Working among the Roma people, a member of the OM Romania Cycling Team said, "Upon arrival, we were immediately swamped by crowds of kids keen to have their photos taken, and for any form of attention. Many of the children had poor teeth and eye problems, but seemed well enough fed. Staple diet includes maize meal, like polenta, often served cooked with cheese. Most were bare-footed, or wore filthy plastic sandals."

Roma people have been traditionally poor and mistreated, pushed to the fringe of Romanian culture. Even churches have been known to segregate Romany families away from their main fellowships. But there are rays of light, like an evangelical church planted out of the sacrificial giving of its members. One lady gave half her pension. Other churches are sprouting up in this largely Orthodox area and welcoming teams like this one.

The cyclist continues, "After a sleepless night of lightning and heavy rain, we arose to a rather muddy landscape, littered with plastic bottles and rubbish. The first task was to clear litter in the village street, along with the children, handing out gospel tracts and Romanian speakers greeting and chatting to the people. We then took food parcels of oil, bread, sugar and salt to the poorest homes. An old lady had a severely ulcerated leg, and no proper bandages, so I was able to give her antiseptic cream and supplies from my small first aid kit." Many of the older ladies were brought to tears by the group's encouragement and their display of the love of Jesus.

Pray for the Roma people to know they are loved by God.