Worshipers in a Roma church gather to sing praises to God.
Many biblical passages testify that our God possesses unlimited power. But unlike earthly creatures who use power for selfish interests, the Bible describes the Lord as One who is mighty to save. In fact, the greatest display of divine power is seen when human lives are changed into the likeness of the Creator. Through the work of the Holy Spirit many people even today are being transformed. Gospel Outreach workers not only witness this change in the lives of the people to whom they minister, but they also are blessed to be a part of these experiences.
Kyustendil is located in southwest Bulgaria near the border with Macedonia. Much of this town is occupied by the Roma (Gypsy) population, making it the largest Roma settlement in this part of the world.
Several years ago when we visited this place, the people were in desperate need of food, money, education, medical attention and spiritual nourishment. Gospel Outreach and the local Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office worked to address a number of these needs. ADRA Austria also became involved in the project. The results are astounding.
During our last visit, instead of poverty we could see people providing for their daily needs. Instead of a lack of education, we saw children in school. Instead of a lack of medical attention, we saw clinics operated by volunteer medical personnel. Moreover, two large Seventh-day Adventist churches with lay pastors cared for the spiritual needs of the people.
After we participated in a church service with hundreds of believers present, we were catered a healthy and tasty meal prepared by a group of Roma sisters. They had just completed their cooking classes and were proud to see us enjoy the food they had made.
A surprise awaited us on Sabbath afternoon in a meeting with a large group of young people from this church. This is what they said to us:
“We have seen the great change that the Gospel has brought into the lives of our parents and families. Now we are reaching out to those who are not yet part of God’s kingdom. Could you give us some new ideas on how we could better reach other people in our community?”
We were deeply touched by these words. A group of young Roma people, so grateful for what God has done for them, was eager to take the good news to those still living in darkness.
One worker described the change in his life in the following way:
“I used to drink, smoke, cheat, steal and beat my wife every day. I neglected my family and my house. I did not care about my children. But after Christ came into my life all is different. Now I love my wife, I work hard every day, my children go to school, and I have nicely repaired the house in which we live. Thanks to God, I am a happy man.”
What a testimony. His words remind us of those written long ago by the apostle Paul, whose life too was changed: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).