From the Ashes: A Family Finds a New Hope

A recent report from our partner in Slovakia, Dan Gregoire:

A few weeks ago, a devastating fire completely destroyed a home in the Roma (Gypsy) village of Vitkovce, just 50 metres from the home of Pastor Roman.

The family had been cleaning around their property and started a bonfire to burn the trash they had collected. Believing the fire had been fully extinguished, they went to bed. But during the night, the embers continued to smoulder. Eventually, the fire spread to the roof of the house.

Thankfully, no lives were lost. But nothing inside the home survived the flames.

With nowhere else to go, the family was eager to rebuild as quickly as possible. The walls were still standing, and they initially wanted to simply place a new roof over them. Everything needed to happen faster and faster.

However, after receiving wise counsel, they eventually agreed that the walls had been too badly damaged by the fire. The remaining structure needed to be torn down, and an entirely new home would have to be built.

The family was displaced by the fire and is now staying with their adult daughter, her husband, and their two children. In total, 12 people are sharing a small, one-room home.

Although the parents were not believers, their daughter is a member of the local church. Because of this relationship, the church has become deeply involved in caring for the family and helping them rebuild.

Remarkably, life in these crowded conditions has been lighter and more peaceful than anyone anticipated.

The parents explained that there had always been a darkness in the alley where they previously lived. Neighbours regularly argued and fought, creating an atmosphere that felt oppressive and hostile. In their daughter’s alley, however, life was different. It was peaceful, quiet, and marked by kindness.

Just a few days after the fire, the father approached Pastor Roman. He had always been known as a hard and mean man, but something had changed.

He told Roman that he and his wife wanted to become Christians, but they did not know how.

Roman sat with them, shared the good news of Jesus Christ, and explained what it means to repent, believe, and follow Him. That day, the couple received Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

What began as a terrible loss became an opportunity for the family to experience both the practical love of Christ’s church and the transforming hope of the gospel.

During the past week, believers have worked alongside the family to lay a new foundation. Soon, construction on the walls will begin. Collections from Christian Brethren churches throughout Slovakia have helped cover some of the building expenses, while others have donated food, clothing, and other necessities.

There is still much work ahead, but a new home is beginning to rise from the ashes. More importantly, God is building something new within this family.

Thank you, Come Over & Help, for partnering with us as we serve Roma communities and share the hope of the gospel through both word and action.