“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Even in war-torn Transcarpathia, where pain and uncertainty prevail, a living hope endures—the love of Jesus Christ.
Recently, four national elders and two communication staff members from the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International (HGMI) traveled to Mukachevo to strengthen their bond with local Roma brothers and sisters. These believers are part of the Carpathian Basin Roma Mission Forum Association, which was founded by HGMI.
This visit held deep significance. In a region where daily life is disrupted by air raids and sirens, brotherly love and spiritual encouragement have become lifelines.
The delegation was welcomed by Pastor Károly Horváth, who represents the Church of the Living God. This congregation, a key member of the Forum Association, serves one of Mukachevo’s largest Roma communities—home to 10,000–11,000 people—where survival is a daily struggle.
The mission team sought to uplift the community not only through prayer but also through their physical presence. A special church gathering was held, during which the elders shared powerful testimonies. National elder Pál Péter delivered a message centered on hope, perseverance, and unwavering faith—reminding all that God’s light pierces even the deepest darkness.
Pastor Horváth shared that, with the support of Hungarian and American believers, they had built a prayer house—the largest structure in the camp. It seats 500 people, and around 300 adults and 300 children regularly attend services.
The congregation is vibrant and active:
- Prayer and Bible study take place twice a week across 10 home groups.
- Over 300 children participate in 10 children’s ministries.
- 120 children are learning to read and write.
- Additional programs include a painting school, boxing club, dance group, and music school.
All of this unfolds in an environment where—as Brother Károly explained—“many children don’t even have shoes, let alone opportunities to do sports or study.” That’s why the community is doing everything possible to bring hope and opportunity to children who would otherwise face bleak prospects.
The mission team returned deeply moved and spiritually strengthened. Zoltán Papp, national elder of HGMI, reflected:
“It was shocking to see the poverty, yet uplifting to witness the faith and unity of the brothers and sisters there. There is no fear in the camp—there is living hope. We met people who smile, help one another, and thank God even amid the greatest poverty.”
The members of the Church of the Living God face the harsh realities of war every day—sirens, scarcity, and uncertainty. Yet they cling to a truth greater than fear: God is stronger than any bomb or terror. He is the one who sustains them.
For HGMI, this visit was more than a time of fellowship—it was a reaffirmation of their calling: to bring the love of Christ into even the darkest and most difficult places. When human strength fails, divine hope begins to shine.
Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Transcarpathia.
Please remember the Roma community of Mukachevo in your prayers—the families, mothers, children, and pastors who serve faithfully under the shadow of war.
Let us pray that God protects them and grants them peace, strength, and renewed hope each day.
“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 5:5
