Saturday, July 02, 2011

This morning I woke about 15 minutes prior to when we needed to be ready to leave. I quickly readied myself, drank some of my juice and ate a croissant, and then Goran and I did some work in the meeting hall of the church. It took less than 10 minutes. Then he and I went and visited some people with the aid before returning to the church. When we returned, he said that the weather was nice and that we would visit the pool in Negotino (somewhat famous, been in commercials and music videos – and it’s nice) with the boys. I grabbed my things and we headed to the pool for some “drinks” - meaning coffee, water, juice, pop, not alcohol in this culture and a couple hours of swimming. We had a blast, and then we returned to the church. The guys laughed because I put on sun screen. But, it was good that I did, because I was still burned a little. After returning, I quickly showered and got ready to take the family for pizza, as I heard it was the boys’ favorite food (what boy’s favorite food isn’t?). It was a great time, and on returning. Goran and I had the boys’ help loading humanitarian goods (food and clothes) into the car and a taxi to take to Kavadarci (where I preach tomorrow night). Because of the filled cars, only Timothy could come with us (but Ivan had come the day before). We first met some brothers from Kavadarci (one being the primary pastor of the group I’ll be preaching to – that have a small room in the village they can meet in), and then with them we went to a Gypsy village and unloaded our car’s load. I was asked to share my testimony and did so, but I shared the essentials of the Gospel also, having your and my prayers asking God for the wisdom and receiving it. Many people have told me in all the villages throughout this trip that what I share has touched them and that they see the honesty of what I tell when I tell it. They know I speak from my heart – I’ve heard that numerous times. I tell you, God has heard your prayers. Please keep praying for me and that His Word would go forth powerfully to transform these peoples to become His peoples, our brothers and sisters, for their good and our good. Keep praying for the brothers and business situations, that I would gain understanding about the environments and how to shrewdly steward resources for the Kingdom here and elsewhere in the Balkans, and that I would gain good contacts with men and women who have the same mindset, more connections, and the resources to do the work. After we finished, we went and visited a sister’s house and met her kids (11 and 14). The older girl was coming to our youth even this evening, and so we made contact, had a drink, and then left so Pr. Goran and Timothy could show me the sights in Kavadarci, and where I would need to meet people when I came back alone the next day. Please pray for the logistics – that I don’t get lost and that the people show up on time in the same location as me. When we finished, we returned to the house and picked up the daughter – after having some fresh watermelon slices. Then we came with the daughter and her friend back to the church. Only a handful of kids came, but three Americans showed up too. One is a pastor, one is his student (18) who is going to start school to become a pastor, and the third is a missionary kid from Skopje (15). I went upstairs before the meeting to put some things away, and then I came down and met them all. The meeting began, and we sang, and then the pastor said a short word to introduce us, and then asked me to come speak first, and I shared with the kids about my coming to know Jesus, and then about the vanity of life lived apart from Jesus and the love of the world. Then the Pastor (Tim Bentley – AoG) spoke, and after him his student spoke. Then we prayed and the kids had fun. I stayed for a little and then went upstairs to do a couple of things and the brother who is translating for them sat and talked with me for a little while. His name is Igor. Please pray for his stomach as he has H. Pylori. Pray that God would heal him. He has gone to Bible school in Serbia, and he also studied in Pennsylvania at Mount Zion (David Wilkerson co-founded). We went back downstairs and then I went with Alexander and Iliev and a few of the girls to walk in the city center. I went mainly because I was concerned for their well-being. After settling their safety as well as I could, I returned to the church, talking with the two brothers the whole way (they returned with me). Iliev doesn’t speak English, but Alexander does some (and understands well). I pressed them pretty hard to be watching out for their Christian sisters, and Alexander especially, because his sister was there. I saw the pairing off going on, and it’s so messed up. Pray these brothers catch that word and understand this charge from God. I then spent a little time talking with the other Americans, and showered, and went to speak to Igor, who was sleeping already. I prayed for him and then went and spoke with the Americans again and prayed with them. Then I came to finish this update. God will answer when we call. Please keep calling out for us. I love you.