Romania’s dependence on agriculture force many citizens to labor in the fields with only their bare hands and farm animals. This low-income workforce lends heavily to a Gross National Income (GNI) of only $1870 per year, (United States GNI is $33,684 per year), making it easy to see why 29% (6.5 million) Romanians live in poverty.

The Romanian people have one of the lowest standards of living in Eastern Europe. Few Romanians can afford luxury items. For example, only 15% own a television and fewer than 2% own an automobile. Only 15 Years beyond communist rule, economic recovery is sluggish.

The rural villages where Christian Emergency Relief Teams (CERT) works and sends support are among the poorest regions of all. Thousands of these rural villages are scattered throughout countryside. The average village population is approximately 1550 and most all live well below the poverty line. These communities are so deprived that only 16% have improved drinking water and a mere 10% have basic sanitation facilities. Most sewage run-offs travel through the streets and drainage ditches in the center of town. We share these shocking facts and statistics to stress the urgent needs.

Today approximately 75% of all Romanians belong to the Romanian Orthodox Church, an Eastern Orthodox Church. Under the previous communist rule it was the only “recognized” church. Many non-Orthodox church leaders and members were persecuted for their faith during these times. Today, Romanians are free to worship openly; unfortunately many still live in fear of recent persecutions and Communist rule.

Many Romanians still believe they have to earn their way to heaven. Many still believe they have to buy their way to heaven. This is why CERT has been working in Romania since 1990, only one year after national revolution and the execution of Communist ruler Ceausescu. The fields are white for harvest (John 4:35) and the people are hungry for hope and truth.

As stated in “About Us” CERT is dedicated to serve and assist. To reap the harvest we are expanding and maintain pastors into these rural villages, “Romanian Pastor Support” program. By supporting and training the local pastors, lives and villages are being changed one at a time. If God has touched your heart for the Romanian people, click here to make a difference.