Posted in Sasa’s church in Kucura is this passage from Matthew 25:35-39 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'”
It is his calling, and as we followed his footsteps today, we could see how he fulfills all these ways of ministering to those who need it most.
We started the day in Kosancic, with children’s Bible class and handing out hats and gloves. The Bible class meets at the home of Sasa’s mother, so we also got to see a different type of home, in an isolated farming area. Their only water is from a well. We picked up a few children on the way, and the rest were waiting for us when we arrived. We’re not sure how they got there! ReNata taught a Baba (grandmother) to knit a hat on circular needles, then gave her the needles and yarn. The children took turns reading the Bible lesson.
Next stop – elementary school in Kucura. The principal showed us around, and told us how Sasa has worked with the parents in the community to get them more involved. The school needs work in lots of areas, and a church from the Netherlands has given them help.
Lunch was at Sasa’s home/church. Not home church, but a home with a church room built on the back of it! We had delicious sarma, stuffed cabbage rolls, made with cabbage freshley harvested from Sasa’s garden. We saw Uncle’s livestock and winter corn supply, along with the corn crib.
Over late lunch, we studied the map Slobodan brought. Sasa has 20 home churches now, and is looking to start two new ones in Zrenjanin and Botos. We saw the Multiply (“so so good lessons”) materials they are using, and the Gospel of Luke and a book of Bible stories, both in Arabic, that are shared with Syrian refugees who come through Serbia on their way north.
Another children’s bible class, and giving out hats and gloves. These children seemed very serious. A few of them who stayed through the church service warmed up a bit, and one gave ReNata the gift of a pretty shell as she was leaving.
We closed out a busy day with the weekly church service in Kucura. LaJuana, ReNata, and Teresa shared scriptures and a short message to the church members. Slobodan joined several church members in relating a testimony. Rodja preached while Slobodan translated for us.
After church, the home church leaders who were present got together for a group photo. There were nine leaders present, plus Sasa. They are truly disciples making disciples in the north of Serbia.
