Košice, Slovakia

Pronounced: Co-shee-zuh.

On Monday I returned from a week long excursion to Košice, Slovakia. Our Austria team had been transplanted all over Europe, 1 in Turkey, 4 in Poland, and 3 in Slovakia. It would be very hard to explain to you all of the details of the trip, so instead I'd like to go over the main highlights.

When most Americans think of Gypsies the picture that comes to mind is very romantic, adventurous, and beautiful, due to the media portrayal of these wandering nomads. In Europe, that is not the case. Simply the word Gypsy usually brings a slight cringe and disgusted look on the faces of most. The Roma (Gypsy) people are seen as a problem. They are dirty, smelly, dangerous, lazy, and alcoholics. To most, they are less than human and the world would be better off without them.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

There is a small body of believers growing among the large population of Gypsies in Košice, (this city has the largest "Gypsy Ghetto" in all of Europe). I was able to visit the Roma women's bible study on Tuesday and hear some of their testimonies. It was so powerful to hear their stories of loss, abuse, death, alcoholism, and fear INTO grace, peace, life, triumph and freedom. They are very aware of the depth from which they came, (the same depth from which we all came!) and are desperate for more of God.

On Sunday the entire Gypsy church came to the Slovakian service and put on a presentation. The Roma pastor preached and their band also lead worship. It was such a powerful time as Slovakians and Romas worshipped together under one roof, lifting up the name of the same God. The pastor's sermon was right on and exactly what needed to be heard. I left extremely challenged and touched. God is going to do amazing things in and through this potent, young, and hungry body of believers.

Ways you can pray!

• There is no written bible in the Gypsy language. Some people are working on translating it but it is a slow task. Pray that things come together quickly and efficiently so they can receive their own copy of the word of God.
  
• Alcoholism runs rampant among the Gypsy people. Pray against the believers returning to this addiction and for freedom for the ones who are yet ensnared.


• The pastor and his wife live very challenging lives in the ghetto. Money is tight and many businesses unfairly charge this family extra money since they are some of the only people paying their bills. They are the main leaders of the church and have a heavy load to carry. Not to mention having 4 kids and one on the way. Pray for peace and patient endurance.