Thank you for your interest in the STINT program with Livada Orphan Care. In this overview we will try to answer your questions in general and hopefully other details as well.  This summary will include information on the ministry of Livada Orphan Care, the purpose of STINT, the different job roles, and an estimated budget for this endeavor.

STINT stands for Short Term InterNational Teams. We believe that western missionaries can add invaluable expertise to our national staff and national volunteer base. We are looking for individuals who desire to serve in multiple capacities.

Therefore, we are looking for people to help with the following: outreach ministry coordination (lead a team of Romanian volunteers in year round ministry to the 20+ group homes scattered throughout Mures county), discipleship (of older orphans, staff, and volunteers), children’s ministers, youth ministers, camp directors, recreation specialists, social workers, counselors, child welfare specialists, teachers, special education teachers, infant and toddler caregivers, medical professionals, psychologists, behavioral specialists, agricultural specialists, business entrepreneurs, administrators, and other professionals who want to make a difference with their daily labor.

Our desire is to assemble a team of Christian, western individuals to work alongside of our Romanian staff and volunteers to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by ministering to Romanian vulnerable children.

A one-year, two-year or open-ended commitment.

Our LOC Executive Director, Viorel Gaga, other STINT missionaries in Romania, and our Livada Executive Director, Bruce Thomas, with the Operations Manager (who are based in the USA) will aid in the leadership of the STINT missionaries.

The estimated cost for an American single/couple/family to live in Romania for one year has many variables.  The following is an ESTIMATE for a single missionary.  There is a one-time cost and a monthly total that would need to be raised.

• The one time cost would be approximately $8,000 for a single to cover round trip airfare, initial set up, visa, etc.
• The total monthly need would be approximately $2,000 (x 12 = $24,000).
• Therefore, the total need for one year would be $32,000. Upon acceptance as a STINT, Livada will assist in creating a personalized, detailed budget with the new missionary, as many variables must be considered.

Beginning each day in prayer is HIGHLY recommended. Once a month, you will be part of the directorial staff meetings. Bi-weekly you will have department staff meetings for the ministry area of which you work most frequently. (e.g. Group Home, Mentors, Outreach, Gypsy Prevention of Abandonment, Baby Hospital, etc…) You will be required to give a report at that time of your ministry activity since the last meeting.  Typically, each staff person goes about their respective business to either directly minister to the orphans, prepare volunteers to minister to the kids, or prepare themselves to minister to the at-risk kids we serve.

A minimum 40-hour workweek is expected. Large ministry projects are always in the works of which the entire staff will be involved to see to completion (i.e. humanitarian aid distributions, visiting teams, summer camps, large group volunteer meetings, Christmas parties, weekly orphan bible study, etc.)  Language lessons will be a part of every two-year STINT participant’s week and is strongly recommended for the one-year STINT participants.

Step 1 – Application:  A Livada application must be filled out and submitted to the Livada US office.

Step 2 – References:  Three references are checked as provided on the application.

Step 3 – Interviews:  A series of phone, video or face-to-face interviews will take place to better assess the applicant’s desire and qualifications to join Livada.

Step 4 – Approval: A Letter of Acceptance will communicate Approval of the applicant by Livada’s Executive Staff.

Step 5 – Final Approval:  Candidates will reach 100% of support raised, including their first month’s expenses and travel costs to go overseas.

Step 6 – Orientation:  Candidate must attend a mandatory Field Orientation training.

Step 7 – Compensation:  Staff member meets completes documents to begin drawing compensation.

Step 8 – Deployment:  Livada gives the final approval to new overseas missionary.

Livada will help walk the approved STINT candidate through the process of raising support.  Also, an orientation will take place in Plano, Texas, to better prepare the candidate for life and ministry in Romania.  Livada staff will be available to answer questions and offer advice throughout this time.