October 26th, 2015 by Zac

I think we are getting better  at our  ministry to the Roma kids. That’s not the only goal, but any progress is good in this ministry.

This was our fourth year to do a summer day camp in the Roma village. This camp serves as the culmination to the our input into the lives of these kids all year, through our weekly kid’s club.

Nothing is simple or straight forward in this Roma environment. There always seems to be
plenty obstacles. As we search for a place to meet in the village, there are no really good options. Trash, broken glass, not enough room, too many distractions. It becomes a choice from the best of several poor choices.

Our team of 10 finally settles on one spot and starts to clear away the rocks, broken furniture, glass, human excrement and weeds. We pull out a tarp, which we connect to the side of a condemned building to make some semblance of a meeting space. And we throw down an old carpet we find in the dumpster. All the while, kids are eagerly watching, helping and asking when we will start.

We’ve learned not to bring any of the supplies
out of the car ahead of time at the risk of them being broken, stolen, run away with or eaten. That small bit of enlightenment saves us a lot of stress.

With the strum of a guitar and a song, camp is launched.

David (the bible character) was our theme for the week. During the course of the week, his story will be told with the most excitement we can generate. Kim and I are the chosen story tellers. Through the course of the week, David will be chosen by God and anointed with oil from a ram’s horn. He will kill a ferocious lion and a bear and he will kill a giant three times his size! Plus, the wordless book on the last day. Numerous kids respond and want to pray and accept Christ. The faith and openness of kids always inspires me!

In addition to all this, there were games, a water balloon fight, crafts, songs, bible verses and a hot dog cook out.

It was a small investment into a deeply needy community of the most hated people in the world. By God’s grace our investment will make a difference someday.