We’re wrapping up our time here in Novi Sad, Serbia!
Here’s what’s been happening at Novi Sad Christian Fellowship:
1 – Women’s ministry:
We had two women’s ministry nights! The first week, women were invited to share food and customs as we discovered our cultural similarities and differences. The second week, we presented an “art therapy” project where the women got creative to share about their stories, their joys, and their struggles. Here, we had the chance to speak the Truth of their identity in the Lord and tears of pain transformed to tears of appreciation as we prayed for one another.
2 – Refugees on the border:
Check out my previous blog (click here) to see how we have been serving individuals on the border as they search for safety and a new home within this international crisis.
3 – Sunday services:
Our team has been performing dramas, sharing testimonies, and teaching in the children and teens’ Sunday school every week.
This was one of my favorite ministry moments this month: 10 minutes before a Sunday evening service started, I was asked to teach the kids class about being a missionary. My first chance to teach on the spot! It was unbelievably encouraging to allow God to speak through me. When I paused and prayed, He gave me thoughts and words to share that flowed too naturally to be from my own brain. A few kids astounded me with their pure hearts and attentive eyes and, thankfully, we got to know their families better and have dinner with them in the weeks following. I look forward to more moments this year to allow God to speak before I have a chance to plan!
4 – English classes:
We’ve been holding English classes throughout the week. This enables us to meet members of the church and community and strengthen their English-speaking while focusing on spiritual conversation to help them see how God is working in their everyday life!
5 – Rehab Center:
Next to the church is the “Center Duga,” or the “Rainbow Center” — a rehabilitation center for individuals addicted to heroin, offered free of charge for residents. Men and women come from Serbia and surrounding countries to learn to live life free of addiction as they are taught the true answer of the Gospel. We have shared our testimonies of walking with the Holy Spirit with the men and reviewed Bible stories with the women to practice English. We have heard some INCREDIBLE testimonies of how the Lord has healed and freed people from the bondage of addiction, and many have continued to serve on staff in the church to further the work of the Kingdom of the God who saved them!
6 – Youth Alpha:
Every Saturday night, we attend the youth group. It looks similar to typical American youth group with games, snacks, and a message with an important illustration. This time has been invaluable to play, talk, and pray with the teens that are trying to navigate how to walk with Christ when so many people in their communities do not.
So, Serbia: the people are beautiful, the language is difficult, and God unfolds His same magnificent redemptive story no matter where you look.
This month has been an incredible blessing as I adjust to the World Race. We’ve had markets within walking distance and a bathroom with a toilet and a shower — which is not to be taken for granted here! I’ve had the opportunity to attend a Psychology conference here at the church and babysit for single moms. The Lord has really encouraged me this month, showing me that I am valuable, on this team and serving Him.
As we’ve walked and talked with people around the church (since we’re living in it), it’s become apparent that God has blessed Novi Sad Christian Fellowship Church to serve the community. God is setting up big things here, despite their struggle to be accepted. (Evangelical Christians make up less than 1% of the population of Serbia — as opposed to Serbian Orthodoxy, which is based on rituals — and these Christians have been accused of being a cult, etc.)
Tomorrow we leave for Albania to be with our entire squad for the month. It’s difficult to transition right as you feel you’re getting your grove, and we will miss Novi Sad and the friends we have made here.
Press on, Serbian friends! Fight the good fight and the Lord will grow fruit from your faithfulness.
Americans, please pray that the connections and conversations from this past month continue to grow the hearts of believers and bring others looking for meaning to the Lord.
Dovidenja!
