Friendship = Love
July has been one incredible ride and I can honestly say I have NO REGRETS! I’ve put my whole heart, mind, strength and soul into this months ministry and God has come through for me in various ways. Therefore, I’m going to answer a couple questions I was asked this week that briefly sum up month #1 in Serbia.
#1 what was the most difficult challenge you had to overcome?
Answer: Loving and Living with my team mates + 6 others in a 3 bedroom apartment. It was a bit bizarre at first being tossed into a foreign country with a bunch of strangers. It really can be quite difficult at times… Especially at the beginning because we all have walls up and are unsure about who we can trust. However, after a little while things get easier and everyone takes off their masks. By week 3 We all began opening up, sharing our testimonies, weaknesses and explaining how we process/communicate things. After doing Gods work for a month with them, I honestly believe we will spread God’s love like a wild fire across the nations!
#2 Where have you seen Christ most?
I’ve seen Christ work in multiple areas this month, but mainly in a relationship I’ve built here with a man named “Danijel”. This month our particular focus has been street ministry and it’s allowed me to build some great friendships with local Serbians. There is a handful of people I made an effort to see/speak with everyday and each of them hold a special place in my heart. However, Danijel was my closet friend here and I love him like a brother! Danijel is a local street artist who began his art career quite recently. Just about 2 years ago he lost everything, including his job as a computer technician. After this he had to live on the streets and start over. Today Danijel is now living in an apartment and recently hired his very first employee. Things are really starting to come together for him and he is enjoying life regardless of the difficulties life throws his way. Danijel has had a very difficult life growing up and out of respect I’m not going to share all of his personal life on the internet. Yet, to give you an idea of how difficult his childhood was, I will never forget when he said “You want to know how much my parents loved me? I don’t have a single f**king picture from my childhood! NOT ONE!”. It broke my heart to hear him say that, but I’m deeply encouraged by his willingness to forgive and walk in thanksgiving. I’ve learned a great deal from my friendship with Danijel, especially that when you show a stranger a little love… IT GOES FAR!
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Blessings,
Ryan
(Far Left: Daniyel, Near left: Earnest, Far Right: Rhakeem) these are some amazing men whom I consider great friends!
