Hi everyone!
We are doing well and continuing to be so blessed by the wonderful people of Serbia.
Last night Doug preached his first message ever at the church at Boynic. He did great and it was a great blessing to the church. The Pastor was so encouraged that someone would come over 7000 miles to minister to his congregation in this way. Way to go Doug!
We have been having wonderful conversations with the Pastor's here. They are so very faithful, but also very overrun with responsibilities and the needs of the people in their impoverished communities. They desire to grow in how they stay true to their relationship with Jesus and how they love their wives and children as they pour their lives into their churches and the needs of their communities.
Life for Roma people is very difficult. They are an amazing and strong people, but the cultural and economic pressures are certainly taking their tole on their spirits. The churches are having a big impact on the communities in bringing hope that lasts during very discouraging times .
Today Doug and I will travel with two Roma Pastors to the village of Vranje. We will spend time with the Pastor's and the Elders of the church, speak to their youth group (which is strong and growing!) and then Doug will preach again tonight.
Please continue to pray for wisdom for us. We are having deep and significant conversations with the Pastor's and desire to bring encouragement and to help them with the many struggles of their ministry.
We are sorry we've not been able to post more frequently, but our schedule has been very full and our time with internet access has been somewhat limited.
Here are a few pictures of the last few days ministry - enjoy!
Monte and Pastor Slave who serves the Serbian and Roma church in Lebane.
Doug preaching his message from Psalm 143 to the church at Boynic.
Pastor Daniel and his wife Alexandra and their two sons. They serve the church in Lebane and Boynic.
On Saturday I was taken to a "surprise" birthday party where the church came together for a BBQ, worship and celebration. Boy do they know how to throw a party!
The weather here has been beautiful. Pastor Slave and I went for walk in the country where he grew up and this picture is looking down on the homes where some of his relatives still live and farm.
We are doing well and continuing to be so blessed by the wonderful people of Serbia.
Last night Doug preached his first message ever at the church at Boynic. He did great and it was a great blessing to the church. The Pastor was so encouraged that someone would come over 7000 miles to minister to his congregation in this way. Way to go Doug!
We have been having wonderful conversations with the Pastor's here. They are so very faithful, but also very overrun with responsibilities and the needs of the people in their impoverished communities. They desire to grow in how they stay true to their relationship with Jesus and how they love their wives and children as they pour their lives into their churches and the needs of their communities.
Life for Roma people is very difficult. They are an amazing and strong people, but the cultural and economic pressures are certainly taking their tole on their spirits. The churches are having a big impact on the communities in bringing hope that lasts during very discouraging times .
Today Doug and I will travel with two Roma Pastors to the village of Vranje. We will spend time with the Pastor's and the Elders of the church, speak to their youth group (which is strong and growing!) and then Doug will preach again tonight.
Please continue to pray for wisdom for us. We are having deep and significant conversations with the Pastor's and desire to bring encouragement and to help them with the many struggles of their ministry.
We are sorry we've not been able to post more frequently, but our schedule has been very full and our time with internet access has been somewhat limited.
Here are a few pictures of the last few days ministry - enjoy!
It's so good to hear from you! Thank you for taking the time to post and update us on your time in Serbia. I'm so happy that the two of you are blessing and being blessed by our dear, dear friends in Serbia.
ReplyDeletePraying for you both and all whom you fellowship with in Serbia....I pray for strength, perseverance, patience, safety, and mostly for God's blessings for you and all who surround you. Thank you for keeping us updated. On a side for Doug....I am so proud of you! I know the kids are too!!!! Hugs, W.C.
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