Gypsies, known internationally 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 laborers, 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.

Romania is home to over 2 million Roma people, more than any European country. Most live in poverty because they are outcasts in the culture. 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 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 7,000, for evangelism and practical projects. A church was started in 2002 and recently 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. You can be on one of those teams, helping to bring dignity and hope to those marginalized in Romania. See the link below. Thanks for your prayers and for partnering with OM to show love to the Roma.