Andre and Brenda Berkhout are currently serving as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) coordinators in Romania. In this role, they are supporting local churches and organizations across the Romania District in their efforts to develop sustainable, compassionate ministries in their communities. The Berkhouts’ work involves everything from building partnerships to strengthening ministry efforts to facilitating communication between the regional NCM office and local ministries – all while integrating to the Romanian culture by learning the language and deepening their understanding of culture and history.
In Sighișoara, they are working closely with the Veritas Foundation, a NCM partner organization and Child Development Center with social services for children, teenagers, special needs adults, and the elderly. Alongside Veritas director Petra Popa, they’re addressing practical challenges like outdated systems, training for staff, and funding needs. Andre is using his background in music to help with Bible lessons for children, while Brenda is using her background as a mental healthcare professional to develop training materials and exploring how Veritas and the local Church of the Nazarene can work more closely together in mission.
In Bucharest, the Berkhouts are assisting the Open Door Foundation. This NCM partner organization ministers to survivors of human trafficking and is closely connected to the Blessing Church of the Nazarene. Andre and Brenda are focusing on updating the organization’s website, looking for new fundraising opportunities, and developing a newsletter to keep supporters updated.
“Since arriving in Romania just a few months ago, Andre and Brenda are been filling several gaps in the area of NCM. Their unique skill set is exactly what we need right now,” noted Romania District Superintendent Jonathan Phillips.
In addition to their work with NCM partner organizations, the Berkhouts have been involved in the local Nazarene congregations in both Sighișoara and Bucharest.
Andre is stepping into preaching opportunities in both congregations and has joined the team of musicians leading worship in Sighișoara. As NCM coordinators, they have been working on community assessments and interviews to get a clearer picture of the realities people are facing, and where the church can respond in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Brenda has also begun coaching several people who need help, offering her time freely to help them grow into the person God created them to be.
Together, Andre and Brenda have become aware of many young women on the streets of Romania who are caught in difficult and vulnerable circumstances. With support from their church in the Netherlands, they have started reaching out personally by giving small care bags that include a Romanian Bible, a snack, a soft toy, toiletries, and a flyer with helpful information for those seeking a new start. Through this simple act of kindness, they want these young women to know that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
“Giving is not about the gift, but about the love of Christ that lies behind it.” the Berkhouts commented.
Join us in prayer for Andre and Brenda as they continue learning, listening, and serving in Romania. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they navigate complex needs and long-term ministry hopes.
