We made it to Belgrade! It was a little hectic getting checked into the airport, arranging for extra luggage for the hats, defibrillator, and some camera supplies for a videographer friend in Belgrade. During the process, Meghan, who was our taxi to the airport, GOT A TICKET!! We were shocked, as we were only parked in front of the ticketing area long enough to unload our bags.
The rest of the trip went smoothly. Our friend, Patrice, was at the airport to see us off. Her church, First Church of the Nazarene in Little Rock, knitted a boatload of hats for the Roma children in Serbia, so it was fun to have her with us when we checked the extra-large army duffle bag full of hats.
And I am happy to report that every single piece of checked luggage made it all the way to Belgrade! Yay! It was wonderful to come out of the airport and see Rodja and our friend Sasko waiting for us!
On the way to our hotel, we passed a Roma child who was made to beg in the street. These children have the saddest stories, while the people who “control” them live comfortable lives.
We’re having a couple of hours “down time” and then will meet with friends and co-workers in ministry, Dane and Melita, then we’ll join Dragan and Daniela for dinner. They have a ministry to the Roma in Belgrade, and will also be joining us for the conference.
If you were wondering why the title “Leaders Who Make Disciples” — that’s the theme of our conference we’ll be holding in south Serbia, and will be our focus this entire trip. Our team, on both sides of the ocean, are looking seriously to disciple others, who will disciple others, so that we will see a growth in the kingdom in Serbia that will put a home church within walking distance of every Roma. Big goal — big God!