This was the motto of the 3rd Carpathian Basin Roma Mission Conference, held in Békés and organized by the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. As in previous years, the event brought together several hundred participants.
Each year, the conference offers a meaningful opportunity for brothers and sisters serving among Roma communities to exchange experiences and strengthen personal relationships. In their greetings, both church and political leaders emphasized the significance of this cross-border gathering and the spirit of cooperation it fosters. Péter Makkai, leader of the Transylvanian Reformed Roma Mission, brought a few small jars of salt from Parajd to illustrate his message.
“The sources are indeed in the Roma settlements. Even where no one expects anything good, Jesus still says to us: there is the salt that brings flavor and meaning back to this society, to this world. You are the salt of the earth. Your mission is to proclaim the Gospel and carry the good news of Jesus,” he emphasized.
Tamás Földesi, President of the Hungarian Pentecostal Church, highlighted the Roma mission as a powerful example of how God can grow even the smallest seed of ministry into something great.
“The seed is the Word of God, which takes root in hearts, brings repentance, and produces mature Christians in Christ. Whatever is entrusted to us, let us always value it, because God will bless it and make it flourish,” he said.
Attila Sztojka, State Secretary for Social Opportunities and Roma Relations, added:
“When we speak of Roma settlements, we must also recognize that despite the challenges, they offer a place to live out our faith more deeply. The most important question is how much the secular world draws us away. The source of faith springs from our soul and our relationship with God.”
Following his speech, Tibor Kálmán, Mayor of Békés, addressed the significance and lasting impact of the event.
Many returning participants attended again this year. János Lengyel from Serbia—who also delivered a sermon—shared his perspective:
“At this gathering, we are surrounded by brothers and sisters who truly live out their faith. Here, we can build God’s Kingdom together, regardless of gender, age, or nationality. I believe that in Jesus’ heart, it is love that must unite us.”
In addition to Pastor Károly Horváth’s sermon from Ukraine, the conference placed a strong emphasis on prayer for the newly converted and featured high-quality worship led by the Voices of Hope Band. Members of the Roma Mission Forum, established during the first conference, continue to stay in touch and seek new ways to deepen cooperation and unity based on shared Christian values.
They consistently report the value of exchanging insights and the lasting encouragement they receive from the atmosphere and spirit of the conference, which continues to nourish and strengthen their daily lives.
