Staring out the window of my favorite Café in Sombor, Serbia I reflect on all that has happened in the last 3 weeks. The people, the city, the food, the new friends, the adventures, the ministry and the lessons learned have all played a part in making Sombor feel like home.
Sombor is a quaint European town with an adorable downtown full of shops and coffee shops. Biking and walking are the main forms of transportation throughout the city. Pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, pastries and more pastries are diet staples (I am continuing to run on a regular basis, haha). The people are very hospitable when you visit them in their homes. I never leave a house without a full heart and stomach!
The people here have gone through many forms of oppression. They are in a major economic crisis and there are not many opportunities for economic advancement. A new friend I made here said that the people here are all in a financial prison. After spending time here in the city I can tell that they are in more than just a financial prison but a spiritual one. There is a spiritual oppression over the city that is hard to describe in words. There is a deep sadness over the city and the people are in great need of Jesus’s hope and joy!
My team and I go on prayer walks throughout the city on a regular basis. We believe prayer is a powerful resource because it is only through Jesus’s name that the oppression will be lifted! Our ministry here has also been very relational. We have done game nights, bible studies, English clubs, and home visits. Through all of these ministries God has been making Himself known! There have been seeds planted that have led people to intrigue. A curiosity and longing for the joy that my team and I have. They have a desire for something more. I am so stoked to see God completely rock their worlds!!!!
Along with the awesome things God is doing in the lives of the people here in Sombor, He is also working in my life as well! If you know me, you probably know that I LOVE to sing. You also may know that I haven’t performed since my freshman year of high school. When I signed up for the World Race, God was telling me that I need to use the gift He has given me. And of course, on the first month of the race God provided an opportunity for me to do just that. Our ministry host asked our team to prepare a song for church. The next thing I know my team and I are leading a worship song in front of an audience. Immense joy and peace overwhelmed me during that time of pure worship! I do not know what else God is going to do with this but I am learning that we shouldn’t waste the gifts God has given us. I am no longer going to downplay the gifts God has given me and use them for His glory!
Serbia has been an incredible first country! I am excited to see what else God has in store for the next 10 months!
(Downtown Serbia)
Prayer Requests:
•For more solid Christian leaders in Sombor
•For the spiritual oppression to be lifted
•For Jesus’s name to be known throughout the whole city
•Health for my team (We have all had some type cold/bronchitis)
•Travel Safety (We leave for Albania on the 7th of October)
