Racism is not dead. And to the Roma community, it’s an every day fact of life.

The Romani people are very poor, and often looked upon as outcast of the community. You see them begging, living in squatter settlements on the outskirts town. They make homes out of scrap materials they scavenge from the streets. Sanitation is not an option for them because they can’t afford it. Jobs are not readily available. Education is poor. This is what defines racism toward the Roma Gipsy.  But thanks to the hope of Jesus Christ, there is a way to be free! There is a peace that passes all understanding, even in these harsh conditions.

Recently, Pastor Brugosh and I had a wonderful time traveling together to the other side of Ukraine. 36 hours by train. We really got to know each other. It didn’t take long for me to exhaust my limited Russian vocabulary, and so we spent a lot of time using hand signals, and the Bible as a translator. It was quite comical. Boy, we sure looked like a funny pair, an American and a Roma. Along the way I noticed subtle instances of discrimination, but I kind of shook them off. Things like people not wanting to sit next to us, glances and glares, and people cutting in front of us in lines. Ah, no big deal. But it was the bus ride in Kiev that I’ll never forget.

Our directions told us to go to this train stop, transfer to this bus, and get off on that stop. The problem was, the bus stops were not obvious and didn’t have signs. The stops were named after streets, landmarks, or marketplaces. If you’re not familiar with the area, there’s no way you can know where to exit. So, Pastor began to ask people for directions. Some shrugged shoulders, some pretended not to hear, and others would just look at him with blank stares. I was like, are you kidding me? I mean these folks were just rude.

We had to know, so he went to the bus driver and asked for directions, but the driver didn’t say anything. He totally ignored Pastor. Pastor asked the driver again, a little louder, nothing. The third time he asked, oh boy! The driver responded. I have no idea what he said, but he blasted all kinds of noise at Pastor. It was all shouts and screams, and hand waving. It was crazy! Pastor just froze. He didn’t know what to do. It was in that moment I looked at my friend and saw an expression I’ll never forget. His face was part stunned, part ashamed. He was totally embarrassed and completely deflated. He looked about curiously to see if anyone else heard this. Well, of course the whole bus did. And with a sigh and a smirk, He looked at me, shrugged his shoulders, winked, and tipped his head. I knew this code meant, “Don’t worry, It’s OK. I am used to this.” And my heart sank. I felt like screaming, “But you shouldn’t have to be used to this! It is not right!”

Everyone on the crowded bus heard what happened. Anyone could’ve easily offered the answer, but no one did. I can’t describe all the emotions I felt in that moment. Everyone remained silent. They kept their faces forward as if totally unaware of the horrible cruelty that had just taken place. Finally, after a few moments had passed, one woman waved her hand slightly and motioned us closer. Quietly she whispered, “That’s my stop, follow me”.

I’d never experienced such profound prejudice or racism. You can never know what this is like until you experience it yourself, or until you are so close to it that you feel as if it happened to you. I’ve lived in many big cities, experienced many cultures, but never has racism cut me so deeply.

There are many underlying social issues and circumstances that people use to justify racism against the Roma.  Some sociologists would say its the “person blame” theory, others “society blame”. Whatever the reason, who ever is at fault, there is an answer. The answer is Jesus Christ. He came to set the captives free. He came to teach us faith, hope, and love. He died for our sins, all of us. Believe it or not, there are many religious people that would say that Romani people don’t need the aid, or they’ll squander away any assistance from World Missions. Many believe that they won’t benefit from the gospel and that salvation is unlikely. I have even heard people say that the Roma will just pretend to be saved to get access to humanitarian aid. Friends, let’s not allow ourselves to be blinded.  The Romani people are exactly the kind of people that Jesus came to minister the gospel to — people who are outcast in society, who are in need, who are hungry for love, who are thirsty for acceptance, and who are longing for freedom.

We are deeply honored that God has sent Michigan Bridge Ministry and others to minister alongside this community. The Holy Spirit stirred in us a deep compassion and love for our brothers and sisters here. And because of the gospel, we are experiencing the Holy Spirit, and Scriptures transforming this community. We have seen a Holy Fire igniting in this community and believe revival will soon break out. Chains are being broken; slaves are being set free. Healing has prevailed, and lives are being changed forever.

All the glory to God…

Sharing the Lord’s Supper with our brothers and sisters is always a deep spiritual experience, but this occasion was particularly memorable in our little church here in Radvanka. After a great message from Pastor Brugosh, and a prayer for the blessing of the bread and grape juice from Jason, everyone passed the plate of unleavened bread to one another, gradually gathering together in a group at the front. There was such a wonderful feeling of warm fellowship, that we were celebrating joyously together, as a close family, what God did for us in the sacrifice of His Son for our sins. This same feeling continued as we passed around the cup.

We had been aided immensely into the right frame of worship by the enthusiastic singing at the beginning of the service. You can join us for a couple of minutes through the video and catch the joy of sinners who have been set free through the blood of Jesus.

One of our locals ran back home as soon as she received her eyeglasses, she got her Bible and began to read. With tears of joy she exclaimed, “Praise God, now I can read His word every day!” This is what it’s all about.  There were many great stories and testimonies of our people who got their glasses, but two stories really stood out; this woman and another story about a man.

He came to the ministry outreach on that Thursday, to have his eyes checked and to get his eyeglasses. We shared the gospel with him, prayed with him and gave him glasses. We don’t know if he accepted Jesus that day, but we planted the seed. Three days later, he was found dead. He had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. You never know when the person standing before you will enter into eternity.

As a follower of Jesus, we want to stress the importance of evangelism. You must always be ready when the Holy Spirit calls you to witness to somebody, to share your faith and to share the gospel. We have to be fearless. We can not hold back or waver in any way, but we must be bold in every season even if it’s hard. Even when our life seems full of challenges, even when we’re having a hard time in certain areas of our life, even when we think that we can’t do it. God will give us the courage, strength, and boldness to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. After all, He promised, “Lo, I will be with you always…”  We must remember that, two thousand years ago, our Lord Jesus Christ came here fearlessly, to be a man, to accept all the hardships and to give us the gospel so that we can receive salvation.

Now my friends, be encouraged, and “go ye therefore…”

(see photos from the ministry outreach)

After three visits, I was asked to write something about my experience at the Roma soup kitchen in Radvenka. Here are some of my first impressions.

On my first visit I noticed right away how crowded the small sanctuary was. The room is only slightly larger than my bedroom/living room at home. I am told that there are usually 60 to 100 kids, but on my first visit I saw close to 150! These kids sat with at least 2 to a chair, often with a little one on an older sibling’s knees, and many standing. Something that caught my attention (and has held it on my subsequent visits) was how well behaved the kids were. Roma kids do not have a reputation for being calm, quiet, or well-behaved, but I was very impressed by these kids. They were not angels, nor silent, but they behaved themselves beautifully.

Somehow, thank God, there was enough food for all of them, despite the number of unexpected kids. I smiled as I watched older kids sharing food with the younger and helping them eat. I have seen in other visits how these children take care of one another, older ones helping younger with eating, taking off coats, finding seats. One small nine year old hefted around a chunky 3 year old the whole time. I enjoyed watching the gentleness this boy displayed with his baby brother.

Once I came a bit early. They hadn’t started yet, and there weren’t any adult leaders in the sanctuary yet. After a few minutes of small talk, four of the kids got up and gave me an impromptu concert, a children’s song about God in Russian. The oldest boy was nine. The joy in those kids’ faces while they sang and their childish pride as they finished and sat down were worth seeing.

The service is held before the meal, and is led by three young men from the local Roma church (where the soup kitchen is held). These guys are young – in their late teens or early twenties – but obviously skilled at the work they’re doing with these kids. Without a microphone, colorful object lessons, or a bevy of games, these young men keep the kids interested in what seems to be an extremely engaging sermon using only their voices, bodies, and the words that the Holy Spirit gives them.

I say that it “seems to be” an engaging sermon because I understand very little of it. The service here is carried on in the Roma’s own language. Most of the time I understand very little. When they quote a Bible verse, though, my comprehension jumps up because they read the Bible in Russian. I doubt that they have a translation in their Roma dialect.

Those that can read, at least, read in Russian. I have a strong suspicion that this is a small percentage. I am told that they host a Bible study once a week, in which they play the Bible on tape, and then discuss it afterwards.

Twice I have left with kids, and walked with them as far as their homes. This has given me a chance to talk with them a little. On my most recent visit I spoke primarily with two kids, a boy and a girl. The boy was 9, excited about his upcoming birthday, and told me he was in third grade. The girl was 10, wasn’t in school at all, and seemed mildly embarrassed because she didn’t know when her birthday was.

First John 3:17 asks, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” There is obviously great need here, physical and spiritual, but I rejoice that God has provided a small team of people filled with His love who are dedicated to filling it. There is a tangible joy and peace here that convinces me that it is the Spirit’s work being carried out here, and I know that our Lord is pleased with it.

Christmas in Radvanka

Christmas, 2012, was in full swing. Santa had been busy with programs, gift giving, festivals, several interviews and, even a TV interview on a local Uzhgorod station. You could feel the excitement in the air. It was a new experience having a “real” Santa in the area. Many people paraded around with fake beards, and hair. But a Santa with real, attached beard was a sight never seen before. Several children even pulled his whiskers to see first hand. Then giggles of joy were expelled after the “old man” squealed. It was a fun time for all.

Christmas in the former Soviet Union has taken on much more of a western flair, while, at the same time, retained the old customs. They observe two Saint Nicholas’ Days and then Western Christmas on December 25, New Year’s Day on January 1, and Orthodox Christmas on January 7. Since most of the churches celebrate on January 7, it was a real treat to be able to celebrate with the kids at Radvanka on December 24. The Gypsy community worships with the Hungarian customs on the 25th.

The Saturday before we had fed 50+ children at Radvanka. We figured there would be more for this special occasion. Santa’s Elves helped Santa fill 100 bags of Christmas treats. We included fruits, candy, and, most importantly, a Bible. It WAS Christmas Eve and, of course, most of the elves and the reindeer were all preparing for the big night ahead. Santa had other obligations. One of Santa’s Elves, Andre, had taken an early retirement and now drove a taxi in Uzhgorod. This was a blessing. When Andre delivered us to the little church, a crowd had already started gathering. The youth leaders in Radvanka had begun by having the children discuss the birth of Jesus and recite Bible verses. The kids were remarkably attentive and quite interested in the lesson.

In due time, to the kids excitement, Santa arrived. One by one, the children were invited up to sit with Santa and receive a gift. The joy of these children was not unlike that which Santa had experienced from children all around the world. Some hugged the old man. Some kissed him. Others shied away. The two year-olds refused to sit in his lap at all, just as they do everywhere. Eager children were everywhere. Another of Santa’s elves, Ishtvan, helped Santa give out the gifts. At one point, Ishtvan whispered to Santa that there may not be enough gifts. We had left some in Andre’s taxi for another program later. As quick as a wink Ishtvan called Andre on their Santa-mobile. Very soon Andre arrived with the remaining gifts. The children continued to visit Santa.

When all was said and done, there were 100 gifts and 100 children. God is so good. He knew exactly how many were needed. But then, why should Santa have worried? The children all thanked Santa and went their ways. It was a wonderful gypsy Christmas celebration!

Santa and Ishtvan left with Andre……….Their night was just beginning!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Santa and Elves

Wonderful healings have taken place after these prayers and the dear saints who come forward with such faith and hope never leave disappointed.  Jason and I are blessed to be with them, to be God’s hands and voice to these precious children of His.  We’re often deeply touched by their faithfulness in God’s service and their joy in the face of many difficulties.

Our little Roma Community has a very high illiteracy rate—40% or more. This has presented a challenge in how to get the Word of God to the people.

One man suggested that we download an audio Bible from Faith Comes by Hearing which has the Bible recorded by actors in various languages. It’s so well done that it brings the gospel to life!

We decided to hold weekly meetings consisting of 30 minutes of listening to the Word of God and 30 minutes of discussion.

The first week 15 people showed up. We listened to the first 5 chapters of John. It was so exciting because four little children came in. They have been disruptive in the past and they distract the babushkas that are always telling them “get out of here!” and shooing them away.

This night was different. These four little ones poked their heads in to find out what was going on; it sounded like a movie! They came in and sat still and with big eyes they listened to the first 5 chapters of John! Glory, glory, hallelujah!

The second week had 12 people come to listen. This second night was supposed to cover chapters 6-10, but when we got to the end of chapter 9, I realized we had already gone 34 minutes and that chapter 10 would be another 10 minutes at least. I was going to end up keeping them for 45 minutes of listening to the bible—just listening to the bible! So I stopped at the end of chapter 9 and asked if they wanted to hear chapter 10 or if they wanted to push it to the next week. Immediately everybody shouted out “Yes, we want to hear it! Don’t stop now!”

That blessed my heart! How hungry my Brothers and Sisters are to get the Word of God, to be able to hear this! It makes me so excited to have found this resource. This is potentially the greatest ministry I have ever been involved. Here I can minister side by side with Pastor Brugosh and see transformation and revelation in an amazing and profound way; and The scriptures are doing it for us! I was all of a sudden freed of my handicap of not being able to preach the Gospel without a translator.

Faith Comes by Hearing is a free ministry and we’re going to continue the reading and asking people to join us. Let’s be praying that more and more people will come and fill up this room. People can get involved by bathing this ministry in prayer; asking the Lord to “bring the people in!”

Here in Uhzgorod we have a mighty man of God whose only job is to serve the Lord.  Pastor Brugosh’s incredible task is to minister to the people of the Radvanka Community.  Day after day, week after week, he pours himself out for others.

And yet, at the end of each day, he returns to the desperately unsanitary conditions of his apartment building.  There’s a foul smell, a terrible stench which affects his health and the health of his family.  His wife is sick and his son has a terrible cough.  His church does not bring in enough money in tithes and offerings to sustain a parsonage.  In his own words “We have experienced problems constantly with sewage, electricity, and even had a gas explosion. People cannot breathe because of the sewage. Many are sick with tuberculosis. We do all that we can do. We also pray that God will help us to get out of here…”  It weighs so heavily on his heart, that he is considering getting another job so that he can move his family to a safer location.

He’s always looking for part time work to raise extra funds, but jobs are scarce, especially for Roma. We pray that we can offer him assistance to keep his family safe and available for ministry. Imagine this scenario:  it’s 1pm and you have an emergency; someone you love is critically ill or injured and in desperation you call your pastor for prayer and counseling—and he is not available because his living conditions have taken him away from his pastoral duties.

Or, suppose the emergency is not yours, but your pastor’s…the water flooding the foundation of the building has caused the building to collapse and your pastor and his family are trapped inside…or perhaps you cannot get in touch with your pastor because he’s in the hospital at the bedside of his child who’s developed tuberculosis from the unsanitary conditions?

Pastor Brugosh’s heart is to serve God by always being available to the people of Radvanka.  “But we all are praying so that God will help us to get out of here. If someone has an opportunity, and wants to help us in this, we will be praying for you so that God will bless you in your effort. God Bless you. Amen.”

The following week in church, he shared a testimony of how God had completely healed him. The doctors did more tests and found nothing wrong!

From the back row, a woman not often seen in church wept as Victor stood and shared his testimony.

The woman was his mother.