A Timeless Master

In 1922 Dennis Kinlaw published a 365 day devotional, "this day with the master." Of course revisions were made several times and the latest being in 2002, but look how our timeless Master works:

----------------------------------

December 12

Making A Way (Part 1)

This is what the Lord says- he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters. Isaiah 43:16

In 1991 I received a letter from a young women in China. She said, "I have become a Christian, and I believe God is calling me to be an evangelist. Could I come to Asbury College and get training?" She was admitted, so she went to the American embassy, but they refused her visa because she already had a bachelor's degree. We then got her accepted at Asbury Theology Seminary for graduate work, but the American embassy put all sorts of obstacles in her path. For two years they blocked her from coming to the United States for training. I became discouraged. Then on June 10, 1993, I received a communication from her that said if she could be readmitted and guaranteed financial help, she could get a visa, so we went through the whole process again. In July I received another letter: "I will be arriving in Houston, Texas, in September. Could someone pick me up?"

When the young women arrived, she told us the rest of her story. The embassy official who had given her more than two years of hassle finally looked at her and said, "Okay, one final question." Joy knew that her future would be determined by her answer to that question. He said, "Would you please explain to me the theological significance of the Song of Songs in the Old Testament?" Joy looked at him in horror, wondering how in her broken English she would ever be able to explain it to him. Then the answer came to her as if Jesus had whispered it in her ear: "Oh, that you would kiss me with the kisses of your mouth. For your love is better than wine.' Sir, that is the second verse of the first chapter of the Song of Songs, and it speaks of my love for the Lord Jesus and his love for me."

The American embassy official stared at Joy, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Let her go. She is for real." So Joy came to America for school. 

Sometimes we strain in frusttation and anger at the delays that seem to lie in our way, delays that seem to be keeping us from going where we could be of most service to God. But the reality is that he uses every delay, and when his timing is right, he will open the doors, and we will walk through them with confidence. That confidence comes from knowing that we allowed God to make a way instead of pushing ourselves ahead of his time schedule. Are you waiting on him today? Are you bearing the delays he allows with grace and patience?
---------------------------------

God speaks in His time. I was born in 1991 (the same year this Chinese lady came to know Christ and began her journey in obedience to our Master), and this touches my heart as my purpose on Earth started in that same year and will continue until His completion, in His timing. 

Communication Preference- Need YOUR Feedback

Hello family and friends,

As anyone reading this knows, God has called me to serve full-time in Serbia! I have made a commitment for two years and am in the process of raising support so that I can head back over there as soon as possible. 

I will be using the private Facebook page to share daily prayer requests, praise reports and updates as it is the most "real time" friendly. I will also have monthly emailed newsletters. Lastly, I will continue to blog on here for more weekly fun stories. I am happy to utilize any and all communication ideas you desire. You are all a blessing to me, and I want to be sure everyone is well informed of God's Kingdom in Serbia.  

If you are reading this, would you please comment on the bottom or inform in any manner that is easiest for you so that I know what form of communication you prefer. I would like to know if this blog is appreciated. 

Thanks for your feedback and most certainly for your prayers. 

Blessings From the Travels Home

God works in ALL places and in all levels of exhaustion.

As I was on the flight from Germany to Toronto on my way home, a Serbian lady on the plane overheard me speaking Serbian. She asked if I was a Serb. I chuckled and said no. Though I was honored she thought so. Serbia feels like home to me so to be asked if I was a Serb was a true honor. I did, however, take the opportunity to share my summer there with her. I never mentioned God, Jesus or religion, simply what I did while there.

About twenty minutes into our conversion she said, "are you religious?" I said no, but I am a child a God, a follower of Him and talk with Him daily. She asked what that meant, and I seized the opportunity to share Biblical truths and the Gospel right there on the plane! What a mighty God we serve to give us opportunities as easy as that!

The flight was 8 hours long so we continued to chat. She was very perplexed and inquisitive of me and my interest in Serbia and love for this place that so many Serbs desire to leave. As we were exiting the plane, a man caught up to me and said, "did I overhear you sharing Jesus with that women?" I told him I did. He was so excited as he was an Australian man serving in Lithuanian  (Europe) on his way to a youth conference in Pennsylvania to talk about seizing the moment and share Christ's love all the time. He asked if he could share what he overheard at the conference.

This gentlemen and I ended up having an 6 hour layover at gates right next to each other. We went from the plane, through customs and security together all the way to our gates. It was a blessing to have a travel buddy. How cool is that! As I feel God calling me to Serbia, I have endless questions of raising support, effects of ministry, struggles, etc. He was a blessing, and God amazed me in this journey home. I can't express in words the feelings of Christ's presence I felt in those 48 hours venturing home.

There are even more stories than this about my journey home where God was so ALIVE and RAGING. Ask me in person. I would gladly and ecstatically share! Glory to God for who He is!!

The picture to the right is of my English class during the second week of camp. Many more pictures to come via Facebook.

Results of Novi Sad Camp

Hello there all. I had to return to the states and immediately go to training for my job. I am back from national meeting and training. Though late in sharing, the fruit and blessings from this camp are still the same!

Of the 34 (28 non-believers) students at camp, 7 made professions of faith in Christ while 5 asked for more guidance and information of who God is. Another student who came claiming to be atheist left saying he wanted to talk about Jesus and figure it all out. He said he believed he may choose to follow God soon! One student who was listening to the Gospel being shared, said hold up, grabbed his phone and told his mother and brother to listen to this as he placed his phone out! Another said she felt a weight lifted from her chest as she came from a childhood of abuse and feelings of unwantedness. Praise God for working in this camp!

Many of the students were so sad to see us go. They came to the bus stop with treats and little gifts to send us off with. For many this is the most love they have ever experienced.

One girl told me about her childhood. She felt her parent's divorce was her fault. She was physically abused, locked in closets, forced to kneel on beans (old Serbian punishment), and told she was a mess and troublemaker. All she wanted was someone to listen, to hug her and say you are a treasure. She had never heard there was a father in heaven who created her, love her, adored her, cherished her. Tears streamed down as she heard these things from me. Even after sharing, she didn't understand the concept of surrenderance and a relationship with Christ as she was raised Serbian Orthodox. Pray for her. She loves God but doesn't understand walking burden and guilt free in Christ...yet! I am eager and excited for that day for her! I connected her with the local church to whom she is eager to connect with throughout the year. I pray she shares with me soon the decision she has made to follow Christ.

Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 

Mid-week Update

Camp is off and running! Students are having a blast while learning English and hearing who Christ is and what He did for them on the cross. For most, they do not comprehend they can have a relationship with Jesus even after explaining. The concept is just so foreign.

Last night we shared the full Gospel. Please pray as today is the day most one-to-one, life-changing conversations happen. Today we have the laborynth, meaning they are offered to make a decision on where they want to be in life and if they want God apart of it. It is a very fruitful yet solemn time of camp for all.

Spiritual warfare has taken a toll this camp. Personally, I got sick and threw up Saturday; I'm much better now. Yesterday, I was stung by a bee which never ends well for me. This morning I woke with a swollen foot. Though it is mostly an annoyance, I know it is just the devil's way of poking at the love of Jesus being shared. Each member of the team has their attacks as well.

As I tried to ask one student last night about her spiritual belief's, three times we were interrupted by miniscule nuisances. Pray against this attacks as God is desiring for His children's love.

Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us from God's love for us. And that is my prayer to ALL students, staff and translators here as well as you all back in the USA.

Speaking of USA, one of our awesome American team members hosted a disco night to go with the theme of "Through the Decades" of English class lessons. Sarah, another team member and I are sporting our sombreros just before the American team performed the YMCA for the students.

Your prayers continue to be a beloved gift of strength and encouragement. Thank you.

Camp #2

Camp started yesterday! Here ate three specific prayers the Lord has places on my heart this camp:

One of our translators (who was my host home in Novi Sad) is at camp. She does not know Jesus as her Savior. Her husband has left her, and she is left with her 13 year old daughter. She is a part time substitute. If she doesn't maintain an income, the government will force her away from her mom. In Serbia, there is no law to have the husband support their children, so this !day is on her own. She is so sweet and generous, yet you can just see all she is missing is Jesus! She is Serbian Orthodox, and she clings to tradition not freedom in Jesus. Sometimes not the students need misistered too. The body really needs edified here as Christianity is so new.

Serbian team consists of 6 members. Though believers, one shared her tesimony expressing she was not sure of her security of salvation. They just don't know so many Truths in God's Word.

Lastly, I am teaching 8 students and nervous. Please pray for my confidence and excitement for them. Also pray for my stomach as I have had some cultural troubles with diet.

Love you all. Soooooo grateful for your prayers as they are continually felt!

Camp Prep

The American team from Louisville arrived yesterday. They had no flight delay, layover or luggage trouble. Everything about these camps are going so smoothly. Your prayers are so treasured by myself and the team. 

Camp starts Thursday. We are going to their city tomorrow and Thursday to invite students, bond with students ahead of time and to ride the bus to camp with them. 

Please pray for:

• The team's preparation as we are an eight member team from so many places bringing separate lesson and activity plans together
• Pray for health as there are some bad knees and colds going around
• Pray for students hearts. There are 28 nonbelievers and 5 believers coming. This is the first we have ever turned down students from coming.

Debriefing

As camp ended yesterday, the American team went back on the bus with the students to their hometown to invite them to church this morning and to a follow up party this evening. The three interns and myself stayed at the facility to prepare for next camp. We are having a relaxing day today building relations with the staff members here at camp that clean and cook for us. Please pray for them as well. They are so sweet and generous to allow us to be here. 

As this morning is Sunday, we took advantage of technology to listen to an online sermon of one of the Americans home church. It was a blessing to hear an English sermon. I miss my church back home.

Faith and I went with Tanja this morning to pick up fresh produce (see below) as camp food is mostly bread as the budget is so little with students. We are grateful for this food. 

Please pray for my team as they are traveling here as I write this. They are most likely over the ocean and exhausted. Pray for safety, luggage to arrive, jet lag to be minimal and lay overs to be easy. They arrive in just six hours. 

Again, I can't thank you enough for prayers. They are felt and treasured! I know my church is behind me and so many others.

Romans 15:5-6

Mitrovica Camp Success

The first camp just ended yesterday. It was "as smooth as a camp can go," said the missionary and team leader over the ministry here in Serbia. We had about 8 Americans, 9 believing Serbians team members, 1 member from a church down South, 3 interns and about 16 students. Of those, two made statements of faith (as I understand as of now, we haven't had time as a team to discuss)!!! We are excited to welcome those students into The Family! Glory to God!

The dynamics of this camp were different than most. All but two spoke fluent English. This allowed great opportunity for conversation. As Americans our role is to create relationships with the students and partnering church so that students can be discipled through the year. The students were extremely open to listening and talking one on one.

Most students, if not a believer, are Serbian Orthodox. This is inherited a birth and now part of your heritage rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. With this being said many don't even understand what we are talking about as we share the Gospel. At this camp many students said they were so loved and that the Americans were so different. They wanted what we had. One atheist and one anostic student both said after the Gospel was shared that they believe they are just confused on what they believe now. They just aren't sure. Seeds are being planted!

There was a student who hurt a ligament in her hand during camp and had to be taken to the doctors. It was not a big deal. However as she was returning back to camp she commented that the people and doctors were so rude. She said everyone at camp is so loving that it is hard to leave this environmwnt and face the rude people. This really opened her eyes and she really began to question what God is all about.

The unity of the Serbian and American team was a taste of heaven on earth. Though sometimes conversations were in another language, I felt the Spirit unite us. Our mission and heart were one. It was such a peaceful and assuring feeling. The same Spirit is in us all! We were one!

Your prayers were listened to! The energy and ebb and flow of this week was unreal. The team never let a student be alone. We were all constantly engaging one on one or in groups. I can't thank you enough for each and every prayer!

Off to a great start!

The first camp is three days in. I am writing this after very little sleep since arrival; so I apologize ahead of time for typos/grammar error.

I love Serbian culture and students! God has definitely given me a heart for these people. There are around 15 students at camp. There are only two that are not fluent in English. This provides extra opportunity for communication and interaction!

As I stated before the theme is "You Are Here." Each night we share about Paul's life. The first night we spoke about who you are. Last night our discussions were where have you been and second chances. Tonight was what did you do in the past leading to the thought of forgiven is essential in all relationships. Please pray as tomorrow will be a great opportunity for one-on-one with students.

Last night I asked a girl simply, "what do you think aboutcthe story of Paul so far?" She and I ended up speaking abounthte Gospel for over an hour!!! Though we were in the main room where everyone walks through, God provided an entire hour formusnto be alone! She was raised Orthodox (very common). Yet she was open to learning my beliefs. She feels the Serbian church is full of hypocrisy which is very true as they hold so many traditions as means to Heaven. Please pray specifically for her heart this week. The harvest is ready is summer. I can't wait to share more!

Arrived In Serbia

After 30 hours of transportation means, I have safely arrived at the facility that camp is hosted at. Though I am a bit jet lagged, all is well. Thanks for your prayers. All flights went well, customs and travel was all normal and well. ALL luggage from myself and the Oregon team arrived! That is a prayer answered in itself!

The American team, three interns and myself have been practicing the camp dance song, finalizing lesson plans, sitting through culture training and unpacking the camp materials as the Mitrovica students arrive in just 4 hours!

Please pray for unity (as the team is diverse), campers hearts to be willing to hear and participate, and energy...lots of energy!! The team is starting to feel the effects of travel. We need the most energy TODAY as things will begin.

We know God already has great things in store, and we can't wait to watch it unravel!

Also, please pray for my team back home who has their last preparations meeting on July 6th.

Mark 9:22 "...but if you can, take pity on us and help us. Jesus said, 'if I can?' Everything is possible for the ones who believe."

We believe!

Too Many Students!

We have a good problem. More students are signing up for the Novi Sad camp than we have ever experienced! This may mean we have to turn students away if we reach too large a number. Serbian culture typically means last minute plans. Many kids sign up a day or two before camps or just show up. So with this number, this early on, we are anticipating big numbers. Praise God for more ears and hearts to hear Truth!

There of course is a need for more beds than in the past. They are working on getting a few more mattresses in some rooms  that are larger. If everything inside is full, we are planning on pitching tents outside. Also, this means 15-16 students per English class versus 8-9. We are in need of more materials and minor lesson plan adjustments. Fortunately, we have time to plan accordingly as I am the first of the team to depart, and I don't fly out until Wednesday (July 1st).

Thanks again for your continued prayers as they are powerful and effective! (James 5:16)

God is doing great things! 

First Camp of Summer 2015 Starts Today

Dear Friends,

As I write this post, the first of the three English summer camps starts.  It is in the town of Backa Topola. There is a American team from Traders Point Christian Church in Indiana over there to help out. They expect to have 40 non-believers attend this camp. Please join our prayer for this camp as Paul prayed for Ephesus, "that words may be given to them in opening their mouths boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel... ...that they may declare it boldly, as we ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19-20.

The theme for camp all through Eastern Europe Josiah Venture camps this summer is "You Are Here." We will be basing our English lessons on vocab and American culture from the 1950s through today. The best way to share the Gospel in many of these cities is to love on the students, get to know their culture and share ours (hence the theme).

Thank you for your prayers for the first camp. I trust it will set an awesome precedent of fruitfulness for those to come!

Flight Companions: An Answered Prayer

As a team, we specified a date to commit to prayer, fasting, focusing our hearts to Jesus, and Serbian camp preparations. On this day, I surrender to the Lord my sadness of not being able to travel over with my team.

My first summer as an intern I had to travel by myself to Poland to meet up with other interns. This summer when I first found out that I would be going back to Serbia, I was soooo thrilled to be able to go with Rosie's team as this meant travel together. I dreamed of how much more fun it would be to travel with my team. However, after the Lord opened the opportunity to go 11 days earlier than the rest of the team, no traveling companions was a sacrifice I had to make. Though it is not that big of a deal, it was a disappointment in my mind as I look forward to that part so much.

On our day of committed Serbian prep, I prayed very specifically for protection, safety, fun travelers sitting by me to witness to, to talk to,  and make the time pass by more easily, especially the 8-9 hour flight overseas. This was very much a thought that stirred in my mind since I found out I was traveling alone. By the end of this day's prayers, I was finally okay with it. I had done it once before, so why not again? I had a peace at the end of that day that God would provide. Philippians 4:19 (paraphrased) repeated in mind, "my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory." It didn't cross my mind once again.

A few days later, as I had sent my itinerary over to Steve, who would be picking me up at the airport, he informed me that the Portland, Oregon team (members in picture) had the same flights from Washington D.C all the way to Serbia with me!!! My jaw dropped as I read that over three times. I instantly thanked the Lord and ran to share with my mom and text a few others.

God is so good. Every good gift is from Him! Thank YOU for all your prayers as I know the Lord is using them to produce mighty works this summer. And thank YOU for celebrating His gift of travel companions for me!

Just as David praised God for his deliverance as will I. 2 Samuel 22:50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name."

Prayer Requests

The greatest gift you can give someone is prayer. I am grateful for all the text and messages from you all that are praying for me, the country of Serbia (both the saved and lost), our team and future campers. Below are some specific ways that I ask you pray in the next few weeks:

1. Kingdom Focus: As all of us on the team are focused on our lives and daily living, I ask you pray that we stay focused on desiring God and His work not our own plans. That our minds stay fully engulfed in the Spirit's guidance both now and during our trip. That we have ample time to devote to the camps, campers (FB and Skype) and preparations. It is easy to get off task or focus on our purpose for going. 
2. Safety: Our team will all be flying out at different times. Heather flies May 24th; Aleks June 4th; myself July 1st; Ross will fly alone from Ireland and the rest of our team meets us in Novi Sad, Serbia. Please pray for opportunity to share Jesus' love on our flights and in the airports, travel via car, bus, train, taxi, easy layovers, weather, delivery of all baggage and a peace of mind that God is in control of each thing that goes right or wrong (wrong in our mind's not God's). Rosie's team always has someone that has a delay in luggage delivery. Please pray this does not happen this year as it is just the devil's way to try to stop or make less comfortable the God's message of truth. 
3. Unity: As the team departs, it is hard to continue to work together. In just a few weeks time of bi-weekly meetings, we have bonded so much. Please pray, though apart, we stay united for God's work in and for Serbia. The more we have to Skype in, the harder planning becomes of who is bringing what, etc. The more united and one we are, the more effective God's love is demonstrated. 
4. Preparation: Pray for energy, new and fun, and effective ideas. God knows the campers and what is best for their needs and personalities. Personally, I will be one of the three English teachers which means I have to create 8 English lesson plans. Please pray as I am new to this teaching part but am super excited and know that it will challenge me and be great! Fortunately, Rosie, our leader, is a ESL teacher and has fantastic ideas. 
5. Camp Promotions: There are 3 interns in Serbia. Heather is one of them. They will begin going into the schools of Serbia (as their school year runs longer into the summers than in the USA). They are starting the first week of June promoting camps to Serbs. Pray for opportunities, excitement and willing campers to come to hear the Gospel for most likely the first time in their lives. There is a fee to campers to cover food and logging. Pray that finances are not a block to any camper to come. 

As a team we are praying for the following:

Ø We pray that we will give attention to your words, O Lord, that we will incline our ears to Your sayings. We pray that we will keep Your words in our heart for they are life to us and health to our bodies. Proverbs 4:20-22

Ø We pray that our walk with you will be so close, O Lord that our ears will hear a voice behind us saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Ø We pray that whatever we do, we will do heartily, as to You, Lord, and not to men, knowing that from you we will receive the reward of an inheritance; for we serve You Lord.  Col. 3:23-24

Ø We pray that we will totally understand that as You, God, loved Jesus, Jesus has also loved us and that we are to dwell in that love. John 15:9

Ø We pray that you, Lord, will guide us continually. Isaiah 58:11

Ø We pray that we will always remember that to obey is better than to sin and rely on a sacrifice to cleanse us. 1 Samuel 15:22

Ø We pray that the fruit of Your Spirit –love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control—will mature in us and be evidence to those who know us that we are your followers. Gal. 5: 22-23

Meet the Team

The unity and strength of our team is dynamic! I love each of these teammates so much. Their desire to glorify the Lord is relentless and encouraging. We have such different spiritual gifts that is it so exciting to see God's plan to unite us unravel. It makes for a fun team. To the right is a picture of our eight team members. I have been praying for our team since June of last year as I began to pray if I, myself, would be returning. It is fun seeing all the preparations come together as our roles are divided. This team has lost two members for various reasons, yet below is the team God chose for THIS summer's unique dynamic and outcome. From left to right:

Ross: He is from Northern Ireland hence the photo-shopping. He has been in Serbia for years and years and has dear relationships with campers that continue to come year after year as disciples them via Skype. We praise God for technology that allows for him to join us. Also, we are grateful of all three camps, he will be joining ours to serve at as he comes to as many he is able to each year. 

Paul: This is Paul's first year. He goes to the same seminary near Louisville as Aleks. He was a late joiner. However, his knowledge, depth and desire to see God's Word come to life is challenging in an awesome way. Aleks, who is a Serb herself, has begun to teach Paul Serbian which he has quickly picked up. It is neat that all of our team has a passion to learn the culture and language of Serbia. 

Rosie: She is our fearless leader! She is the most godly women with a heart for Serbs that I know. Her wisdom and knowledge is inspiring. I hope someday I can lead teams each summer to Serbia like her. Rosie has such a way at making all feel welcomed, while challenging them in their faith in a fun, teacher-like way. She has such a gift of teaching. It is her church, Graceland Baptist, in Louisville that we are partnering with. They are handling our travel and support graciously. 

Aleks: She is a native Serb living in American going to a seminary in Louisville. When she heard about this trip via Rosie, it gave her an opportunity to follow her passion to bring Christ to Serbia. Growing up in Serbia, she understands the religion and culture of the people so well. This also breaks her heart. It is the perfect asset to our team to meet them where they are. She will head out June 4th to be with her family before camps start. 

Traci (myself): I am from NKY which is 1.5 hours from Louisville. I'm so grateful to be able to drive down for meetings with my team. This is my first summer on the team. I was an intern for three months and met this team while over there. 

Sarah: She has been going with Rosie's team for several years. If I am not mistaken, this will be her fifth year going. Sarah has such a heart to share the Gospel and love on the least of these. She challenges me in my lifestyle here in America. I am grateful for the role-model she is. 

Heather: She will be a intern in Serbia for six months leaving later this May. She has gone with Rosie's team before and felt called to be there even longer. She will be inviting the campers to camp before we get there. Her sweet demeanor brings smiles to us all. We will miss her at our meetings until we all meet up at the first camp. 

Paul: Paul (Yes, we have two.) and his wife take turns going with the team as their youngest of two daughters is too young to go. Their older daughter went last summer. I met Paul a year ago but love getting to know his heart for the Lord as we meet for meetings. 

Thanks for your prayers for each of us individually and as a united team.

Psalms 133:1   Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Returning to Serbia for a Second Time

Hello to all my trip followers,

I am honored to start writing on here once again because it means I am returning to Serbia! I have so many friends there to return to, hearts that have been molded and grown since I last saw them, and a harvest for many more eager souls to hear who God is and what His great love is. It is humbling to see the Lord's direction for me. It was hard not being able to return for many summers, yet as my heart desired and God willed, here I am again. (Psalm 37:4)

After my final camp in 2012, I cried waving goodbye to the local youth group of about ten students who are one of the few established and fruitful youth groups in Serbia. I was fortunate enough to stay in their city and get to know these students deeper back in summer '12. They had an overnight goodbye party as my flight was 6am that morning. One girl, who I grew closest to me as I stayed with her family many weeks, got to ride along to the airport with me. As I departed from her arms, through a struggle to get loose, I thought, "Lord, I know this is not the last time you will bring me here. Pour blessings on this girl and her fellow youth group until I return again. Empower them to stand up for what they believe and begin a revolution in this country." Even on a layover in Germany on my way home, I stumbled upon a Serbian lady (How often do you run into a random Serbian anyway?) looking for her terminal to Canada. Of all flyers that existed, I stumble upon a Serbian in need? This again brought joy to my heart as I KNEW God had placed this country's need for Christ in my life for a reason. 

Summer of 2013 and 2014 I was unable to go back due to foot surgery. Even though I was in college and the opportunity was there, my feet were in boots, casts or too weak to walk as much as travel and camps would demand. So my prayers for the country, youth and lives I met were continued, but I still desired a ticket back oversea. I maintained Skype relationships, but this was not the same. I knew this was God's choice for me at this time. I had to joyfully accept.

I began working for Century Resources, a fundraising company for students and youth programs in August 2014. The job opportunity arose out of nowhere, and I had no doubt that I should accept the offer (as even the offer seemed unlikely). I knew this is where God wanted me for now. What was even MORE exciting to me was that I got June and July off work with this job. Instantly, I began praising God and praying if Serbia was back on the radar. 

I joyfully emailed Rosie, the team leader of the Louisville team (American team who hosted the Lebane camp the summer I was over there) to ask if there were any open spots to join her team this summer. They would be the closest team in American to join; the others were in Oregon and California. Again, what are the odds that of the three teams, one was only an 1.5hr drive from me?! I had to contain my excitement as I didn't want to share with Facebook and my Serbain friends until I was sure I was going. Man, that was a long few months! On January 1st of this year I announced my return. I thank the Lord that this is real, and I am going back! 

As it was a new year, our pastor at my church gave a sermon titled, "What Breaks Your Heart?" Throughout the entire sermon, I thought, "Serbia! It breaks my heart that there are kids without a Bible in their language (Roma gypsy, Serbians in the Southern parts) Serbia! Where youth treasure and cherish the one and only Bible, if any, they have. Serbia! Where there are students HUNGRY for God's Word, but they grow up being taught Jesus is just another man and have no clue who He is. Serbia! Where a certain saint is given to each family as heritage not a relationship. Serbia! Where kids want to have debates and deep conversations about religion and our "cult" (as some called Christianity). Serbia! Where I have a personality that meshes beautifully to their culture. Serbia! Where parents are desiring opportunity for their kids that they didn't have under oppression. Serbia! Where culture invites you into their personal homes and couches for the perfect opportunity to share Christ's love for them. Serbia! Who is so lost and yet so ready for a harvest." Tears came down my cheek, and I knew that day that Serbia was imprinted on my heart and the Spirit shouted "Serbia" to me so many times. It was no longer a maybe but a definite burden (in a blessing of a way) to share Jesus with them.  

Needless to say, I am ecstatic, humbled, yet a bit fearful as callings are such a bold step of obedience in faith. This is why I am writing asking for your prayer. Maybe God is preparing my heart to whole-heartedly serve this July 1-26th as I am over there, or maybe He is calling me to more. For now all I know is I am to work hard as if working for the Lord not man. (Colossians 3:23)