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OM International

Before the Second World War the Gypsies in the Balkans were used to being able to travel through Greece and Albania and earn their living as basket and chair makers (made out of tree twigs). They were also known for their copper work, making pans and other material used over fires. After the war their travel possibilities were limited as Albania closed itself off during the long dark period of communism.

Many of these people, born in Greece, but now in Albania were not even able to speak the language in the beginning. The communist government tried to integrate them into the society and many started living in permanent housing abandoning the traditional gypsy lifestyle.

When Albania opened up and they were able to travel again into Greece many decided to try to build a better life here. In groups they started doing seasonal work in the Greek fields: picking tomatoes, pruning the vines, harvesting olives, clearing the cotton fields of weeds.

In the early ’90S their earnings were quite good and the work really fitted their life style, but over the last few years much of the work on the fields has being done with machines and they are struggling financially.

This is how we found “our” Pelasgia gypsies again near the town of Larissa where we live. Their circumstances were extreme difficult. Whereas a few years ago they could have earned a good amount of money, they can hardly find any work at all now. Many other immigrants from other countries have come to Greece in recent years and work for very low wages.

When we arrived at their camp to run a children’s program, as we have been doing together with CEF Greece, their very needy situation was something we could not ignore. There is no way we can share the gospel with words without sharing God’s love in a practical way.

We have been back twice since then, donating food packages with oil, rice, and flour. We were also able to collect secondhand clothes clothes. It’s not much that we can do, yet we can show them that we care and most of all, that God loves them.

As we shared this need with the Albanian believers (also immigrants) in Northern Greece money was collected and clothes were given. It was exciting to see how they participated to help these people.

It’s hard to imagine what life is like, living under plastic shanty tents in the open field. As we returned from the visit to the gypsy camp dust was everywhere - between our teeth, in our hair and our ears. We could take a shower and wash it all away, but they don’t have that luxury.

We will go away on a break soon – for these gypsies there is no break. Please pray that they will be able to feed themselves this summer.  

Credit: OM International
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