Tavi Verlan was born in Timisoara, Romania in 1959. Tavi had the privilege of growing up in the Christian home in the midst of a Communist country. And the cost of sharing his faith outside of his home included be mocked, unequal treatment in school, or even persecution.

Upon graduation from high school, Tavi served his required time in the Romanian Army. Having completed his military service, Tavi went on to study mechanical engineering at the university. Tavi came to know Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord. Tavi graduated in 1984 with a degree in Engineering. In the same year at the age of 25, Tavi obtained his first job as an engineer in Timisoara.

While studying engineering, Tavi was also involved in a secret, small Bible study group. This fellowship led him to pursue more in-depth studies through the B.E.E. program (Biblical Education by Extension). Tavi completed several of the B.E.E. courses including: Romans, Galatians, Evangelism and Discipleship, Old Testament, New Testament, The Christian Life, and Bible Study Methods. These courses not only impacted his personal relationship and growth in Jesus Christ but were equipping him for God's call on his life to work with New Hope International in Romania.

Before the Revolution, Tavi was secretly involved in youth work. He also helped organize camps in the mountains of Romania. Usually, Tavi was responsible for the development and direction of the spiritual programming. These camps were instrumental in keeping many adolescents in the church. The camps also gave young people an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Today the youth of Romania are vulnerable to their country's new found freedom. To further complicate adolescent insecurities, there is a lack of youth ministry organization and trained adult leaders coupled with a widespread feeling among church leaders that something must be done. Tavi has begun to address the problem by equipping more laity. Enabled through the Timisoara New Hope Center, Tavi is using his gifts, training and compassion to fulfill his call to Youth and Family Ministry. He is training adult laity to play a lead role in reaching the youth of their churches. Tavi further oversees all of the translation work and distribution of materials to youth, as well as trained leaders. He also continues his involvement in camp ministry.