CEE Pray for the Roma
Discovering the people behind the prejudice
“I’ve been “gypped!”
Unknown by many who use this phrase, the word “gyp” comes from the name “Gypsy” and is a slur against a people group, clearly describing its reputation throughout most of Europe. Though they refer to themselves as Roma, others know them as nomads, mystics and fortune-tellers. Some Europeans refer to them as “black,” in contrast to lighter-skinned nationals. In Poland they are often called “tzigani,” which means “unclean.”
Yet some Poles like young Ala do not feel this way about Roma. In fact Ala considers it an honor to “shake the hand of a Roma,” although she has not always felt this way. She used to see them begging on the streets and would indifferently turn away.
“I always thought there was no reason to give them money because they would just spend it on alcohol,” Ala said. “But now that I know them, I know how needy they are. I feel so bad if I see someone begging and don’t have anything to give them.”
This change of heart came as a result of God calling Ala to work with the Roma. Unfortunately, her family was not quick to support the idea.
“At the beginning of my ministry I was rejected by my own family because I was helping Romany people,” she said. “Now it is better because they see God is working. Now my family stands with me. They know we are doing awesome work—God’s work.”
The reaction of Ala’s family is not unusual, even among Polish believers.
“People just don’t like Roma. They hate them. They do not want them to get work,” Ala said. “They have a totally false picture of the Roma. Now that I work with the Roma I have a totally different perspective.”
Roma are gaining new perspectives through Ala, as well. Although they do not typically trust Poles, Ala is helping break down such walls. Roma will warmly greet her when she enters villages. One of her new Romany friends said he trusts her and can tell her anything. The rituals and ceremonies carried out in Romany society are typically reserved only for Roma, but Ala celebrates the fact that she has been invited to witness a Romany wedding.
“Making friends with them, going to a new village, meeting new people—it’s amazing! I am having a beautiful experience working with the Roma,” she said.
Roma continue to fight stereotypes as they come to know Christ and begin living for Him, which makes it difficult to get jobs and form friendships with Poles. Roma are mostly uneducated and unskilled, giving them little opportunity to win the trust of the world around them.
Roma traditionally are craftsmen, musicians and artists, but communist leaders prohibited them from pursuing such trades. New generations of Roma have grown up without the skills of their ancestors, which make it harder to fit into society.
Two young men who have come to know the Lord, Janek and Rafal, faced this hardship as they looked for jobs. But saw how it has given them opportunities to share their beliefs and trust God for what He will do. The Lord has provided for these two young men and for many other Roma who are learning to trust Him for all they need.
Please pray for the Roma as they overcome cultural and societal pressures to live up to their reputation instead of their new identity in Christ.