In their homeland of India, they were originally called Dom, meaning man. Later, Dom developed into Rom. Today, they prefer to be called Romani in Europe; but in the Middle East and North Africa, many still refer to themselves as 'Dom' or 'Domi'. Here, the term 'Dom' will be used for this people group found in the Middle East, and 'Romani' will be used as a general, more recognizable designation for the larger people group. There are many fascinating folk tales about their origins that are still passed down from generation to generation.
Originally coming from India, the Romani are now scattered throughout the world. Little is known today about the lives of the 2 to 3 million Dom who live in European countries. This is largely due to the closed communities they maintain. Too often Dom people hide their identity on purpose from government workers. They do this to protect themselves, but it also keeps them marginalized wherever they live.
Today, communities of Romani are located in the Middle East, the Americas and Europe. For example, there are French speaking Romani in France.
A large number of the Romani in France are from Romania and Bulgaria. They came after communism crumbled. They often live in camps that get torn down by the French authorities. They have trouble getting education for their children or work. Many scrounge through garbage to find scrap metal to sell. Distrust of the Romani in France makes it even harder for them to find jobs. For example, there is a persistent rumor that the Romani kidnap and sell French children.
The Romani people tend to adopt the dominant religion of their host country, so many Romani people in France would consider themselves Catholic. Romani people usually consider religion a personal matter, and they are hesitant to talk about it with anyone, especially outsiders. Superstition and "the good elements" of many religious systems make up the nature of their beliefs. Spiritism is dominant in their thinking as to why things happen in the world. They strongly fear evil spirits and curses. Romani fortunetellers offer to make clients a potion that will ward off curses.
In almost all of the countries they live in, their rudimentary command of the local language and limited use of written documents have contributed to their political powerlessness. Some who have settled are in transition, as they seek to become a part of the social systems around them. In an effort to fit in, they may abandon the traditional clothing, tattooing, dancing and fortune telling that are part of the Romani lifestyle. They may even deny their ethnic identity.
Regardless of their efforts to assimilate into the mainstream society, the Romani rarely have official status or citizenship in their country of residence. Their efforts to remain anonymous often leaves them without an official birth certificate or any other essential ID. The concept of owning land is not inherent to the nomadic Romani world view, and they find it difficult to adjust to such an outlook. Few families own the plots of land on which they locate their settlements or camps. Therefore, they are often subjected to forced relocation.
Pray for the Lord to direct Romani leaders to lead their people into ways of life that benefit all people concerned.
Pray for Romani people to understand the supremacy of Christ, who is far above any "good" elements of existing religious systems.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Christ’s ambassadors who can earn their trust and lead them to the cross.
Pray that soon Romani disciples will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to use nomadic Romani people as preachers of the Word of God and disciplers.
Scripture Prayers for the Romani, French in France.
Middle East Resources
https://theconversation.com/why-are-roma-people-being-attacked-in-france-115030
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25419423
https://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2019/03/28/roma-in-france-face-growing-hatred-violence-after-kidnap
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
