How It Started
In 2013, Dr. Sharon Chan, president of the Great Commission Center International (GCCI) read three different articles by Melody J. Wachsmuth highlighting the Roma. The articles portrayed God’s movement among Roma communities in Europe in the context of their formidable challenges. Sharon’s heart was moved and she, along with the board and others associated with GCCI, began to think and pray about how the GCCI could mobilize Chinese Churches to serve in Roma communities. In September of 2013, a prayer meeting was held in Hong Kong involving around 30 church pastors and mission leaders regarding the Roma. Many began to feel a burden for the Roma and committed to begin praying and trying to direct financial resources to Roma ministries.
Later that year, GCCI’s founder, Dr. Thomas Wang, Sharon, and a small group took an exploratory trip through Serbia, visiting Roma communities and meeting Roma Christians. At that time, they decided to host a conference that would offer a platform to connect Roma leaders and ministries throughout Europe as well as raise awareness about the Roma in other European churches and mission organizations.
In late September of 2014, GCCI hosted “Roma for the Nations,” a five-day conference in Budapest, Hungary. Around 160 representatives, including 100 Roma leaders, attended from 16 different countries. The conference served as a needed and vital connecting point for people to be exposed to what was happening at a regional level. Unanimously, the participants expressed desire for another conference, and a committee of six was elected from six different countries to carry forward the movement.
Where Are We Now?
Vision:
Roma Network’s vision is to network, connect, and research for the sake of sharing the gospel and seeing transformation in Roma communities throughout Europe.
Roma churches have played a significant role in various contexts, acting as catalysts for gradual transformation by promoting education and nurturing improved relationships with the majority cultures. Following thoughtful deliberation within their communities, Roma leaders have pinpointed essential focus areas for the upcoming years. These focal points underscore the proactive stance of Roma leaders in addressing the distinct needs and challenges their communities encounter. Through investments in leadership development, enhancements in children’s ministry, and the promotion of economic opportunities, their aim is to instigate positive and transformative change within Roma contexts.
Areas of Focus
Equipping and nurturing the next generation of Roma leaders
Acknowledging the significance of leadership development, Roma leaders are dedicated to investing in the training and advancement of young Roma individuals displaying leadership potential. Through a series of seminars, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, these up-and-coming leaders will acquire the essential skills, guidance, and backing needed to lead and serve their communities effectively. By nurturing a fresh generation of Roma leaders, the objective is to establish a sustainable and empowered leadership pipeline.
Children’s Ministry
We understand how important it is to nurture faith and take good care of Roma children. Our focus is on gathering and sharing helpful resources for children’s ministry, like lesson plans, teaching tools, and successful ideas from different places that work well with Roma children. By bringing these resources together, Roma churches can improve their programs for kids, making sure they have a strong spiritual foundation and practical life skills.
Job Creation
Unemployment and lack of economic opportunities often pose significant challenges in Roma communities. In response, Roma leaders are dedicated to developing programs that facilitate job creation and entrepreneurship within these communities. This may involve initiatives such as vocational training, skills development workshops, and the establishment of cooperatives or small businesses. By promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment, the aim is to break the cycle of poverty and foster sustainable development within Roma communities.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1