Coming into Serbia, we were assigned to ATL (ask the Lord). These months typically are a bit more stressful than the others due to the fact that we have no set ministry, no host, or a place to live. Through intentional prayer, we seek the Lord and go where we feel He is leading us. As stretching as this has been for me, ATL months usually end up being the most powerful months of ministry.
Last month in Albania, we heard about this people group who are called Romas. They are the outcasts of society. They are overlooked, seen as filthy, and neglected. Unfortunately, what we were told about the Romas became reality this month. We witnessed first hand their longing to be seen, to be loved, and to be treated as every other person in the community. There were multiple instances when we would stop and simply acknowledge their existence, and receive looks of disgust from others around us. We would hug them, give them high fives, laugh, and play with them. People would literally tell us to stop touching them and to walk away.
Everyday these Roma children are sent out to beg for money. It’s sickening to think that begging is all they know. Rather than being able to just be a kid, they have to take on responsibilities they should never have to. They are required to meet a certain quota each day, and are to report back to their parents with all the money they’ve received. Most often times, if they come up short they are treated very harshly by their parents.
One of the hardest things I’ve experienced while on the Race, is not being able to help. Other than being able to show love, give a smile, and do a nice gesture, I feel completely helpless. It hurts to know that I will continue on this journey, eventually end up back at home, while these kids will still be here living life just as they do now. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been such a blessing getting to love on them, play with them, assure them that they are seen, remind them that they are beautiful, and are ultimately loved by the Father.
I often wonder how. How is this fair? How can these children be born into this lifestyle with no choice of their own? While God didn’t promise a fair and just world, He did promise to never leave us. That includes the Roma children who are seen as filthy, the people who are shooting them judgmental looks, and the helpless onlookers. We are all covered in the love of the Father. What an awe-inspiring reminder.
We named this beautiful girl Bella. She is an absolute sweetheart and has such a beautiful soul.
🙂
Thanks for reading. Please be praying for the community of Novi Pazar, Serbia.
