We had a little later start today, and it was definitely appreciated! We started the morning with breakfast with Rodja and Natasha, catching up on news and enjoying our time together.
Next we headed off for the fortress, only to find all the roads blocked off. Rodja knew an “old” way that went through ancient tunnels. We made it to the top, but the people we were meeting didn’t, so we adjusted, and met at another place. We had a good conversation with the doctor who is the Director of the Health Ministry and a senator for the region who is the head of the ruling political party. We discussed ways we can partner with them in humanitarian projects, how they can help us make things run smoother and in accordance with Serbian law. It was a good time together, and we look forward to working in the future.
From there, we headed to Čurug to meet Pastor Bora. We went to one of the five house churches he has planted. One of the churches is nearly 100 miles away from his home, and he has no car, yet he meets with them weekly. They pay half his bus ticket, and he pays the other half. At the church we attended, he gave out the picture gospels to the children, and we shared about the Teach A Man to Fish project. One man immediately told us he would like to do a project with pigs. He already has three, so he knows how to raise pigs. He raises them to sell, as well as for food for his family. Many of his family members — brothers, sisters, cousins — live in the same community with him, so it will be a great blessing to be able to help him. Bora kept the hats we brought north to distribute among the children at his home churches.
We also met with believers in a home church in Novi Sad. This group was about half youth and half older adult members. They were interested in our leadership training, and we left with the promise to help them in any way we can.
Now it’s time for packing, and an early bedtime, so we can head for Belgrade and the airport at 5:15 a.m. We’ll be home soon … and are already looking forward to our next trip to Serbia.
