This Link is full of stories of God bringing and growing His family together over almost 25 years at Alpinis! Please enjoy a word from our MLI President Emil Toader as he watches God mature the Alpinis camping experience through years and seasons of prayer, hard work and anticipation. One of the precious stories on page 2 is from longtime friends of MLI, Greg and Denise Ward and Deborah House alumni, Mirela….and their memories of taking the Alpinis Outdoor Challenge backpacking trip together. Fast forward 12 years later as they say hello again on this side of the ocean! Also, please enjoy the exciting updates on workshops of Leadership Development,Trauma Healing, and family Ski Camps. Know that this summer is filled with week-long Christ-centered camps for Youth and Deborah House girls as well!
We all have our loves and hobbies, and two stand out for me over time, Church and Mountaineering; Alpinis is a beautiful blend of using the outdoors and the mountain setting to guide people towards God.
It is has been two years (June 10, 2023) since the dedication of this holy ground at Alpinis Leadership Center. Where are we now with Alpinis almost 25 years after introducing camps in 2001? This is a new season, and we are so grateful and hopeful.
On the Alpinis Outdoor Challenge backpacking camps we learned to identify stages on the short journey of the group together: forming – storming – norming – performing. Alpinis is no different. After performing (executing) camps and retreats in a small facility for 20 years, we find exciting challenges of new team and size dynamics leading us to norm and perform in the new season of ALC. I see God leading us into a clearer and deeper understanding of how to implement our calling and use this beautiful facility as a tool for the Kingdom. It is rewarding to see our team and guests grow and experience God at Alpinis and to see how Alpinis is integrated in the larger ministry calling of MLI in Romania and beyond. For many ALC has become a home, Alpinis House.
Emil Toader
A Walk to Remember
Greg and Denise Ward's Experience
We met Romanian pastor Eugen Groza at a reception in Memphis, Tennessee in 2008. Eugen stated, “We will see you in Romania next year.” My wife Denise and I laughed about it, prayed about it and the next year we found ourselves in Romania. Eugen shared
much about the recent history of Romania, including the fall of communism and how the ministries of MLI were changing lives for Christ. On this trip, we also met Emil Toader, who generously spent time introducing us to the work they were doing. We instantly fell in love with the ministry to the girls at Deborah House! I am an avid backpacker, so when the opportunity to return to Romania the following year for a backpacking trip was presented, I was anxious to return!
Before we left for Romania, Denise asked me if we would need clothing for cooler weather. Since we were going during the summer, I said not to worry, we should be fine. Contrary to my belief, we found ourselves hiking and camping in the cold Retezat Mountains. We climbed Vârful Peleaga which is the highest point in the Retezat Mountains with a summit elevation of 8,232 feet. Despite the summer season, when you are at that elevation, it is cold! We were cold most of the trip, and Denise reminds me of that fact anytime I suggest she go camping with me!
Even though the weather was a bit uncomfortable, the trip was quite an experience. The group was mixed and included boys and several girls from Deborah House. We shared life on life with our new friends as we shared our Christian journeys, rappelled, did some rock climbing, and hiked through some difficult terrain. We both had an unforgettable experience which we continue to cherish.
This summer we will return to Romania to volunteer and refresh long-lasting friendships with Emil, Vio, Lori, Sebi, Cosmin, and Dasha in Timisoara and Alpinis.
Mirela's Experience
My name is Mirela and I am 30 years old. I came to Deborah House in 2009 when I was a 15 year old. The next year I went to Alpiniș and took part in the Outdoor Backpacking Challenge, an incredible experience in the mountains near Alpiniș. It was my first multi day hike, but not my last one! We had heavy backpacks, which included our tents and delicious food. After we packed, we started our adventure which was a “walk by faith” because we didn’t know what we would pass through, but at the same time enjoying every minute of it. I enjoyed seeing and hearing God’s beautiful creation. Two things I remember the most from this trip were our morning quiet times with God in His nature. I remember one day sitting beside a river and hearing the sound the water made coming from the mountains while reading my Bible. I was thinking how from our hearts could flow the living waters if we love God and obey His word just as that river flowed out from the mountains.
The second thing I liked the most on this trip was dinner time, when we all would work together to prepare the meal and then sit around the campfire and share our stories of how God was working in our lives. For me it was a walk to remember, a walk I took two more times and every time I experienced new things. The one thing that was common on each of my hikes was learning to walk by faith because you don’t know what’s next. I learned this also for the everyday journey, to walk by faith because God knows the whole puzzle even when I see just a few pieces of it.
Leadership Development
Kenny Woodhull
Through a new initiative launching this fall (Applied Theological Workshop) at ALC, a select group of pastors will be offered a unique opportunity to “push pause” and strategically plan for the nourishment of the congregations entrusted to their leadership. How will this be accomplished?
During an intensive week of guided reflection
and direction in the company of trusted theologians and senior leaders (namely, Dr. Radu Gheorghiță, Dr. Emil Bartos, and Dr. Daniel Bulzan, among others), small groups of pastors will “workshop” sermon series and discipleship initiatives together. Florin Iosub, MLI’s Church and Mission Director, tells us that, after the initial launch this fall, he expects the model to expand further in 2026. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27.17). Please pray for this emerging ministry that it might be used by God for his purposes, for the equipping of pastoral leaders and the renewal of God’s people in Romania!
Family Ski Camp
One of the most anticipated events at Alpinis is the family Ski Camp, An Adventure with Purpose, which took place from February 17-22, 2025. It was the third edition of the camp, and the participants enjoyed a fairy-tale like snow. The theme of the camp, “Hidden Treasures,” added a touch of magic to the evenings spent together, inviting each family to value and use their own “treasures”, while exploring the treasure of the Gospel. Daily activities included crafts, board games, a movie night, and a bonfire where participants enjoyed roasted marshmallows and sausages. Outdoor winter activities included plenty of fun in the snow and sledding. Every night we gathered for a devotional time in which we shared the Word of God, being encouraged by one another and by the depth of His love.
These moments became a peaceful way to end our active days, as families came together to reflect, pray, and be encouraged.
For many children, this camp was their very first time on skis. It was incredible to witness how quickly they learned — some were confidently going down beginner slopes after just a few lessons! The joy and pride on their parents’ faces said it all. For many families, this was not just a recreational activity, but a milestone shared and celebrated together.
The atmosphere in the lodge each morning was something special. It was a mix of excitement and organized chaos — kids suiting up in layers, boots being tightened, helmets checked, and ski passes handed out — all against a background of chatter, laughter, and the occasional scramble to find a missing glove. These moments, though sometimes hectic, were filled with energy and anticipation, setting the tone for each day on the slopes.
Trauma Healing
Gazing through the expansive windows to take in the valley and mountains at Alpinis, one cannot help but ponder the greatness of our creator God. And sheep roaming the hillside remind us He is the Great Shepherd. God is big enough to handle whatever we bring to Him, and tender enough to heal our wounds as a shepherd would his own sheep.
It is in this setting that MLI has sponsored multiple training events for Healing the Wounds of Trauma, a partnership between the American and Romanian Bible Societies. Suffering has been a part of the human experience since the fall, so this was developed to help people make sense of it and find healing.
This program marries Scripture and best mental health practices to help people understand: If God loves us, why do we suffer? What is a wound of the heart and how can it heal? What happens when someone is grieving? How can we bring our pain to the cross? How and why do we forgive? But, it is not just a learning event; it is a participatory group model where individuals explore practices which answer these questions.
Through these trainings, MLI staff, church and ministry partners have learned how to first deal with their own experiences, and then how to help others do the same. In addition to the top notch conference facilities, the hillside has provided an incredible back drop for participants to spend time alone and in groups expressing their pain to God and one another and then taking it to Jesus.
Since the equipping events, trainees have been completing practicums in their own context. This fall Alpinis will host the first Advanced level training which will equip women and men to become trainers, a key step to flourishing trauma healing ministry in Romania.
It is a sacred privilege to walk with people as they explore their own trauma and grief on the path to healing and learning to help others heal as well. I can think of no better place for people to experience the healing Jesus offers than this peaceful sanctuary in a setting that reminds us of who God is.
A Wonderful Adventure Across the Ocean
Mirela Mihaly
I was really excited and nervous at the same time when I found out that I was going to represent Missio Link International in the U.S. My prayer was that in all I say, the Glory of God was to be seen. Because of Him and all of you, I am what I am today.
Flying into Charlotte, I met Deb and Jeff Normand. The next day we headed north for the Perrysburg Rotary Club meeting and presentation in Perrysburg, Ohio. I was really nervous about giving a speech, but Jeff said that I did great, so I believed him! I really enjoyed visiting Mercy Health Hospital and also Toledo Art Museum. The adventure continued and I met Lois Rosenberry who was a great and inspirational person. I had a wonderful time with her and her family! We had so much fun together, which included being interviewed on television, visiting the Amish community and Toledo Hospital, and also relaxing beside Lake Seneca. Soon, I flew to Atlanta and met with dear friends, Mike and Darlene McKeithen and Steve and Cathy Franks among many others. Meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends was special. We had a wonderful day at a ladies’ brunch at Mt. Bethel Church and then enjoyed a blessed time on Sunday at church and Sunday School. Soon after, I headed for my last stop in Knoxville to meet again with old friends, Lauren, Kenny and Shelby and make new friends as well! Knoxville was so beautiful surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers. I enjoyed meeting Dr. Subtirelu with Lauren Clevenger at Children’s Hospital and observed Dr. Pardu in the clinic as he checked his patients. I also enjoyed kayaking for the first time with Ashley West on the French Broad River, even though I was nervous at the beginning! The time flew fast and the day to go back to România arrived.
It was a trip that I never dreamed I would make! It was so special to represent God’s work in my life, and I hope it made an impact on the people I met along the way. I especially loved representing Deborah House, the place where Hope comes true. I was so grateful to meet the people who have made such a difference in my life and helped me to become who I am today. Thank you, God, MI and MLI for making my dream come true!
A Word from MI Knoxville
And there you have it….a ‘snapshot’ of some of the exciting programs and experiences that our Romanian youth, families, church leaders, girls from Deborah House, and visitors from the U.S. have enjoyed. Also, please pray for Mirela as she finishes her Residency in Internal Medicine and final exams this fall. As she said, you have made this possible for her to have the Hope in Christ that was introduced to her at Deborah House and the love, belief and support that she has through her friends at MLI and MI.
Thank you for sharing in this work with us,
Shelby Trusley
MI Knoxville