Baptists on Mission (BOM) in partnership with Hungarian Baptist Aid have worked with Hungarian-speaking Roma (Gypsy) people of Central Eastern Europe since 2008. 2014 saw the expansion of this work into three countries, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine as God has opened new doors of opportunity. North Carolina Baptist teams have shared the love of Jesus with the Roma communities through medical clinics, vacation bible school, outreach events and evangelistic services. In 2014 our first teams were able to work in the Hungarian public schools to provide English bible camps in areas where there is little to no evangelistic witness. More can be read about this opportunity here. Baptist men, women and students are invited to be a part of this ongoing work. Trip information is listed below.
Meet the Missionary
Alicia Jones serves as our on-site coordinator for the Roma Partnership and a missionary to the Roma people. She is from Raleigh, NC and lives in Hungary. In addition to local coordination of the teams, she works with the Hungarian schools and the local Roma communities throughout the year. For more information about this ongoing work, visit www.lovehelpteach.org
TRIP DETAILS
Trip Cost
The price of the trip will be based on airfare. For 2024 the average trip price was $2500. This includes round-trip airfare, insurance, in-country transportation, lodging, most meals, and orientation materials. Some personal spending money will be needed for a few meals and souvenirs. (Price does not include materials that will be needed for ministry, i.e., VBS materials, building materials, medical supplies etc. See below). Payments made by credit card will be charged an additional 3% convenience fee.
Material Costs
Each team will need to provide $2500 for ministry expenses. This may include English Bible Camp home visits and family day, building supplies, food for the children or adults during ministry events, food packages for families, VBS supplies, medical supplies etc. The team leader will work in coordination with the on-site coordinator in the use of these funds.
Teams
Teams should be comprised of no more than 12 members. On-site coordinators will arrange logistics for teams. Housing and food logistics vary based on work location. Some teams may be asked to help with their food preparation. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to participate. It is preferred that those under 18 travel with a parent.
Health
Team members must be in good physical health. Anyone with a chronic medical condition should not volunteer for these projects. Many areas of work will be quite hot and dusty. Recommended vaccines are Covid + booster, Typhoid Ukraine and Romania), Hepatitis A and B, Pertussis, Flu and Tetanus. Check with your healthcare provider and cdc.gov/travel for recommendations to the specific country destination.
Travel
All travel will be arranged by Baptists on Mission (BOM) office. Dates for travel are listed below. Any requested change of dates must be approved by BOM. All volunteers must depart from Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, or Atlanta. (Travel may be possible from other cities, but may involve an additional cost.)
Living and Working Conditions
Those participating in this effort must be flexible and willing to work as a member of the team. Travel, living, and working conditions may be difficult at times. The work may be strenuous and the climate will be different. Once applications and deposits have been received, team members will be given information, which will answer many questions about the trip. An orientation will be provided for each team prior to departure. The orientation manual can be read here.
Other
Smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcoholic beverages may be highly offensive to other Christians. Team members must refrain from these activities while traveling with Baptists on Mission.