Keenan Family – Bucharest, Romania
Costi grew up in an orphanage in Bucharest, never knowing his birth parents. As a young teenager, he was adopted by an American missionary family, arriving in the US at the age of 16.
On those early missions trips was Elizabeth, now Costi’s wife. Together, they have served across America, and returned to Costi’s hometown of Bucharest with their three daughters.
The Keenan’s serve among multiple orphanages in Bucharest, as well as ministering in several rural villages, hosting a church at their ministry center, and serving the greater church throughout Romania. They have adopted two young girls with special needs and continue to serve the most vulnerable.
Fast Facts
Romania
POPULATION: 19 million
CHRISTIAN: 84.7% (as of 2021)
- 73.6% Romanian Orthodox
- 6.4% Protestant
- 4.4% Catholic
- 0.2% Other Christian
CAPITAL CITY: Bucharest
LANGUAGE: Romanian
For many, the country of Romania brings up thoughts of the past communist dictators and sprawling orphanages. Despite the natural beauty and welcoming people, many struggle with financial difficulties and the pursuit of a better life. This has left a country seeking spiritual fulfillment along with physical provision.
The country had long been persecuted under communism, and since the fall of communism, the Orthodox Church has been the biggest religious influence in the country. Communism fell in 1989 and Romania is a free, democratic country, but the church continues to battle with secularism, materialism, atheism and many other competing world views. In addition, the national Orthodox church has typically fought against the evangelical church in it’s efforts to evangelize and impact their communities.
Most of the evangelical churches are either Pentecostal, Baptist, or Brethren. Many churches have struggled to effectively engage their communities amidst all the other world-views that are competing for the hearts and minds of the people.
One of the biggest challenges for the churches in Romania is the phenomenon called the “Romanian Diaspora.” Millions of Romanians have left their country to find better jobs in Western Europe, North America, and Australia. The population has shrunk from about 23.5 million to approximately 19 million.
Partner with the Keenans to minister the gospel in Romania!
You can support the personal and ministry needs of the Keenan family by offering a one-time gift, or providing monthly support through the PayPal link below. 100% of your donation goes to the family and is not eligible for a tax deduction.
Support can be sent to:
GO! Ministries
PO BOX 7035
Norco, Ca 92860
Payable to: Go! Ministries, Memo Acct #1253
Contact:
Romania cell phone number: +40730806725
Email Costi and Elizabeth: [email protected]