Today, that conviction is changing lives across Southern Romania through dignified work, discipleship, and Gospel-rooted community.
Maria Naomi began with a simple conviction: if we preach Christ, we must also meet needs.
About Maria Naomi
Read the full story
“When a woman asked me, ‘If God loves me, why don’t I have food for my children?’ I knew I had to do more than just talk about love—I had to show it.”
How Maria Naomi began
When Florina Darvell first heard this question from a Romanian mother in, it pierced deeper than words. She knew she couldn’t simply respond with a prayer or a verse. Love, she believed, had to look like something. That moment became the seed of what would one day grow into Maria Naomi.
Alongside her husband, Mark, Florina launched Maria Naomi in 2008: a nonprofit rooted in the Gospel and committed to meeting both practical and spiritual needs in Romania’s most underserved villages. What began with outreach events for women and children soon became something more: a place where women could find stable work, spiritual guidance, and renewed purpose.
Hope That Works With Its Hands
In 2014, Maria Naomi acquired a home in Southern Romania and transformed it into a workshop and ministry center. Bible studies, children's programs, and skill-building began to flourish. Soon, a sewing workshop was born, the foundation for what is now Melissa’s Natural Fabrics, our artisan line of handcrafted goods.
This isn’t charity. In this space, women learn to sew high-quality garments and earn reliable income to support their families. They create beauty with their hands that ships around the world while strengthening their communities.
Meet the leadership team
-
Florina Darvell
President and Director of Programs
Florina has served in Romania since 1999, driven by a calling to make the love of Christ tangible in communities overlooked by both the church and the economy. She leads Maria Naomi’s programs with deep care for spiritual growth and practical transformation. Also behind Melissa’s Natural Fabrics, Florina combines entrepreneurship with discipleship to help women flourish in work and faith. She lives in Southern Romania with her husband, Mark, and continues to mentor women, lead Bible studies, and build bridges across cultures.
-
Mark Darvell
Facilities Manager
Originally from England, Mark brings practical expertise and pastoral heart to Maria Naomi. He manages the day-to-day operations of the ministry space and supports community outreach. Whether tending to the Maria Naomi grounds or leading evangelistic outreach, Mark believes in showing Christ through action and presence. Together with Florina, he has helped steward Maria Naomi into a growing mission anchored in humility, integrity, and hope.
At the heart of Maria Naomi is a team of dedicated artisans. Every product we sell carries their story woven with skill, resilience, and Gospel hope.
Meet the artisans behind the work
Transform lives through
the power of the Gospel
Your gift equips women with dignified jobs, reaches families with hope, and strengthens communities through the power of the Gospel. Join with us and rejoice as we see the Lord change lives, strengthen families, and uplift entire communities. Start making a difference with us today.
Reach underserved communities in rural Romania.
Every dollar changes lives in Southern Romania. 100% of your donation supports Maria Naomi's programs.
