In the heart of Telman, a Rroma camp along the fringes of Uzhhorod, where the struggles of daily life are as vivid as the vibrant colors woven into their traditional attire, Pastor Stepan Fecho stands as a beacon of unwavering faith and hope. Having dedicated his life to serving Jesus, Stepan leads a flock of followers of Jesus who have learned that true wealth lies not in the material possessions of this world but in the worship and love of Jesus Christ. Moved by a profound calling, he envisions building a church – a temple to God – right in the midst of poverty, to proclaim the transformative love of Jesus to his fellow Rroma people.
But he is not alone in this endeavor, as an alliance of like-minded followers of Jesus from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds, their hearts touched by God, have banded together to offer an outpouring of support. The Transform Uzhhorod Alliance, comprised of seven churches and twelve NGOs, were moved by Jesus to provide the funds for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to construct a roof over this new church building, symbolizing not just a shelter from the elements, but a canopy of hope under which souls could be nurtured.
This church, emerging from humble beginnings, stands as a testament to the power of faith, the generosity of spirit, and the unshakeable belief that true richness comes from a life dedicated to worship and service. But even more so, it is a testament to the love of Jesus who moves within the heart of His people to serve one another. Through Pastor Stepan’s vision and the communal effort to erect this temple, the Rroma community has witnessed a tangible manifestation of God’s love and provision, marking the beginning of a new chapter of spiritual enrichment and unity in Christ.