Celibration of Baptism at a Local Gypsy Church

We had a great opportunity to join in the celebration of baptism in a local Gypsy church.

Feri - Great man of God, Pastor of Zsámbok Evangelical Church (mainly Gypsies)


Gabi (man) and Bori (woman) Both recently saved out of troubled lives. They both gave inspiring testimony of how Jesus saved them and both will be baptized today


Very vibrant heartfelt worship. Some were "normal" hyms and others were very gypsy style.


Bori coming up out of the water, celibrating with joy!


Gabi Being baptized, praise the Lord! They do not have a church building but they have a baptismal in the pastors back yard. Now that's keeping your priorities straight!


They played a metal water jug as part of their percussion section.


A few instruments: tambourine, flute, and metal water jug.



A few of the lovely Gypsy ladies and girls.





The pigs in the yard joined in on the whole experience with squeaks and squeals.


MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HUNGARIAN GYPSIES
Gypsy are a large subculture in Hungary. They make up between 3% - 7% of the population. They are Known as Roma which is more politically correct since the Hungarian word for Gypsy, Cigany, has a derogatory connotation of unclean or untouchable. Possibly from India's class system the lowest of which are the untouchable class. It is believed that many people may have migrated out of India 1000 years ago for a better life and have been roaming around Europe ever since. Most Gypsies live in homes but many still roam or travel around Europe.
They have their own Gypsy language with its root in India. Gypsies divide themselves into three groups each with their own dialect: artists: musicians, painters etc; thieves: pickpockets, beggars; and those with trades: carpentry, bricklayers. Each of the three groups looks down on others and all are looked down on and discriminated against by Europeans. They are treated like blacks in U.S. in 1940s and 1950s.
Most live for today and do not worry about tomorrow. That's why only 1 in 10 work. Most live in unkempt homes, trash in yards, farm animals and young children roaming free. They don't greet you on the streets (unless they think they can get something from you)
Christian Gypsies, though, are changed people. Friendly, loving and kind, full of joy and hope. They love to worship (as evidenced by this blog post) and they are hard workers.