Cristian Istrate is the husband and father of two children. He is the founder of Light from Light Methodist church in Sibiu-Romania, president of Global Hope Romania, and a professor of practical theology in mission and evangelization. He graduated from the University of Political Science, the Greek Catholic Seminary, the Methodist Theological Academy, and is pursuing doctoral studies at Asbury Seminary (USA). Alongside his wife, he served as a missionary in the Middle East.

His goal is to see the body of Christ achieve its transformative goal by proclaiming the gospel with power, making disciples, and reaching out to the community through social involvement. He strongly believes that a heart regenerated by Jesus will regenerate the world.