Maria Emese Dan is a Family Ministry Leader in her church and community in Romania.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a dysfunctional family. As I grew up, I realised that my many wounds needed to be fixed, so I tried to do so for many years by myself. While searching for relief, I reached the point of meeting Christ as a personal Saviour. As a result, I was baptised at 29 and grew up in faith daily, experiencing God's guidance through His Word and Holy Spirit.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Derek Prince was one of the most influential authors; his books and recorded sermons were fundamental to my faith. Also, Neil T. Anderson's writings made me realise the spiritual warfare we fight daily. One of the most extraordinary experiences in my life was my baptism with the Holy Spirit! And, since I became a mother of four children, I understand God's love for me better. Being involved in church ministries meant growing in my faith and knowing our Lord better.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Last time I attended, I learned information and made connections that helped me in my role. It was a time of spiritual building. Since then, my husband and I have been appointed as leaders in the families ministry within our church and formed a family counselling group. I am interested in strategies for caring for, encouraging, and growing families in a church.
What is your ministry?
In our church, I provide counselling for families alongside my husband. Together with a ministry team, we organise various events for families in our community, as well as for other invited families. I also lead a women's group, with whom we have regular meetings on various topics of spiritual growth. I am the president of the Marriage Week Romania Association, a ministry that is more aimed at couples outside the Christian community. I am also involved in collaborating with local and national authorities in promoting the family and Christian values through public events.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I began my Christian ministry as a Sunday school teacher in church and summer camps. Later, I was involved in family ministry, moreover parent-child relationships; in the last ten years, together with my husband, we have served in couples and family ministry, which is what we are doing now.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
The ministry I am involved in, which serves families by helping couples avoid separation and divorce, is very challenging. Our work impacts these families' present and future; helping women recover after emotional or spiritual abuse is crucial for themselves and their families.
