Roma and Sinti
Christian Training Center
Fall of 2005 saw
a dream becoming reality: training
for Romany church leaders in Western Europe who did not have enough
formal education to attend existing Bible schools or seminaries. The
Roma and Sinti Christian Training Center currently meets every Friday
evening and all day Saturday in the Maranatha Church in Moselkern
Germany. The school has
begun with eight students. They receive training in the Old and New
Testament, church history, preaching, youth and children’s work,
among other subjects. The students will also have an internship
during the summer to apply what they have learned in a guided
situation.
“We have enough
evangelists,” Sinti believer Rudi Walter explained. “What we
need are trained pastors and teachers.” Pray with Rudi for the
future impact of this school among Romany in Western Europe.
Micro-Economic
Development Project in Moldova
This
project has resulted in three loans to Romany believers.
Eduardo used his loan to open a computer center (three
computers) in the village of Vulcanesti. Children line up to
use the three computers after school hours. During school,
adults keep the center busy! George and Virginia will be
using their loan to expand a small grocery store in the same
village.
Raia’s loan provides her with the training
necessary for opening up her own hair salon. The impact of
the program reaches further than these three households.
Eduardo employs several other villagers part-time. Raia
serves as a role model for other young women. George
and Virginia were applying what they had learned in the
project’s training sessions even before they applied for
the loan. The training programs have stimulated others to
improve their existing businesses or to recognize and
analyze potential opportunities. (See PROJECTS to contribute
to this effort.)
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