Yesterday, Dave and I visited a Roma home in mourning over the death of their father, who was also the oldest brother of eight and a grandfather to many. He was 75 years old and died rather unexpectedly. It is customary to visit the family, pay your condolences, sit and talk with the family over a cup of coffee, and leave a small financial gift (500 leke) underneath the empty coffee cup as you leave. Afterwards, we went down to the ladje (neighborhood) situated down by the river and visited with one of the baptized believers there. We had more coffee and talked about what was going on in the neighborhood and some of the injustices that are occurring amongst the Roma people. Just recently, some Roma families were burned out of the neighborhood they were squatting in by the Albanian government. These families and their belongings were destroyed by the fire and they have no place else to go. Before we left we prayed over this brave believer, his family, and his household.

Albania is desperately trying to become a part of the European Union. And, the United States is wanting to help Albania as well. But, Albania has some issues to work out before being allowed into the EU. One of these issues are human rights issues involving the Roma people. The US recently sent some money to Albania to help build a refugee camp with adequate shelter. However, the US and other countries are reluctant to send more money because of the corruption that occurs within the country, concerned that the money might be spent elsewhere. Supposedly, the Albanian government is now in the process of building adequate housing for the Roma community and a lottery is in place to determine a number of families that will move into the camp. We found out last night that one of these families is the believer we visited last night. He is now waiting to be notified by the government to move in.

This reminded me a lot of the plight of the African people of America. For many years they suffered under slavery, injustices, and had no civil rights. It was only in the late 20th century when these injustices began to overturn and the government stepped in to help African Americans get their feet firmly planted on the ground. I now see why many programs are in place and although it is an imperfect system, I am glad to see they no longer suffer the many injustices I now see here in Albania amongst the Roma people. I hope someday the Roma will be afforded the opportunity to have their most basic needs met (adequate housing, food, and healthcare). This should be a collaborative effort of both the government and the church. Sadly, the church is lacking and we need more Christian workers to serve here amongst the Roma.

Please continue to pray for the Roma here in Albania. Please pray the Albanian government will help provide a way for the Roma to begin having a better life. Please pray that any funds coming into Albania for the Roma will truly go to the Roma people. Please pray God will send more Christian missionaries to help serve amongst the Roma. More importantly, please pray that the Roma will see the true joy and happiness found only in Jesus Christ.