Hey guys! Happy belated fourth of July!!!
We just got done doing our mission trip in Sombor Serbia. As we worked with Greg and Yellena Siluka's church, we saw God move in many ways. The kids club we ran during the week was very successful. We all went into the trip not knowing what to expect, but came prepared with ideas. The first day we had about 85 city kids, the second, it grew to 115 and by the end of the week we had over 275 kids... not including the parents and babies watching on the bleachers in town sqaure. It was also really neat to see how the city pulled together and donated items, like a military tent, 200 yogurt snacks and juices each day, art supplies and a stage and music system.The Sombor mayor even came by the town square events and said the city has never had anything like this before.
At night we invited the adults to Greg's English club at the church which blessed us with many friendships. We made friends with all sorts of people which was awesome too.
I feel very blessed to be a part of this trip, because God reminded me how to work as a team and that if we do our part, and trust in Him, he will give gave us strength. He also taught me a lot about myself that I need to be more open and honest, giving of my time and that I need to seek wisdom daily. Jeff Holmes led us each day reading a Proverbs and I really benefited from the team times.
It was also really neat to see how God used us to break down the negative views the Sombor people had about the Christian church. Many believe it's a cult or a sect and want nothing to do with Jesus and his church. But we came and helped break down the sterotypes and just loved on the people thru dancing, games, art projects and frienships and hopefully represented the Sivulka's church well. Although not everyone spoke English, God was able to move thru us as we saw many kids open up to us with smiles and laughter. The events were also on the local news as the words "Christian church" was mentioned at least 3 times. That following Sunday the church was packed with new attenders and they were able to hear some of our team's testimonies, followed by Kareoke and dancing. *Greg loves Kareoke!!! We would sing and dance for hours...He's a fun pastor. They say he is the DJ at all the Christian weddings..
It was very hard to leave the city, not only because of the frienships made with the kids, but also with the relationships we had with the church leaders. Zolie, Tanya, Matza, Greg and Yellena were such amazing people and if you get the chance, pray for them. The church is on their shoulders and need prayers day in and day out...Pray also that God would raise up youth leaders for the jr. high and high school kids. It would neat to see how many kids would come to church if they had a TNL sort of program.
Apart from the work that was done, our team was amazing. The memories made will always be with me. Oh yeah, and if you ever get the chance to try FANTA LEMON in your lifetime, do it! Among the 15 of us on the trip we bought out the fanta's at the little corner store a couple of times because of the obsession...
That's it! Thanks for your prayers. It really goes a long way!!! I am gonna go to bed now. Can't wait to get back to the U.S.
