​What comes to mind when you hear the term "Roma"? Maybe nothing. What about "Gypsy"? It is quite possible that a picture pops into your mind of people who wear bright flashy clothes, play music, and travel around in wagons. Also, other characteristics like fortune tellers, thieves, scam artists, people who are generally unwelcome.  This stereotype has been promoted. by Hollywood for many years. The Roma people are otherwise known as Gypsies, and are known in Europe for some of these undesirable characteristics. They are a group of people who are hated and despised by the majority of European society, truly living on the margins with little hope of escaping this cycle of poverty and prejudice. They are seen as worthless and having no value, and this has become their identity.

 

However, God is moving in powerful ways among the Roma. Roma are finding Jesus by the hundreds and thousands. They are understanding for the first time that they were created with value and purpose by a God who loves them. Their lives are being changed and their eyes are being opened to who they were created to be. A prophecy was given to some Roma pastors several years ago. This prophecy stated that "the people who have been cursed will become a blessing to the nations".  Today, we can see this prophecy being fulfilled. This is an amazing move of God. There is a need and an opportunity to plant an almost unlimited number of Roma churches.  But this incredible opportunity presents two problems. The first is the need for trained pastors and leaders. Churches need leaders, and there is not enough to meet the need. The Sabinov church has established a ministry leadership school for Roma. They are training pastors, worship leaders, youth workers, children's workers, etc. Because of limited resources, they currently meet once per month. The second problem is meeting space. So many people want to come to church, want to hear the gospel, that there is not enough space for them. Many Roma church gatherings are in homes and cannot accomodate all of the people. They need buildings for churches. Europe's Heart is ready to help meet these two needs.

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