Team Nuria (God's Fire): Stacie, Wendy, Stephanie, Michelle, Laura, Robyn (Unsung Heroes: Month 4)
We arrived in Skopje, Macedonia a week and a half ago. With a new mission, new team and new challenging task at hand. The journey to Europe was an exhausting trip from Central America. Our squad spent over 70 hours of travel, and us (Team: Nuria) were dropped off first in Macedonia. Macedonia is not what I envisioned. Since going on the race I threw my expectations out the window, to have a "dive in" and “be fully present” mentality on the 11 countries in 11 months missionary race. I have learned that expectations can lead to major disappointments if not met, plus everyone loves spontaneity…right?
I pictured Macedonia to be an old city of ruins. In living here the past week and half, I have observed that the city is a growing metropolis full of familiar store brands and English language signs. The oldest remaining part of the old city is the old stone bridge that was left standing after an earthquake collapse most of the old city a thousand years ago.
(seen in the background of the picture below)
Our Unsung Hero mission here in the beautiful country of Macedonia is to find more contacts for the World Race. The vision is simple, there are tons of pastors, ministry programs and people in Macedonia that could benefit from the support of having World Race teams come alongside them to help aid in reflecting God’s kingdom. Macedonia is an unknown city for AIM (World Race), no teams or squads have been here before. This makes our mission exciting and challenging all at the same time. Where are the “Unsung Heroes” in cities of millions?
The need here for missionaries/volunteers here is great. The country has been divided by three main groups of religions. Wars have raged in the past and the discrimination, prejudice and racism is prevalent here. Half the city is practicing Muslim and the other half is Orthodox Christian. Yet, still in the old city there are over 70,000 gypsies who live as outcasts and have established their own language and religion. The number of Jesus followers has declined to a low 0.02. New Christian churches in Skopje, Macedonia are determined to change that number by reaching out to help local orphanages, homeless civilians and charities.
The process of staying in budget, finding housing and contacts has been difficult for us as a new all girls team. Yet, God seems to provide opportunities when we humbling come before him and ask for his help and guidance. Going to different churches on Sundays has been the place the Lord has connected us most with a variety of different ministries. We have met people from all over the world. Some of these church goers are Americans whom God directed to come here and start different ministries, others are from different parts of the world with similar missions. We were overjoyed in meeting so many amazing men and woman of God, with the same heart to bring God's compassionate love to this country.
Last Monday we met with Nikola Galevich of Soul Craft church. Before meeting him, I typed “orphanages in Skopje” into the Google search engine hoping to find contacts for the World Race. Nothing popped up, except, churches who volunteer and support local orphanages. Soul Craft Church was one of them. So I emailed him, unsure what to say, I knew he was going to be a great contact by the video on his website that illustrated his church vision. The Vision told the history of the city and the need to reach people not with programs, but relational steps of ministry (bring hope). A relationship with Jesus church, their vision is to meet people where they are at and help where help is needed. It was evident after meeting with Nikola how in Love with God he is and how clearly he hears from him. Born and raised in Macedonia, he never envisioned becoming a pastor in his late 30's. In fact, though he grew up in religious home, he never thought the Lord will call him to ministry to the heart of his home city. His wife and son live here in Skopje with him. Together as unit they lead a church of diversity to find the love of God is not so “religious, but a fulfilling relationship.
A God directed meeting with a stranger turned to an instant friendship/partnership. We prayed for the pastor and could see the spirit within lift with excitement. God was about to big things in the country of Macedonia.
In conclusion, I've been challenged to remember…
God is not looking for us to do more for him, he is looking for us to let him to do more in us.
