Loving the Most Hated People in Europe

An estimated 2.2 million Roma (gypsies) live in Romania: the largest population of any European country. 75%--three times the rate of other Romanians--live in poverty, and discrimination against these people is deeply entrenched. Romany families have been evicted from their homes without warning and relocated next to garbage dumps or industrial areas on the outskirts of cities. And although school segregation is officially outlawed, a high proportion of Roma children are sidelined to “special schools” for students with physical and developmental disabilities. Low enrolment and high numbers of drop-outs among Roma children ensures they remain part of a sub-culture.

Sadly, discriminatory attitudes sometimes extend to churches. Although some evangelical fellowships are integrated, others don’t really welcome the Roma. The majority of the people group would consider themselves to be Orthodox Christians but there are a growing number of evangelical followers and churches being planted in Roma villages.

For several years OM has been sending short-term teams to the Roma village of Padureni, population around 7,000, for evangelism and practical projects. A church was started in 2002 and last year its 20 members decided to replace the building where they were meeting. Each man and woman contributed sacrificially.--One elderly lady gave half her pension. And by Easter this year they joyfully held their first meeting in their new church—which they made sure is big enough to accommodate visiting OM teams! A Roma community outreach will take place in Padureni and a neighbouring village this August 15-30.

Henry & Ingrid Tellez, who worked 5 years with the Mapuche Indians in southern Chile before joining OM Romania, have a real heart for reaching marginalised Roma. Last Christmas they initiated a Christmas gift project which resulted in being welcomed into a new community for ministry. This spring they experimented with a discipleship training weekend for Roma believers. The response was so enthusiastic they plan on offering two further courses, with a certificate awarded upon completion.

This August 1-10, an 86 km ‘Bike for Life’ will send 16 international participants through 8 towns and villages, 3 of them Roma. In each place they will stop to work alongside churches, doing practical service projects and evangelism. Two of the 6 football teams OM has started to introduce teenage boys to Christ are also in Roma villages.

OM Romania is looking forward to the first Roma woman to join the team this autumn. Ramona’s church is supportive but her mother is not a Christian, and daughters in this culture are expected to stay close to home. Pray that this young woman’s dream to serve the Lord in missions will become a reality, and that OM’s ministry among this people group will continue to expand.

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.