Romani, Vlax in Poland
Photo Source:
Anonymous
|
Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
|
| People Name: | Romani, Vlax |
| Country: | Poland |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 5,200 |
| World Population: | 1,168,800 |
| Primary Language: | Romani, Vlax |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 60.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Romani |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
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, but they didn’t reach Poland for another 400 years. 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, including Poland.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Typically Romani couples marry in their teens and immediately start raising children. This hinders their ability to get adequate education to advance economically. The Vlax Romani in Poland do not value education; as a result, they excuse their children from school for trivial reasons. Instead, the mothers educate their children in the ways of their people, so children learn few marketable skills for Poland’s growing industrial economy.
What Are Their Beliefs?
In Poland, the Vlax Romani are almost two-thirds Christian. Some still believe that ghosts, snakes and lizards have the power to harm people and that someone can make your life miserable by giving the evil eye. Others are committed to the ways of Jesus Christ.
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 the Lord to thrust out loving workers to the Vlax Romani communities.
Pray for those who adhere to Christianity will put Jesus first, high above any traditional belief system.
Pray for Vlax Romani disciples to make more disciples affecting every family.
Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met.