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)
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