Roma youth on mission in Medgidia see two come to Christ

Some worked with children, doing four programs in two locations; others walked the streets witnessing and going into homes to share through singing and testimonies; a few preached; all sang on street corners and at the outdoor evangelistic services. These were not American volunteers on a mission trip, they were Romany youth from different cities in Romania who came together as Roma Ministries to reach their own people. Bob and Gayle Hill, missionaries to the Roma living in Romania who organized the weekend, felt like proud parents as they watched these youth serve as a team and bring glory to God.

“Some stood out as preachers, some as singers, some as children’s workers, and some as faithful witnesses,” Gayle said. “Like proud parents, our buttons popped and our hearts were blessed!”

Bob and Gayle have lived in Romania for 61/2 years, and have known many of these youth as long–bringing some to faith, seeing them baptized and watching them grow in Christ. They have also witnessed American teams come and minister to the Roma and have rejoiced as God blessed these efforts. But they are convinced that the best ones to reach Roma, are Roma.

“They need no translator, they bring no gifts or money, the simply bring their own changed lives and share what God has done for them and can do for others,” Gayle said.

Bob and Gayle believe that giving these young people the training and opportunity to reach their own people blesses their cities and homes and prepares them to become the leaders, pastors and missionaries of tomorrow. Several years ago the Team Romany, led by Boyd Hatchel, started a program called FARM (Far Away Romany Missions), through which Romany believers spend 6 weeks on a mission project in a different city, and often a different country. It has been a wonderful experience as the Romany believers have caught a vision for reaching their own with the Gospel, seeing first-hand how God can use them.

This group went to the city of Medgidia, near the coast. The pastor there wanted a FARM team to come during the summer but there weren’t enough young people to meet the need, so this weekend group came instead. This area of Romania is a mixture of Romanian, Romanian Roma, Turks, and Turkish gypsies.

The young people chose their ministry and were let loose on the town. They made house visits, often stopped on corners to sing or share a testimony, held children’s programs, met with the local church youth group and held an outdoor evangelistic service with music and worship. Local believers were encouraged, many people heard the plan of salvation and 2 adults were saved.

“The youth were amazing,” Gayle said. “The first night, they were already talking about when and where they could go next!”

This project was funded through Team Romany’s partnership with LifeWay and Centrifuge camps. Roma missionaries hope to do at least 4 similar projects a year, depending on future available funds. Please pray for the Roma youth as they take on the mantle of leadership in their communities.

Posted by Karen Pearce on Dec 4, 2009

Similar: Roma, Romania, Romany