Ministry among the Romani people

In Serbia, we partner with Bridge United and church planters across the country. One of our Field Partners is Avdija, a Romani church planter living in Vranje—a city in south Serbia.

In recent years there’s been a lot of gospel movement happening among the Romani community in Serbia. Romani are a stateless people numbering anywhere between 2 and 12 million, and live mostly in Europe and western Asia. As a people group, they’ve historically faced much discrimination and still deal with racism today. Though they’re spread across countries, there is a unique Romani culture that includes a musical and artistic emphasis and strong sense of family and community.

Avdija has been planting churches in and around Vranje with the goal to raise up and equip young leaders. Many young people leave Serbia due to the hard economic and difficulties finding employment, so Avdija is encouraging them to plant churches where they move.

Recently, four young leaders from Avdija’s church have moved and planted a new church near Cologne, Germany. The church is hoping to partner with other churches in Serbia, Germany, and Sweden to develop new relationships among Romani people.

The next location Avdija' has in mind is a city near the Kosovo border. The area has a strong Muslim influence, but also a tense history with Serbia. Avdiaj’s hope for this location would be to help reconcile people with God and one another.

“We have challenges,” he said, “but that helps us focus on Him.”

This summer, the churches in Vranje hosted many ministry activities and camps, partnering with 13 other churches and organizations. Through their efforts, 625 kids heard the gospel for the first time, and 37 made decisions to follow Christ.