The Roma Workers Network (RWN) held its fourth annual conference this year at the picturesque Hargita Christian camp from May 20-24, 2024. The event aims to encourage, prepare, and empower Roma workers to reach their communities more effectively with the message of the gospel, fostering collaboration, resource sharing, and community building.
Roma workers from Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Moldova represented their organisations and congregations at the conference. The Hungarian Gypsy Missions International was represented by President Albert Durkó and HGMI staff.
The main theme of the event focused on resilience. Organizers, speakers, and participants explored how to become resilient and increase resilience in personal life and ministry in a fast-paced, stress-filled world.
Each conference day began with morning worship, prayer, and devotions, which helped bring participants closer to God and each other. The words of the Psalms echoed in the mountains as Dan Patterson taught from Psalm 61, 133, and 73 on building a resilient personal infrastructure in prayer, unity, and worship.
John Harris‘s lecture analyzed stress factors and presented Jesus’ model. Jesus was aware of his mission, focused on the mission given to him by the Father, and did not let the otherwise good but not essential things distract him from it. Harris emphasized the importance of recognizing stress signs, eliminating energy-draining activities, and identifying those that recharge us.
Harris also highlighted the importance of mental resilience, which is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant stress sources. This not only helps to survive difficult circumstances but also enables growth. The foundation of mental resilience is renewed thinking (Romans 12:1-2), a grateful spirit, purposeful living, and a healthy lifestyle.
Radko Kratsov emphasized the importance of trust as the foundation and maintainer of relationships. He confronted participants with the question of what changes we need to make for others to trust us. Trust is essential not only in personal relationships but also in ministry and community building.
Between teachings, lectures, and workshops, various missions and projects were presented, providing inspiration and new ideas for participants. These presentations covered successes as well as challenges and difficulties, helping community members support each other in development. Additionally, the fresh mountain air, green trees, and quiet forests contributed to spiritual renewal.
Around the final evening campfire, we listened to personal life stories shared by the participants. The stories told by the light of the flames were a source of strength and inspiration for all, as sharing such experiences helps to build community and trust in each other.
The conference concluded with communion, a fitting conclusion to this spiritually and communally rich event. During communion, participants collectively remembered Jesus’ sacrifice, strengthening the sense of belonging.
The fourth RWN conference once again demonstrated the importance of shared learning for Roma workers, providing a great opportunity to strengthen their faith, build relationships, and gain new strength to continue serving their communities effectively. The event was not only about spiritual growth but also about developing practical knowledge and skills essential for everyday service. The significance of such events lies in providing opportunities for collective thinking, experience exchange, and community building, which are indispensable for long-term, sustainable missionary work.
