic groups, including Moldovans – 75,8 %, Ukrainians - 8,4 %, Russians – 5,9 %, others (Gagauzians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Gipsy, Jews, etc.). A high ratio of the population lives in the rural area. The urban population represents 39,7 %. The capital city of Moldova is Chisinau.

The Republic of Moldova mainly comprises representatives of two worldwide religions: Christianity and Judaism. The first represented by about 1800 communities, the latter by 7 communities. The majority adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church, which incorporates almost 95% of orthodox Christians out of the entire population of the country.

Traditional Moldovan DressMoldova has a rich ethnic history. The majority of the population are Moldovans (Romanians), but the following national minorities live on this territory too: Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Gagauzians, Russians, Germans, Greeks, and others. In Moldova many traditions are centuries old. It is hard to believe that the multi-ethnic character of the country still exists within the popular traditions. What’s more it has enriched them with new qualities, giving them a new color and transforming them into an original bunch of customs, rituals, and folklore present in Moldovan villages.

In spite of the differences of nationalities, the people here have the most important quality – Hospitality. In Moldova every guest is received with a special warmth. The householder will always serve his guest with great Moldovan wine and with the best dishes of food. Usually, the guests are invited into the "Casa Mare" (Big Room) – a traditional room in each house where people feast together. There are a lot of holidays in Moldova and everyone can join in them. The Winter Holidays, for instance, feature greetings cards, best wishes, plays performed by both children and adults from one door to another, thus announcing with joy the coming of the New Year. Everybody is looking forward to Santa Claus to come on a sleigh filled with presents. Especially children prepare themselves for this event: they put on different costumes and masks and perform in front of the Christmas tree. In fact, at that period the holidays, following the traditional agricultural calendar coincide with the Christian festival of Christmas.

Romanian Gypsy WomanAnother very important traditional holiday is "Martisor" – the symbol of spring. In March everybody in Moldova hangs on their collar two knitted white and red ropes, which symbolize nature’s revival. In Spring the most important holiday for our people is the Easter religions holiday. For this celebration people prepare in good time, they cook special food: Easter Cake and painted eggs and the best wine. In the course of time the painted eggs have become a handicraft art. 

Moldova is also known for its traditions of a family nature: weddings, celebrations, etc., which become real shows performed by guests and hosts. In Moldovan villages "sezatorile" are very traditional social meetings, especially in the winter, where people sing, dance, and make handicrafts.

Description of the present facilities, staff, capabilities

Vasiliy Kaletnik and his family are ABWE's Global Access Partner (GAP) missionaries who will serve as your hosts in Moldova.

Needs in the community – physical, emotional, spiritual

The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova guarantees the religious freedom of its citizens. Each citizen has the right to share any religion, individually or in group, to spread this faith, to exercise their cult either in a private or public, as long as it does not contradict the Constitution and the law in force.

How ABWE is striving to address these needs

As noted above, Vasiliy Kaletnik, ABWE's GAP missionary in Moldova is active in numerous ministries, including church planting, children’s ministries, humanitarian care for children and teens, and evangelism. Vasiliy and his wife Olga are hoping to use medical clinics to go to smaller villages in his area and share the gospel.

Specific medical opportunities for short-term service (how and where you can plug in)

       This year we offer and extended medical team trip to Moldova providing primary care to those in great need..       

Anticipated Schedule:

Thurs 16    travel from USA to the city of Falesti

Friday 17   clinic prep

Sat 18       Medical clinic

Sun 19      Ministering in local churches

Mon-Fri 20-24 medical clinics

Sat 25       travel back to capital, shopping

Sun 26      travel back to USA   

Logistics: accommodations, preparations and requirements, travel and cost information

International travel arrangements may be coordinated through a recommended travel agency.  Flight schedules to this region change frequently, so the best arrangements will be determined as the time approaches.  Accommodations will be arranged by ABWE's missionary family on location.  Hotel or boarding house accommodations will be sparce, but adequate.  All meals will be prepared by qualified local personnel.  Filtered or bottled water will be provided throughout the trip.  Local transportation will also be arranged by the local missionary staff.

A project fee of $825 per participant is charged which covers all local travel, accomodations and meals, as well as ministry/medical supplies used throughout the project. International airfare is about $1500 including taxes, but can vary. A Passport ($75) is required for entry, but a Visa and special vaccinations are not. $100 for personal expenses /gifts might be appropriate. A $100 non-refundable deposit toward the project fee is payable to ABWE once you are assigned to a team. The balance of the project fees (only) is due to ABWE 30 days prior to departure. Airfare and other expenses are paid directly to providers. Total costs is anticipated to be in a range of $2350-2500 for a two-week trip.

Comprehensive details to prepare for this trip will be communicated via a Participants Information Booklet.

How you can sign up

God's been tugging at your heart to join Him on the mission field. You've cruised the websites, read the brochures, talked with others, checked your schedule, and prayed for the Lord's direction. You may already have a sense of where God is calling you, or you may still be undecided. That's OK. You may know how you're going to pay for the trip, both in finances and time, or you may not really know how all that is going to work out. You've come to the place where you have peace about trusting the Lord with the details. Now it's time to step out in faith.

If you believe God is calling you to serve with us in medical missions, please review the information contained on the navigation tab to the left entitled "Qualifications for Short Term Team Service". If you meet these qualifications and are in agreement with ABWE's Doctrinal Statement, you may begin the Application process at ABWE's secure on-line site: https://applications.abwe.org/  Select the Medical Short Term (Rotations and Teams) Application.

For more information about this trip, contact Rick Smith,  rtsmith0512@hotmail.com or 678-358-4801.