An Open Letter To Montenegro

Dear Montenegro,

Although it is unconventional to write a letter addressing an entire country, I thought it most fitting to express my sentiments as I finish out Month 5 of my Race. 

I would like to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for your beautiful beaches, your breathtaking fjords, your magnificent mountains, your clear rivers, your $1 pizzas, your beautiful people, your medieval castles, and your perfect weather. 

When I first entered this country, it felt like a dream. I half expected my night in shining armor to run up and rescue me. Thank you for your incredible beauty. 

But Montenegro, I am weary. I am weary because I want you to know my Jesus. I want to love on you, laugh with you, cry with you, and be there for you, but I am not welcome here. 

I am not welcome here because of my Jesus. To my brothers and sisters, you cast us out, shame us, and throw us away because we are a cult to you. You alienate your own children because they know the Lord. 

You say things like, “I would rather you be drunk and high than in that church.” 

You make petitions against us, and walk the other way when you see us. You stop talking when we say the name of our savior. 

You won’t rent homes to us because we claim the name of Jesus. 

You fire us from our jobs. 

You beat us up in school. 

You have made it very clear that you don’t want me here, and you haven’t given me a chance, but I have made a decision. 

I still love you.

I still want to be your friend. I still want you to know the indescribable joy that my Jesus has. I want you to see healing and miracles. I want you to know the God that is alive. 

I don’t want your money. I don’t want to brainwash you. I don’t want to pull you into some Satanic ritual. I love you, because behind the iron wall of stigma and skepticism are people created in the image of God himself. 

I’m going to love you, whether you like it or not. 

I’m not giving up on you, whether you like it or not. 

I will keep praying for you whether you like it or not. 

Because Jesus is alive, and He never gives up in His pursuit.

And He hasn’t given up on you. 

Love, 

Jordyn