In Hungary, the Roma (gypsies) have a “bad reputation”. They live well below the poverty line and sink into long term unemployment because they have little to no education or job skills. Many of them can’t even read or write. Roma children are frequently classified as mentally handicapped, even if they are not. Due to this they receive a sub-standard education that breeds the cycle of poverty, welfare dependence and sometimes petty theft.
But who cares enough to come alongside kids like this? The problem seems insurmountable. The answer; Grain of Wheat International! Three years ago, Gellért, the GWI director in Hungary, clearly recognized the great need for gypsy kids to have a personal encounter with the Lord. But the big question on his heart was, how? He knew he had to start somewhere, so he began by organizing activities for kids from 10 gypsy families.
Director Gellért explains, “The only thing these children have ever known is poverty and despair. Our passion is to embrace their differet-ness and love them unconditionally. Our role is to provide an atmosphere where they can experience the love, joy and peace of God.
This summer, we have organized recreational activities for 40 children, 20 of these kids are from gypsy families. For example, we will help them discover the beauty of God’s creation by taking them to a zoo with small animals such as mice, ferrets and badgers. To help them learn how to reach a goal through teamwork, we will hold football tournaments.”
Gellért continues, “As these kids from different backgrounds ride in the same bus, eat the same food and play the same games, our prayer is that their friendships will be strengthened. It’s in moments like this, that children realize God’s love for them, no matter their circumstance.”
Indeed, God has given us a tremendous gift: His love. As a result, we at GWI Hungary are driven by the desire to introduce gypsy children and their families to the Almighty God who will replace their life of despair with His hope for a bright new future.”
