Aurel-Cornel (Rei) Abrudan was born October 21, 1966 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Rei's spiritual journey began with his great grandfather receiving Jesus Christ into his life while a POW in Russia during World War I. Upon return to his village of Girbau (15 miles from Cluj), Rei's great grandfather began to share his faith. His evangelistic effort resulted in the founding of one of the first Romanian Baptist churches.

Although both his grandparents and parents were Christians, Rei did not begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until he was a teenager. While attending a youth camp in a mountain village, Rei invited Jesus into his life at the age of 14. Reflecting on that conversion experience, Rei says, "I knew many things about God. I knew all God had done for me but I didn't trust in God until that camp." From that day forward Rei experienced Jesus Christ with new understanding realizing that "knowing God was not the end of his search but just the beginning."

Upon completion of high school, Rei served his required time in the Romanian military. Having completed his army service, Rei began attending the Polytechnical Institute to become an engineer. In 1987 at the age of 21, Rei was baptized and joined the local Baptist church. The following year he married Ramona. They have two children.

In 1992, Rei began full-time work with New Hope International. He also was elected to Elder of Children and Youth Ministries in his church. His responsibilities include coordination of all Sunday School activities, Youth Director for teenagers, and training and scheduling of the teachers to lead these young people. In direct response to the need for leadership, Rei facilitates a weekly training program for youth leaders.

Rei's work with New Hope also includes training of Youth leaders throughout Romania, and camps and conferences. The ministry is currently expanding by training volunteers to reach students within the public schools. Rei also oversees parts of New Hope’s ministry in Moldova, Ukraine, and the Hungarian ministry in the Transylvania area of Romania.