Principal to Two Parents: Adult Mission Story for September 19, 2026

In Macea, Romania, the principal of a Seventh‑day Adventist school helped prevent a family from divorcing by offering biblical counsel, encouragement, and steady support. Through patience, prayer, and practical guidance, Antonio’s parents reconciled, found work, and eventually began attending church—strengthening both their home and their faith.

Mother had her mind made up when she arrived at the principal’s office at the Seventh-day Adventist school in Macea, Romania.

“I’ve come to take my son out of your school,” she said. “I’m divorcing my husband, and I’ve already moved to another city. The daily commute from our new home to this school is too far.”

Principal Camelia was sad to hear that Mother wanted to transfer eight-year-old Antonio to a public school. She felt impressed to ask a question.

“Can you bring your husband and come back to see me?” she asked.

Mother agreed and returned a short time later with Father.

“Getting a divorce would be a major loss,” Principal Camelia told them. “Antonio would lose his parents, and he would lose his school.”

Mother was very upset about the marriage, and she insisted on the divorce. Father, however, expressed a willingness to stay together.

Principal Camelia knew that neither of them attended church regularly, so she spoke to them from the Bible. She said God made marriage in the Garden of Eden and that He frowns on divorce. She quoted Jesus saying, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6, NKJV).

“Divorce isn’t part of God’s plan,” Principal Camelia said. “It’s Satan’s plan because he wants to destroy families. He knows that a divorced parent will have an especially difficult time facing society’s challenges alone.”

Mother and Father listened attentively.

“I have an idea,” Principal Camelia continued. “Instead of arguing, try telling each other something you appreciate about the other. Think about what you like about your wife. What good qualities does she have? What good qualities does your husband have? What do you like about him?”

Mother agreed to wait on making a final decision about transferring Antonio out of the school. But a few days later, after another argument with Father, she stormed into Principal Camelia’s office. She was determined to get a divorce and transfer Antonio.

“My husband is unemployed,” she fumed. “He doesn’t have enough money. He can’t support the family. He isn’t interested in us.”

Principal Camelia sympathized with Mother’s concern but urged her to have patience. Jobs were hard to find in that region of Romania.

Mother realized that Principal Camelia had a point. She began to warm up to the idea of not getting a divorce.

Then, after another argument, Father called the principal on the phone.

“My wife keeps telling me that I don’t have enough money to support the family and that I’m not interested in providing for them,” he said.

Principal Camelia urged him to keep looking for work.

“You need to get a job to show your wife that you’re committed to your family,” she said. 

“So what?” he said. “Should I go to work just because she told me to?”

“Yes,” she said. “Your wife knows your child’s needs. Find a job. You have a child to raise. You are responsible for him.”

And so, it continued. Every time they argued, Mother came to the principal’s office, and Father called on the phone. The arguments were always about money and Father’s unemployment. Principal Camelia kept encouraging Mother to be patient and Father to find work. In between the quarrels, the couple followed the principal’s advice and found something kind to say about each other at home.

Then Father found a job in France. He moved away and began sending money back to Romania. Mother was satisfied, but she missed her husband. The man she had once wanted to divorce was now her good friend.

After two years, when Antonio was 10, Mother withdrew him from the school and moved to France to reunite the family.

While in France, the family kept in touch with Principal Camelia. Antonio missed her and insisted on calling her regularly. Principal Camelia learned that the family had found a church in France and started attending. They were growing closer—not just to each other, but also to God.

The family moved back to Romania in time for Antonio to enter sixth grade at a public school. He would have liked to return to the Adventist school, but it only provided education through the fourth grade.

Principal Camelia remains a good friend of the family. Whenever she sees Father in town, he smiles and says, “Thank you, Miss Camelia. Because of you, I didn’t lose my family.”

Part of this quarter’s offering will help the Seventh-day Adventist elementary school in Macea, Romania, expand so it can accept more children. Thank you for planning a generous offering.