A team of Austrian youth came to minister to the Roma (Gypsies) of Slovakia. AGWM personnel, John Bean, whose ministry focuses on the Roma tells of the great blessing these young people were. They helped strip paint off of a container building which was purchased to house small group meetings as well as a place for children’s ministry in this Roma project. The youth also did children’s programs in four different villages in the area throughout the week. John Bean’s family were much involved in these programs, with his daughter being the translator for the leaders and the youth. It was a busy and fruitful week for these young Austrians. It was the first time that some of these Roma women were out of the country of Slovakia. They were so excited to get to see the city of Vienna and to worship and sit in sessions with people from 15 different nations. We all returned to Slovakia with a renewed passion to reach the children of this nation.
A team of Austrian youth came to minister to the Roma (Gypsies) of Slovakia. AGWM personnel, John Bean, whose ministry focuses on the Roma tells of the great blessing these young people were. They helped strip paint off of a container building which was purchased to house small group meetings as well as a place for children’s ministry in this Roma project.
The youth also did children’s programs in four different villages in the area throughout the week. John Bean’s family were much involved in these programs, with his daughter being the translator for the leaders and the youth. It was a busy and fruitful week for these young Austrians. It was the first time that some of these Roma women were out of the country of Slovakia. They were so excited to get to see the city of Vienna and to worship and sit in sessions with people from 15 different nations. We all returned to Slovakia with a renewed passion to reach the children of this nation.
AGWM Personnel in Slovakia, John Bean, tells of a one-week intensive class in the School of Christ program with missionary and pastor, Daren Downs from Chino, California. “What a refreshing time for us and a new experience for training Roma and Slovak pastors and leaders! This is the first phase of classes, as we plan to go even deeper in God's Word and see more leaders learning about the Person of Jesus Christ! Sixty-five men and women received diplomas for the first phase of courses. The students were so attentive and faithful every day. We are already anticipating next year's sessions.
One of the most dynamic and powerful works of the Holy Spirit in our day certainly is the Pentecostal revival among the Gypsies Streams of this revival started in the decade of the 1950s. God began to pour out His Spirit upon the diverse ethnic groups of Gypsies in Europe and around the world. Because of prejudice and ill reputation, many leaders were skeptical about the conversion of Gypsies, but over time, these leaders recognized that God is no respecter of persons.
Spain has also experienced phenomenal growth as today there are over 200 000 baptized believers, some 600 Gypsy churches and 2500 preachers. The “Gitanos ” have evangelized Portugal and South America as well.
A recent magazine article describes Slovakia as ‘Europe’s Best Kept Secret!’ The article vividly described Slovakia in all its beauty and splendor! From green luscious plains, to rolling hills of vibrant yellow sunflowers waving at the heavens. The magnificent, snow tipped, Tatra mountains overlook the historical villages below! More than 350 castles spreading across the country and the great, aged cathedrals add to its awe and wonder. Nestled among all of this are the Roma people!
“We recently hosted a team of ten women from New Jersey who came to minister to the Roma women. What a glorious and life-changing experience it was for all involved! These women helped minister to over 400 women and also a few men, who came as support and out of curiosity! This was a traveling conference, as Roma do not have means for transportation. During the week, we ministered in four different locations, which included 24 villages! The theme carried throughout the region was, “Real Beauty!” The team of women spoke with passion and anointing!