CEE Story From The Mission Field
The Way
July 17, 2002
"I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."
"Calea" is the Romanian word for "The Way," the name of the early church in biblical times. It is also the name of the new soccer league taking shape in the gypsy villages of Southern Romania. The unique name and what it represents is the starting point of a full blown evangelistic push by missionary Rob Dixon and TeamRomany -- the team based in the capital city of Bucharest whose focus it is to win the Romany (gypsy) people to Christ through church planting and evangelism.
Rob came to Romania only 5 months ago, joining 2 veteran families who have been at work among the gypsies for several years. When he arrived he wondered how he would fit in and how God would use him. And then he found the love of every Romany boy -- soccer. He envisioned a soccer league among the gypsy villages -- something organized and professional in which they could take pride. That's all it took!
One mention of it from his gypsy co-worker in the villages and the teams were formed. In one case the enthusiasm was so great that a village formed a team, elected a coach and had two practices before they ever even met Rob. He saw quickly that "God could do this without me, but I'm privileged that He's letting me be a part of it."
The teams started forming in late April and practices are planned through June. He hopes to begin regular games in July and has a tournament planned in August. Each practice begins with a "stam de vorba" which means a "sit and talk" time. Rob or one of his co-workers opens up discussion with the players about life -- real situations to which they can relate. Then they apply biblical principles and scripture to the discussion, teaching them something new each time about the gospel and what it means to be a Christian. During this time they also pray together, introducing to many for the first time the concept that God listens to them and cares about them. During the official games, Rob plans to have testimonies shared at half time.
"Calea Fotbal League" is the joint effort of many whose main focus is planting new churches. Rob is using the sports league to reach the teens and involve families in activities where they can hear the gospel presented. Although he heads it up, he is helped by many -- faithful gypsy believers who are eager to reach their brothers for Christ; the other members of TeamRomany; volunteers from Gibson County Tennessee who have provided team shirts and equipment; and a horde of prayer warriors who are constantly lifting up this people group to the Lord. God is answering those prayers. He is doing a mighty work among the gypsy people and their response to the gospel has been amazing. Many are coming to Christ and new churches are being planted.
Because the Romany people have no country of their own, they are often viewed as outsiders by the native people of their host country. Many times this means discrimination on all levels-- political, economic, and social. They are not given the privileges of belonging. Through the soccer league, they are participating in something that unifies them and gives them a sense of worth. Even more, as they learn about Christ they are turning to Him and finding out that they will indeed have a country of their own in eternity.