(March 2009)
Adapted from a TWR Magazine (vol. 29 no. 3) article

Life is extremely difficult for the millions of Roma, or Gypsies, scattered across the European continent. Over the years, they have been enslaved, persecuted, abused, and killed due to their different language and culture. Even today, Roma communities suffer from systematic and ethnic discrimination. Due to their way of life, many Roma are illiterate, which makes radio programming especially vital.

But TWR-Europe has made it a priority to reach out to these forgotten peoples. TWR’s previous and current Roma programming includes broadcasts in several languages aired in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania and Croatia. Thru the Bible is aired in Romania in the Romani-Kalderash language. “We are trying to develop various Roma ministies not only to spread the good news,” says Branko Bjelajac, director of TWR’s central east Europe ministries as well as TTB’s Serbian producer, “but also because it is a genuinely felt need by local churches and our partner organizations producing programs.” He adds that TWR-Europe would like to expand its ministry, as a sizeable number of Roma also live in Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Please pray that many Roma would encounter our Lord through the broadcasting of His Word, fall in love with Him, and make the decision to place their trust in Him alone for their salvation!