I didn’t know this until just yesterday, but it is derogatory to use the name, “Gypsy.” I know we have all heard the term used at some point or another, but as a way to honor these wonderful people that we have been serving while here in Bulgaria, we will call them by their real names…
The Roma people.
Hands down, Bulgaria has become my favorite month on the World Race so far. I love it here. I love the people. I love our contacts. I love the ministry. I love it all! The city itself is not the greatest place I have ever been, but I think that to be the poorest city in all of Bulgaria, which actually makes it the poorest city in all of the European Union, Vidin is quite pleasant.
We have had many different doors open for us for ministry this month. Last week though, we had the opportunity to head to the outskirts of town, across the railroad tracks, and under the overpass, to a little Roma village. It was there that we would have the incredible blessing of partaking in the church service. We were pumped!
Growing up, I had always heard the term, “gypsy”, but never really knew that much about these mysterious, but incredible people. So when we were told we would be working with them, I could hardly wait!
So we arrived at the church and found it to be COMPLETELY different than what we had expected. To be honest, i’m not sure what I was expecting. Maybe… Esmeralda, from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame?” That’s the best way I can explain what I was expecting, haha, but it wasn’t that at all.
We ended up having a wonderful worship service where we had the opportunity to share what the Lord is doing through the World Race, and we were also able to bring “The Word.” Jenn & myself shared a little about what the Lord was teaching us since being on the race, and Amanda preached.
The worship was intense as well! Roma people know how to worship. Immediately following the service, we were asked to come to the front of the church, and we had the chance to pray with the people who needed prayer. It was an incredible time where the Holy Spirit worked and did some things I can't explain!
The following day, we traveled once again, to another Roma village outside the city. I think to date, this was probably one of the roughest and most impoverished areas I have ever stepped foot in. Normally when I have visited a village or town throughout the world, I feel safe, but the best way I can explain this area was like being in the Bronx of New York or somewhere like that. It was just a heartbreaking area.
I’m so thankful though for the time we got to spend there. God allowed us the opportunity to go into such a dark and seemingly hopeless place, and spread the Gospel! It was such an awesome time getting to hang out and fellowship with the locals. We got to play games with the kids, sing and worship with them, talk a little about what the Lord is doing in our lives, and share the Good News with them! It was a humbling time for each of us.
One of the ladies heard we were coming to visit, so she prepared pastries [one of the reasons I LOVE Eastern Europe 🙂 ] for us! Also, Mishy wasn’t wearing any socks, so this sweet lady felt bad for Mishy and gave her a pair of socks, HAHA. It continues to amaze me each month and in each country, how selfless folks are… We continue to come to these places to reach out to these people, but as always, you leave with more of a blessing than you could have ever given to them. Later that evening, we headed back to a Roma village to do a children’s program… WHAT A BLAST! Haha… Some of my favorite kids on the whole race! We are hoping to go back again to spend more time with these kids.
That’s just a little bit about the work we have been doing here in Bulgaria. I already dread the thought of saying goodbye to this place next week. I have truly grown to love it.
Please keep our team and our ministry contacts in your prayers this week. Starting today (Mach 21st), we are going to be traveling to other cities, some close and some far, to preach in other Roma communities and spread the Gospel. I’m excited for the opportunity. Pray the Lord will use us to advance His Kingdom and tell others about Papas love for us…
Love y’all.
