Last night I saw something that can only be described as "simply beautiful". I have spent the last week doing conferences and meetings in Slovakia with a group of students from Bratislava and also with the Romani friends and students that I have come to know and love over the years. Our GPPD Associates Charles, Janet, and Tina Baldis live in Slovakia to help bring help and hope to a new generation of Romani (see here for more details about their plight). Last night was one of the highlights of this trip.

I was able to spend yesterday afternoon with the Romani children and young adults celebrating Christmas. We gave small gifts and showed them the love and encouragement that they so desperately need. Most of these children and youth live in conditions that we can't even imagine. Their stories would break your heart. After Kid's Club we asked if some of them would stay behind and help us to organize letters for our 650 orphan children in India that we care for.

Each year we ask our sponsors to write a personal note of encouragement to the child they sponsor. These notes are so precious to the children and make them realize there profound value. I travel to England tomorrow to meet our main Indian partner. He will be delivering all the letters to the 15 Children's Home in the next couple of weeks before Christmas.

The Romani took the time to organize and even pray for the children that these letters would reach in just a few short days. I watched in awe and was overwhelmed to see one group of people who are in great need give of their time and heart to serve and show love to another group of people in need. That is true love, beauty and kindness at its best!!! It is my prayer that this holiday season you are a part of something "simply beautiful" as that.

To see ways you can greatly change the life of someone in desperate need this Christmas please go to our online gift catalog or send your mailing address to mwills@gpartners.org and we will mail a catalog to you.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving -- Amy Carmichael 

Months ago in search for people who help the Romani (Gypsies) of Eastern Europe, Daniela discovered Global Partners and the work we are doing in Slovakia with the Romani people. Recently she started Yoy Dally, a non-profit organization, to raise awareness and funds to help the Romani people.

Her compassion for the Romani began in her childhood as she watched the discrimination of her Romani friend. On one occasion her friend was ganged up on by other children because of the fact that she was Romani. As they began to treat her in a horrible way, the young girl cried out over and over again, “Yoy Dally” which means, “Help, Mother!” Daniela’s heart broke for her friend and to this day has stirred within her a passion to do something about the plight of the Romani people. 

On May 25^th, 2011 she hosted a gala event in New York City where she partnered with Global Partners in Peace and Development in order to bring awareness and to help the Romani people. This charity event included live Romani music by Vadim Kolpakov, distinguished Romani speaker Dr. Petra Gelbart, the photography of Yan Yoors, and a Roma-inspired fashion show introduced by Lotte Verbeek of “The Borgias”. Jonathan D. Grooms, President of GPPD, had the opportunity to share his experience with working with the Romani and how we can make a difference in their lives. 

The night was a great success with around 230 guests. See our facebook page for more pictures of the event.

The Romani have very difficult lives, many are discriminated against, most do not get an education and do not have job skills. In Slovakia more than 80% of them are unemployed. The Romani children are many times put in special ed classes simply because they are Romani.

Our desire for some time is to start a Romani Center in the Horehronie region of Slovakia. We believe that this project will not only help meet the basic needs the Romani people have today, but will truly help them in the years to come.

The purpose of the center would be to enable this new generation of Romani people to get out of the poverty cycle and build a life with meaning and true hope that comes from God.

This community center would be open daily, as a safe place for children to come, have fun, play sports, play music and learn. Classes would be given to meet the needs of adults and young adults to prepare them for life. Such as “How to manage finances”, “How to improve their health” (nutrition, hygiene - many Romani people are sick year after year due to lack of basic nutrition), “How to read.” (many are illiterate), basic work skills to get a job, and world view classes. The center would advise students and help keep them in school as well as teaching them practical vocational skills.

God is moving to show love to the Romani and we are humbled be a part of it. If you would like partner with us to make a difference in the lives of Romani people please click here.