I greet you,
I think I have not informed you about things going on in Zitni potok for a while now.
Around middle of June we have had our first class for children this year. The reason for this is that we gather in the open and the weather did not allow us to have a meeting earlier. But, it’s never too late, thank God.
Next example shows how much these children missed the fellowship, songs and Bible stories: We phoned brothers from this house group to let them know that we would visit them so that they can inform children that the children’s class would start at 5:30 p.m., but children were so impatient that they came one hour earlier. They were in the back yard of brother Rade’s house, singing children’s song as they were waiting for us. This spontaneously became a tradition since last year. As soon as children start to sing, the whole Roma settlement would know that we are coming for a visit (“those” from the church are coming) – meaning that some individuals and parents also come and from few meters distance watch and listen what we are doing.
Our first children’s class was held in a very warm atmosphere. We talked, laughed, talked about school grades, they shared that they prayed and read the books they’ve got even though we didn’t have a children class they didn’t forget God.
After that Niki and David made a list of children and then we prayed. Sometimes we ourselves are not aware of joy the work we do for our King – these children are very happy whenever we come in spite of difficult circumstances they live in. They don’t have running water, electricity and many other things. But most of all, these children trust us and know that we really love them.
After that we had a house group meeting in the house of brother Rade. He helps us a lot in the work in this village. There are no new members in the house group yet, so only five of them were present this time.
This visit for me personally was very important. First, brother Niki was leading us in worship (playing guitar) and prayer. Then he shared his testimony about how he met the Lord and how he differently looks at things. After that brother David had very good message of encouragement, since he knew the problems these people are struggling with. He talked about how much the worries of this world can disrupt our relationship with God.
The fact that Niki and David took the lead in this group was a sign to all who were present that God had started a new phase in the life of our church in Prokuplje, as well as in other house groups. All of us are eager to see progress and changes in our walk with the Lord. We took seriously this work. Brother Rade was especially touched with the changes since he is very young and through the example he saw in David and Niki he was able to see that God can work and change those who are willing to change.
This visit was also new experience for David and Niki. The opportunity they had to lead the meeting was another step forward. All the way as we were traveling to Zitni Potok, they were very nervous and excited, but when we started our meeting, the Holy Spirit took over and all of us enjoyed in God’s presence. After this experience they look differently at the ministry and have much stronger feeling of responsibility. This is one very concrete step we took in building new leaders and assistants. We expect big and good things. We are aware that it won’t be easy, but we trust that God will help and lead us.
At the beginning of July we visited this village for second time, but this time we had our dear friends from America with us. We went by our car and rented a van. Since it was a season of picking cherries, we were worried that not many children would come, since children take their children also for picking cherries, but when we got there, there were about thirty children who eagerly waited for us. They were very excited especially because they saw some old friends of theirs. We started the meeting for children with prayer and introducing and then we started to sing. Kate built a special relationship with the children and they accepted her with much love. She encouraged them with one Bible story and children were listening with much interest. After the meeting we had refreshments (drinks and sweets) and something everybody was very happy about – every child received a prize. Even though these children are poor and uneducated, they have a strong feeling who accepts them and who doesn’t. They understood that “these Americans” accepted them and built very good relationship with them. During refreshments some children asked why Daniel and Bethany didn’t come. The children accept us not because of what we give them, but because of the love we show them.
After that we had opportunity to spend some time with people in the village who were standing not far watching what we’re doing. We did not have much time, due to circumstances, but it doesn’t mean that the visit was formal. Brother Jugi told us about serious injury he had at his job, then we prayed, sang few songs and Marybeth shared very encouraging message. After the visit we enjoyed the fellowship and lunch at the lake near the village.
All our work and sacrifices bore a fruit. After the team left, we visited this group and we truly enjoyed what God had prepared for us. Some fifty children were standing in the back yard waiting for us. Since we don’t have chairs all of us had to stand and we immediately started the class. We started with mission stories to motivate them to invite others, especially their parents.
After that, after a long period of time we gathered in the house of our brother Mileta. His mother and wife also started to attend our meetings again. Ten of us were present at this meeting and we experienced God again in a special way.
As we were worshiping we were opened for the Lord and the work of His Spirit, then God’s Word filled us with God’s power and His presence – God showed His mercy by refreshing us with His Spirit through His Word. This meeting lasted longer than usually. As we were studying God’s Word at one point there was a tremendous quietness and we all understood that that was God’s Spirit working in our midst. We used those moments to confess our sins before God, asking for forgiveness and praying for renewal and revival. Thank God for His patience and understanding.
Our joy, tears and prayers did not finish after the meeting. Brother Mile has three children: Filip (4), Luka (2) and two months ago baby girl was born, Darija. Praying and dedicating children to the Lord is always very special and important time for me. I especially like this part of the ministry. There are six children in Zitni potok that we dedicated to the Lord. (Jim, you remember little Dragana that you prayed for). This fact is very important for me. Thank God for this kind of faith brothers and sisters have concerning children.
We planned a baptismal service last year, but the devil managed to postpone what we wanted. We pray for that and invite you to pray too, since we have few individuals from this village.
Thank you Jim for standing alongside of us.
Yours in Christ
Marijan and Slavica
