Unpleasant Roma community rejoices: "Christ embraces and elevates us all"
Hungarian Gypsy Missions International: Transforming Lives and Communities
Hungarian Gypsy Missions International (HGMI) has been dedicated to supporting the Roma community since its inception in 1996, with a vision to serve as a shining example for others, challenging worldly thinking, and spreading God's light to encourage many to turn to Christ [1].
The organization's growth is evident, expanding from employing 30 people to 1300 over the years. Despite the prevalent prejudice against gypsies, local communities still refusing to allow gypsies to work or live in their areas, HGMI's work is making a significant impact across Hungary [2].
One of HGMI's key strategies is church planting, as demonstrated by the recent establishment of a Roma church in a town. However, the church was unfortunately destroyed by fire, and the local mayor requested that it be rebuilt outside the town [4].
HGMI's approach goes beyond spiritual support, encompassing holistic mission. They tend to the cultural, social, educational, health, and practical needs of the communities they serve [6]. This comprehensive approach is reflected in their workforce, with church planting pastors, known as community transformation leaders, running both a church and a local NGO, providing whatever the community needs [7].
The European Evangelical Alliance's socio-political representative, Julia Doxat-Purser, visited the Hope Centre, a ministry of HGMI, underscoring the organization's commitment to collaboration and networking [3]. In July 2025, HGMI became a member of Eurodiaconia, a network addressing challenges such as poverty and social exclusion in Europe, further solidifying their role in social cohesion and advocacy at a European level [5].
The situation of gypsies across Europe is similar, with many facing exclusion, distance, and prejudice, along with numerous barriers. Yet, there is a growing trend of gypsies and immigrants turning to the Lord [8].
Albert Durker, HGMI's President, emphasizes that the Church's role is not to lift up the Roma, but to stand with and partner with them. He encourages the wider Church to speak up when the community is attacked and to provide character references for gypsies facing employment discrimination [9].
This multi-faceted approach—combining spiritual renewal through church planting, ministerial collaboration, and social advocacy—defines HGMI's strategies for community transformation among the Roma in Europe and beyond. The number of Roma churches in Hungary has doubled in the past 3 years, a testament to HGMI's impact [10].
The article was first published by the European Evangelical Alliance and re-published with permission [3]. It was also published in Evangelical Focus [11].
- HGMI's holistic mission not only focuses on spiritual support but also addresses the cultural, social, educational, health, and practical needs of the communities they serve, including areas like fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and shopping.
- Despite the prevalent prejudice against gypsies, local communities still refusing to allow them to work or live in their areas, HGMI's workforce, consisting of church planting pastors and community transformation leaders, works tirelessly to build Roma churches and NGOs, which may also involve vehicles like cars.
- The European Evangelical Alliance's socio-political representative, Julia Doxat-Purser, highlighted HGMI's commitment to collaboration and networking, suggesting possibilities for partnerships in travel and diplomacy.
- In the face of challenges like exclusion, distance, and prejudice, many gypsies and immigrants are turning to the Lord, potentially fostering new relationships within these communities, and creating opportunities for pet adoption or care.
