Drs. Cristian and Alina Dumitrescu and their family have returned to Romania after having served at AIIAS for over 10 years. Dr. Cristian Dumitrescu, professor of Intercultural Studies, Mission, and Research, has served the seminary in the applied theology department and also has been the editor of the seminary’s academic journal, the Journal of Asia Adventist Seminary (JAAS). Dr. Alina Dumitrescu, assistant professor of education, served as the director of the English Center and the Writing Center, and has taught in the education department.
Dr. Cristian Dumitrescu was born in communist Romania where he experienced what it means to be an Adventist under a dictatorial regime. Following his theological and pastoral training, he began his ministerial activity working with disadvantaged groups and with gypsies, as well as with ethnic minorities. His experience in cross-cultural mission expanded during his MA studies in the UK where he started working with Muslims and became part of a missionary training team. After his return to Romania, he taught at the Romanian Adventist Theological Institute. Dr. Cristian Dumitrescu graduated from the PhD program at Andrews University where he both studied and taught in the Religion and Mission departments. In 2012, he joined AIIAS, teaching in the PhD/MTh and the DMiss/DIS programs. In addition to teaching, Dr. Cristian Dumitrescu pastored the Tagaytay Central Church, helping the church to become a Center of Influence in the local community and creating programs for the disadvantaged. He also strongly supported mission projects in many countries.
”Dr. Dumitrescu worked tirelessly to bring to existence the Doctor of Missiology program at AIIAS,” observes Dr. Ricardo González, dean of the seminary. “His countless hours devoted to this academic program started to bear fruit as the Seminary graduated its first Doctor of Missiology student last May. Dr. Dumitrescu and his family impacted the lives of many because of their commitment to the well-being of AIIAS students affected by health or financial challenges.”
Dr. Alina Dumitrescu served for over 4 years as a faculty member in the education department, and as director of the English Center and Writing Center, supporting students directly for their academic success. Several on campus noted that Dr. Alina was willing to put herself at risk during the height of the pandemic to support a student who had no one to support her through a challenge with cancer. She also was responsive to help counsel students or staff who sought her assistance. Liliia Zubkova, who taught under Dr. Alina’s direction in the English center, appreciates Dr. Alina on behalf of her colleagues. “Dr. Alina not only cares for the students but for the teachers of the English Center as well. Her guidance and support helped us achieve personal and professional growth. She sees the best in every person and reflects Christ in the way she deals with everyone. The strength and resilience she showed and the encouraging words and unfailing support she gave the English Center teachers at the height of the pandemic will be remembered. Dr. Alina leads with love. She is an inspiration.”
Passionate for service, the Dumitrescus have been regular supporters of God’s Food Basket, a ministry that provides food to self-supporting students. Dr. Arceli Rosario, formerly education department chair and now president of Adventist University of the Philippines, was the organizer and coordinator of God’s Food Basket. She shares this tribute for Drs. Cristian and Alina Dumitrescu:
You wrote me and asked,
“Do you know of anyone who needs help?”
I did.
So I gave you some names.
That would not be the first.
Through months and years,
You came
At our door.
With cash
With foodstuff.
You scoured the malls
And wet markets
To find them.
Before you left for annual leave
You came
“Here’s cash to get you by.”
Even while away
You’d say—”I sent you some money.”
Nothing stopped you—
Not the pandemic
Not the distance
None of any circumstance.
For such a rare gift, I say—Thanks.
Drs. Dumitrescu are blessed with two daughters: Ingrid, a graduate of the Adventist University of the Philippines and current student at AIIAS, planning to graduate in May 2023, and Celine, a sixth grader who has enjoyed many outdoor activities with her friends on the beautiful campus of AIIAS.
We pray for God’s richest blessings on the continuing ministry of Drs. Cristian and Alina Dumitrescu.
