Each year when we return to the States from Serbia, we talk about how we miss worshiping with our Roma and Serbian friends. Don’t misunderstand, we love worshiping in our home church. Being with other believers is refreshing, encouraging and uplifting. There is, however, something different, special, about worshiping in the Roma church.
Maybe it is how passionately they lift their voices in praise. Or maybe it’s the focus and intensity with which they listen as the word of God is proclaimed. They seem to genuinely care only about connecting with their Savior. Looking around to see if someone is watching does not seem to enter into their minds. They truly seem to “enter His courts with praise”.
Today we were blessed to be part of worshiping with our friends several times. We began our morning with a praise song and a time of prayer. I love this time each morning. It’s like eating a protein packed breakfast! It gives the day such a great start! After the praise and prayer time, we split into two groups. Half stayed to continue teaching Multiply to the leadership. Each day the young men tell us how helpful and encouraging this material is. They believe it will help them greatly as they continue to lead their home churches in worship.
The other half of us went to lead the children in the last day of Kids Club. Today was “Quiz Day!” It was amazing to hear the children answer questions and recite verses from stories they had heard only once! Each day there have been more children than the day before and we ended the week with 40 children! After Kids Club was over, Slavica, had the children’s choir and drama team practice their presentation for the Evangelization meeting that was held this evening. Watching them practice, I could tell that they had been taught to draw others to the Throne and not just perform. Watching their sweet faces as they sing to our God never ceases to make my heart smile.
We began the Evangelization Meeting with the children’s choir. William then preached with Rodja translating. Hearing about the amazing gift God gave us in His Son brought many to tears. Please join us as we pray for several families, including those of Muslim backgrounds, to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Hearts are tender and minds are open! After the sermon the children presented their drama reiterating the love and saving grace of Jesus.
It was then time for the youth praise band to lead us in worship. These young men are talented and it is so evident that they love Jesus! They sing and play as though He were the only one listening. They take those listening with them to kneel and adore! Those who were touched by the sermon were crying again during the worship songs. I truly believe that there will be many lives changed. Not solely because of the events of this week, but through the continued dedication of these young men and children as Marijan and Slavica continue to pour into their lives and teach them to do the same. Disciples making Disciples.
