Our 13 hour train ride brought us to Belgrade, Serbia one week ago. We didn’t know anyone or anything about this place. All we knew was that we had a mission to learn about the culture as much as possible and seek out ministry contacts to start building relationships, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for future World Race teams to come and serve in Serbia. So where does one even start? Google search of course!
I googled “ministries in Serbia” which led me to a missionary who connected me with one important man. He ended up being what we call the “key holder of ministry contacts in Serbia”. Those who know me know that I love networking and connecting people, so it was energizing to be around someone who also enjoys that. After being here 2 days and having one meeting, we had a long list of contacts to call. Praises to God!
We’ve spent the week meeting with people, exploring the city, and going to church services. My first impressions of Serbia were…
– The people are so friendly, helpful, and many people know english (big bonus!)
– There are so many cafes and bakeries and gelatorias
– People love their cigarettes and skinny jeans here
– NOBODY wears flip flops, so we stick out like crazy
– Most people here did not grow up here. I’ve actually met a handful of Croatian people (yea!) so I’ve been able to have that bond and share the few Croatian words that I know!
While I think my impressions are mainly true, we wanted to dig a little deeper into what this vibrant city is really like. So after talking with some of our new friends, this is what we learned from a local’s perspective…
– People will say they know english even if they don’t…it’s a pride thing
– Spiritually, people are hungry for something but they don’t know what
– They want us to tell YOU (people across the world) about Serbia because they feel forgotten and that Serbia has a bad reputation
– Every generation has experienced at least one war
– Many people pass through here but not many stay. Along those same lines, there is a great need for long-term missionaries.
Overall, I know that God has plans for the people of this city, and I feel like we’re getting a glimpse of the beginning. There is a small but faithful community of believers here who have hope and a heart of expectancy for God to move in a big way. They have welcomed us with open arms and we’ve been blessed to hear their stories and start new relationships.
Please join us in praying for the people of Serbia, that God would stir up their hearts a desire to seek out the true and living God that loves them and adores them beyond human understanding!
