One of the beautiful truths of the gospel is that it is for everyone. Often those that are marginalized are receptive to the love of Christ in ways others may not be.

“We are always looking for where we belong. When we hear we belong in the family of God, we embrace it with open arms!” This quote is from a Roma (often referred to as Gypsy) church leader in Serbia.

In April, Josiah Venture’s partner organization in Serbia conducted their third annual English Camp with a Gypsy church. These camps are focused toward a culture in Serbia that is often overlooked, but is very receptive to the gospel.

Steve and Tanja Brown are Josiah Venture missionaries in Serbia, and they helped lead the local Gypsy church in organizing and putting on the camp. Here are some accounts throughout the week from Steve.

Before camp:

“This Wednesday begins our third annual camp partnering with a Gypsy church in southern Serbia! Gypsies are a different culture than Serbians…they are much more open to the Gospel. The Gypsy pastor told me tonight, ‘People don’t do special things for our young people, so this camp is very special to us. Thank you!’ This truly is a chance to touch many hearts for God!”

During camp:

“Camp is going great! There are 50 students (plus the camp team), and they’re very open to hearing and speaking about God! There are also many who attend the evening programs and hear the Bible stories who are not actually part of camp.

Today and tomorrow we will share the gospel message and invite people to receive Jesus as their person savior. Tonight is “gospel” night at camp, and tomorrow evening we finish the camp with an open evangelistic event in the center of the Gypsy part of town. Pray for open hearts and ears. Pray for changed lives!”

Post camp:

“Tonight was simply amazing! About 20 young people gave their lives to Christ tonight at camp, and many of those believers rededicated their lives to Him!”

“The Gypsy youth pastor asked a student (who had given his life to Christ the night before) how he was doing. The student responded, “for the first time in my life, I feel alive!”

“We finish the camp with an evangelistic outreach partnering with the local gypsy church. More than 200 attended this in addition to campers. One camper and 7 non-campers responded to Christ at the evangelistic event. God is simply amazing…and it’s wonderful to have the honor to serve Him!”

We are standing with our team in Serbia in praise to God for how He moved at this camp. And we ask for you to pray with them as they step forward with the students that have given their lives to Jesus Christ. The days, weeks, months, and years to come are exciting times of disciplemaking for the Gypsy church.