We returned from home church in Dubovo and Jasenica, and went straight to church at Prokuplje. There, we heard the children’s English class speak and sing to us in English. They were fabulous! Snežana Ilic is doing a wonderful job teaching them, and is adding classes for the leaders in the Prokuplje church.
We also spent time with the adults of the church, explaining the Teach A Man to Fish program. We are offering grants of up to $500 for up to 20 participants who have a small business idea — raising goats, chickens, pigs, or other animals; purchasing a sewing machine and doing alterations or making quilts; acquiring a wood splitter for young men to split wood; building a small greenhouse … the possibilities are endless. What’s the catch? No catch — just a blessing for a brother or sister! Out of the offspring from your animal, pass one along to another. If you are using a skill such as sewing or a mechanical skill, train an apprentice. Pass the blessing along!
We spoke with one couple already, who have a plan for chicken coops. Another couple is preparing a plan for a greenhouse. We are very excited about this possibilities of this project in giving the Roma community a step up out of the abysmal job market in south Serbia — and seeing them go from being out of work to being employers!
Friday we traveled to Novi Sad. We met old friends for the first time! How did that happen? Well, we made contact on Facebook with Paul and Mary Triller, who are also doing mission work with the Roma in Serbia. We finally happened to all be in Serbia at the same time, and shared a great lunch with them, and our friend Nesa. “Make new friends, keep the old. One is silver, the other gold!”
