Last week we were awoken by our alarm at 4:30am! Oh my, that is early. But I am so glad we did it. The Blue along with a team of Englanders and some local Bosnians a piled into a few vans and went up to the top of the mountain where a huge cross is located.
This cross unfortunately does not symbolize the death and resurrection of Jesus or for the new life we have in Him. Instead this cross was put up after the war by the Catholic Croats to symbolize territory and superiority. During the time of the war, the Croats marched many Muslims from the east side to the top of that mountain where they were tortured and killed for who they were and what they believed.
It saddens my heart because they have taken the real meaning of my cross away. It is set up on the hill to remind the Muslims of the war and death that happened on that mountain. I’ve heard the Muslims say that when they look at cross they are filled with horror of what happened to their people. It should be a symbol of hope to people rather than despair.
So we decided to go up to that mountain that looks over Mostar, and to pray and claim back the real meaning of our cross over the town. When I got to the top and gazed down upon the town I was reminded of the story of Jesus in Matthew 4:8-11.
Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights and the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And the devil said to Jesus, “All these things I will give You if will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him and angels came and ministered to Him.
It was like God was saying that even though there is a presence of evilness from the past and even presently in Mostar, He has all the authority and is in control. He will be glorified in this town and His presence WILL be made known. But we still need to pray for Mostoar. At that moment I was overcome with peace and happiness for what the Lord was doing and going to do in Mostar.
At the top of the mountain we rejoiced in the Lord and sang and read scripture and partook in Holy Communion. Next to the big cross there is a smaller cross. We each picked up one stone or rock and placed it at the foot of the cross. This was our symbol for generations to come that Jesus is the healer of this country and town. It was a very powerful morning for me as we interceded for Mostar and gave God all the glory!
