"Toolbox" training for Roma believers

It is difficult to speak of a particular person or nation without knowing something about his/her background, personality, behaviour, taboos and/or customs.

Gypsies, better known as Roma people, are believed to come from India, Pakistan or Iran. Spread throughout the world, the size of the Roma population is unknown. Each tribe practices a different trade, passed down from generation to generation: circus performers, skilled handcraft labourers, bear trainers, horseshoe and spooncraft makers. Some live according to old traditions, while others are involved in sports, politics, music, literature, witchcraft and/or Christian ministry. Some are slaves, while others are free – all are loved equally by God.

Although there is no historical connection between Romanians and the Roma people, OM Romania has been involved in church-planting, literacy and humanitarian aid amongst the Roma people for more than 10 years. Learning that Jesus was an outcast too, and that His love for them is unconditional, the Roma people are attracted to the Gospel and willing to accept Him as Lord.

For the first-time ever, seven Roma people will be attending a 3-day course especially designed for them at the OM Romania Centre next Friday. Education is lacking in the Roma community, and through this course, many will grow in their understanding of God. The “tool box” course aims to equip Roma believers for ministry, and after a few months of practical experience, a follow-up course is offered for evaluation, training, spiritual input and Bible study, in order for the Roma believers to become more effective in their churches and ministry.

Pray for Ingrid and Henry and the OM Romania team who will spend the weekend together, teaching on “How to?”: How to share your testimony, how to work with children and teenagers, how to share your story, how to study the Bible and other practical skills. Pray that they would be able to present this course in a culturally appropriate way, and that it would be the first of many to come.

Pray too for finances to make this course possible for as many Roma believers as possible. Travel to Brasov (OM Romania Centre) costs about 30 Euro per person, while the training costs 10 Euros per person per day. The total of 60-70 Euro for the weekend is equivalent to about 25% of a Roma person’s monthly income.

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.