Andre and Brenda Berkhout are currently serving as Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) coordinators in Romania. In this role, they support local churches and organizations across the Romania District in developing sustainable, compassionate ministries in their communities. The Berkhouts’ work encompasses a range of activities, from building partnerships and strengthening ministry efforts to facilitating communication between the regional NCM office and local ministries. This work is carried out while the missionaries are also integrating into the Romanian culture through language learning and a deeper understanding of its history.
In Sighișoara, the Berkhouts are working closely with the Veritas Foundation, an NCM partner organization, and the Child Development Center, which provides social services for children, teenagers, adults with special needs, and older people. Alongside Veritas Director Petra Popa, they’re addressing practical challenges like outdated systems, staff training, and funding needs.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 explore how Veritas and the local Church of the Nazarene can collaborate in missions.
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, exploring new fundraising opportunities, and creating a newsletter to keep supporters informed.
“Since arriving in Romania just a few months ago, Andre and Brenda have 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 conducting community assessments and interviews to gain a clearer understanding of the realities people are facing so as to identify where the church can respond in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Brenda has also begun coaching several people who need help growing into the person God created them to be. Together, Andre and Brenda have become aware of many young women on the streets of Romania, 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.