VIDEO PO YOUTUBE

The world of the Gypsy holds an allure from the earlier days of Hollywood to the more distant, obscure caravans of Europe. Today there are an estimated 10 to 12 million Gypsies worldwide. The men are jacks-of-all-trades and the Gypsy women are famous for fortune telling. Thankfully, the door to this seemingly unreachable group of people is now being opened in Poland. Arek Biczak of Poland was raised Catholic. He was an alcoholic and had escaped from the Polish army, where military service is mandatory, on three different occasions. The penalty for military desertion is five years in prison. Arek’s prayer was simple: “God, if You exist, help me now; if You’ll help me avoid prison, I'll serve You to the end of my life! Deliver me from alcohol.” Not only was he delivered from the alcohol, but he was freed from having to serve in prison. Yet Arek was searching for more— the true church. Poland is 98 percent Catholic. Arek's older brother, who had heard about the Church of God, urged him to try it. He attended the church for seven days and when the church prayed for him, Jesus Christ entered his life. Arek attended a church in a city some distance from his own for 10 years until the Holy Spirit spoke to him one day and said, “It is good you attend this church, but who will help those in your city?” Under the unction of the Holy Spirit, Arek established a Church of God in Ruda Slaska with 60 Gypsy and Polish people. They now average 100 in attendance, and God is moving mightily among them with signs following; as a result of the church’s prayers, the deaf can hear and the blind can see. A couple of years ago, Arek went to the mayor of their city and asked for a building for the congregation. He was given a choice of several buildings; all they had to do was pay the utilities. The mayor graciously arranged for the building to be renovated. However, upon completion of the $80,000 refurbishing, a government official wanted to take the building back. The mayor, however, is selling it to the congregation for 10 percent of its value. They expect to have possession and ownership shortly. To God be the glory! The mayor and the church have also organized a festival for Christian Gypsies known as the “Christian Festival of Gypsy Culture.” Because Gypsies are often good musicians, this is helping to promote Christian music. Sunday night services at the church are reserved especially for the Gypsies. Arek advises, ”Ask Jesus what specifically you should do in the place where you are. Jesus must open the door. Not only am I a pastor, but a missionary to Gypsies!” Arek also stated, “Don't forget your roots—the place where you started. The American Christians have been an example to me since I was a child. Let it continue!” If you wish to contribute toward the purchase of the church that reaches out to Gypsies in Poland, designate your gift for Project 132-7006. ✞