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!