Update: Thank you for your generosity and help in reaching our goal to purchase a truck for this ministry. We are expanding the project to purchase better tires and wheels for the different seasons and terrain, as well as a topper for the truck. An additional $8,800 is needed for these items.

Romania is traditionally an Eastern Orthodox country, though now, the influence and mix of atheistic communism has shaped the way Romanians see God. Many who claim to be Orthodox are only following the religious customs of their parents, feeling the familial pressure to participate in religious traditions while at the same time rejecting the existence of God.

Our workers in Romania have started a creative outreach where they grow and harvest sweet corn to give away while sharing the gospel. Romania grows a lot of corn but “boiling corn,” as it is called, is tough and not as sweet, making the sweet corn a treat that attracts people to gather and enjoy it together. These gatherings create a space to build relationships and share the gospel. 

In the first year of this ministry, 2.5 acres of sweet corn were grown and given away. Last year they doubled the amount, distributing 5 acres of corn at evangelistic events and other ministries throughout Romania. We expect this ministry will continue to grow, and with this growth, the need for more suitable transportation has become pressing.

Avant has created a project to purchase a truck that will transport the sweet corn from the field to the donation sites. The truck will also be a huge asset to our workers during the various stages of planting and harvesting. With the assistance of a truck, our workers and the church in Romania can serve more people and share the gospel more broadly.