UKRAINE GYPSY CHURCH 

NC Baptist Men will be doing projects in Ukraine in 2008.  The Hungarian Baptist Aid are helping a group of gypsies to purchase a building for a church in Munkacs, Ukraine.  NC Baptist Men has been asked to partner in the renovation of this very large building.  This building was used by the KGB for eavesdropping in this area.  Munkacs is a city of approximately 75,000 to 80,000 people.  There is a small group of gypsies (approximately 10,000) in a slum area of the city.  These are the poorest of the poor that you will find anywhere and no one wants anything to do with them.Some gypsies have been known to sell their children for as little as $20 or to break a limb on a child so they can get more money when they beg. The Hungarians say they are Ukrainians and the Ukrainians say they are Hungarian.  They will speak Hungarian and you will find very little English spoken.  You should plan to do Vacation Bible School as there are many gypsy children.   

NC Baptists have a wonderful opportunity to join with these gypsies to help them have a place of worship. They have already renovated a room and are using it for worship at this time.
This building, when finished, will also be used for laundry room, shower room, pre-school, street children ministry, bathrooms, orphanage, computer classes and a place to minister to unwed mothers. You can see the pastor and his congregation have plans to reach many for Christ.

Click Play to See Promotional Video
 

PURPOSE: 
The purpose of these projects is to minister through construction, VBS, sports, drama, evangelism and in other ways.  Teams will have an opportunity to visit, work with and get to know these Gypsies.  Team members are encouraged to affirm our brothers and sisters and share their faith with people they meet.  

TRIP COST: 
The price of the trip is $1550 per person.  This includes round-trip airfare, insurance, in-country transportation, lodging, most meals, orientation materials, and T-shirt.  Don’t forget your spending money.  (Price does not include materials that will be needed for ministry, i.e., VBS materials, building materials, etc. See below).  

MATERIALS COST:  
Each team must provide a minimum of $2000 for the cost of materials for construction projects. The cost for building materials for each team will depend on the project, but you should plan on $2,000 or more per project at least.  

TEAMS: 
Teams should be comprised of no more than 12 members. Some construction and Vacation Bible School knowledge is helpful.  On-site coordinators will arrange logistics for teams.  Applicants must be at least 16 years old to participate.  

PARTICIPATION: 
Those wishing to participate should do the following:  

1. Complete the volunteer application form and return it to Baptist Men’s Office, as soon as possible. Deposit of $200 per person due at least 90 days prior to your anticipated departure date. The final balance payment per person is due no later than 30 days prior to the date of your departure. If you are a member of a team, please send your application to the team leader in time for him or her to have them in to our office ASAP so tickets and seats may be reserved. (Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable and non-transferable).
2. Have a valid passport. If you do not have a valid passport you will need to get one immediately. It usually takes 4-8 weeks to process a new passport.
3. Submit any necessary funds for materials to our office 60 days prior to your departure date.