Romani, Vlax in Colombia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Romani, Vlax |
| Country: | Colombia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 5,200 |
| World Population: | 1,168,800 |
| Primary Language: | Romani, Vlax |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Romani |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Vlax is one of the languages of the Romani people. It originated in southeastern Europe, but their ancestry goes back to India. Romani call themselves Rom, which in their language means "men." Rom is derived from the Indian word Dom, meaning "a man of low caste who gains his livelihood by singing and dancing." They could also be metal workers.
In India, they were discriminated against and excluded from the temples. Later, they were sent to Persia as minstrels. From there they were separated into two groups. One traveled northward around the 1000s and became the Romany-speaking European Romani. The other traveled southward and became known as the Domari or Middle Eastern Romani.
Vlax Romani speakers are mainly in southeastern European countries like Georgia, Kosovo and North Macedonia, but they also live all over Europe. A small number are in Colombia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Vlax Romani women are peddlers. The increase in mass-produced products is making it harder for them to sell their home-made goods.
Weddings are important events. Some Romani in Colombia are starting to marry outside their ethnic community. The Romani have councils to provide guidance in disputes and to keep the community unified. They are trying to work with the overall Colombian society to protect their rights as a minority community.
What Are Their Beliefs?
In Colombia, the Vlax Romani are mostly Roman Catholic. They usually adopt the religion of the local population. In recent years Pentecostal Christianity has made inroads into Romani beliefs. For that reason, few Vlax Romani are doing fortune-telling.
What Are Their Needs?
Like most Romani peoples, the Vlax need acceptance. Many need to learn modern job skills that will help propel them forward in the 21st century.
Prayer Points
Pray for those who adhere to Christianity will put Jesus first, high above any past belief system.
Pray for Vlax Romani disciples to make more disciples affecting every family.
Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met.