Matei

My name is Cristian, and I live with my wife and young son in Alba Julia, Romania. My childhood, during a post-Communist, depressed economy, was challenging. My parents worked constantly which left my older siblings in charge of my care throughout the day. My parents wrestled with continual conflict, differing in their faith and the handling of the family’s limited finances. I performed great in school until the age of fourteen when I lost interest completely, shifting my focus to literature, painting, philosophy, art history, and whatever felt like food for the soul. Although I met Jesus as a child and grew up in the church under my mother’s influence, I abandoned that relationship throughout my teen years, in an empty search for purpose and identity. I felt empty for a long while, and in my ignorance, sought after the idols of money and pleasure, losing myself to destructive behaviors and depression. Once I discovered out what was missing, I returned to my faith and dove head in with passion and dedication. Now my wife and I invest our lives in ministry and dream of ways we can do our part to share the love of Jesus to the world.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am attending the University of Orthodox Theology of Alba Iulia in pursuit of a music and theology degree with the hopes of becoming a priest in the Orthodox church. I hope to continue to utilize my construction background to improve the resources available in our community, specifically in aiding churches, orphanages, homes for the elderly, and community centers. I am passionate about ministry, believing that the only way we can truly help another is by helping create and maintain a bridge between a person and God. I would like to see things change for the better all around the world. I understand that the part I play in this is small, yet significant, and believe that by joining forces with others, we can create a space in the hearts of others where God can place His goodness and people can live more meaningful lives.