In September 2011, we spent a week in a little Roma village named Kékcse, near the Ukrainian border.  Partnering with the Hungarian Baptist Union, we renovated a worn down church building in the center of this 250-person community.  In just seven days and with the $5,200 raised, we were able to:

• re-stucco and paint the building
• put in running water
• tile the bathroom
• replace the kitchen floor and windows
• build a septic tank
• reinforce the entryway steps
• build an outdoor stone grill
• extend the perimeter and fencing
• lay sand down in the backyard for the kids play area and
• clean the inside and outside of the entire property

We accomplished all this while playing sports and games, singing and dancing with the children and spending quality time with the adults.  We donated toys, clothes, and basic necessities, as well as cleaning supplies and contributed to other maintenance needs.  This project brought employment to 6 local Roma men who worked with us on the job site – a huge opportunity given the high unemployment within the Roma community in Hungary.  And at the end of our week, we threw a party for the community and grilled on their new stone BBQ – more than 200 locals showed up to celebrate with us!!

As successful as the work was, our goal for the week was much more than completing the construction project – it was to come alongside the people to show them a love and a hope that they don’t often see.  The pastor of this little Roma church said it so beautifully on the last day we spent with them:

“Our little village, Kékcse, doesn’t show up on the map of Hungary. People in Hungary don’t know we exist. But these people from America, and the people back there that supported them, know we exist. We can’t thank God enough for the love you’ve shown us…”