We couldn't have been more blessed with the best neighbors in Croatia. Not only do they speak English... they are also friendly and very helpful when we are in need. The kids are slowly making friends in our neighborhood, sadly though we mainly have big boys on our street. No girls for Erin and Ally to play with and no "little guys" for Noah. :(
However, last week a little boy by the name of Matej saw us in the driveway and said "hi". He is about 8 years old and very sweet. He came to our house about three days in a row to play! Poor guy must be bored with just grandpa at home. He didn't care that he was playing with girls, he was just glad to have company! LOL
Today our neighbor across the street, Zlatko, said that his son wanted to come over and meet our kids. He speaks good English and..... ummm..... is 12 years old! Well, our oldest GIRL is only 9!! He was very nice though, he and his dad came over and brought us chocolate. The kids played Creationary (Noah calls is Croatianary). I think they had fun, but I think he realized playing with girls is no fun.
Oh well, it sure is fun meeting new folks here and trying to be witnesses of Him. I think that Zlatko is really interested in what we are doing here in Croatia. Before he left he asked us what our plans were while we are here. Kevin got to tell him a little of what we are currently doing. I'm convinced that missions is ministering to people one by one and building strong, trusting relationships. Zlatko is in need of a friend, I'm glad that Kevin can be his friend. He has already asked Kevin if He wants to go biking.
Well, this is enough for tonight. We are hosting an evangelist next week in our home and I need to be busy getting things ready for him. Also Easter is just around the corner and there are things I want to do for the Gypsy kids. We are also planning an Easter Egg Hunt for our neighbor kids at our house. So lots to do and running out or time. Happy Spring, it's beautiful in our "neck of the woods".
3/22/11
3/19/11
A Wonderful Day in Zagreb
Today our church went to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia to pass out tracts and also John & Romans booklets. This was the first time our kids have ever done anything like this. My girls were a bit shy in the beginning asking people to take the booklets. As the day went on they got a little braver. I told them that the Lord would be happy in how many OR how few they gave out. NUMBERS is not important. What is important is that the Word of God was put into many Croatians hands by ALL of our team.
Ally told me when it was over,"This is much harder than my math class!" I would have to agree. Many people don't want to hear about the Gospel. Lots of people refused the Gospel today and many told us they were Catholic. What remains is that they are still lost. One lady told me today in English that she is a faithful Catholic and has 3 Bibles at home. This is so sad tha she has the Word, but has probably never read of how she can be saved. I told one lady today that being a Baptist or a Catholic didn't matter as far as Heaven was concerned. It is the relationship that we have with Jesus Christ by putting our faith and trust in Him.
Our day ended with a trip to the Zagreb Zoo. The kids loved it and it brought back memories for Kevin and I of when we came over on our survey trip 5 years ago.
Ally told me when it was over,"This is much harder than my math class!" I would have to agree. Many people don't want to hear about the Gospel. Lots of people refused the Gospel today and many told us they were Catholic. What remains is that they are still lost. One lady told me today in English that she is a faithful Catholic and has 3 Bibles at home. This is so sad tha she has the Word, but has probably never read of how she can be saved. I told one lady today that being a Baptist or a Catholic didn't matter as far as Heaven was concerned. It is the relationship that we have with Jesus Christ by putting our faith and trust in Him.
Our day ended with a trip to the Zagreb Zoo. The kids loved it and it brought back memories for Kevin and I of when we came over on our survey trip 5 years ago.
2/27/11
A Great Lord's Day
The temperatures were a bit cold on this flurryish Sunday morning, but our hearts were quickly warmed with wonderful singing and preaching from God's Word. I kept the younger ones today in the nursery today and realized that I need to learn this language quickly. They love to tell me "They don't understand English.", especially when they aren't listening. Kids are so smart.
The children this afternoon were a bit wild n wooly. They charged into church with 20 minutes to spare and (possibly get into trouble). Next thing I know big foam puzzle pieces are being slung everywhere.
I bet they were a bit surprised when my usually "quiet" self came in there and told them to pick up every piece right that minute. Most of them knew better!!!! I know they were laughing at my English. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment around here.
The children this afternoon were a bit wild n wooly. They charged into church with 20 minutes to spare and (possibly get into trouble). Next thing I know big foam puzzle pieces are being slung everywhere.
I bet they were a bit surprised when my usually "quiet" self came in there and told them to pick up every piece right that minute. Most of them knew better!!!! I know they were laughing at my English. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment around here.
2/18/11
More than Wonderful!
I've been singing this song all week. Hope that you enjoy it as much as I do and that He is more than wonderful to you. Blesings. :)
It's Official
We have officially been in Croatia 6 months today. I don't know where the time has gone. Before you know it, we will be a few years in and then getting ready for a furlough.
It's amazing how God is working through us... a team of Texans, Georgians, a Jersey Girl, and the only Virginian (me). Praise the Lord... Great things He hath done. I am looking forward to the next 6 months here in Croatia and praying that God will use our family for His glory.
It's amazing how God is working through us... a team of Texans, Georgians, a Jersey Girl, and the only Virginian (me). Praise the Lord... Great things He hath done. I am looking forward to the next 6 months here in Croatia and praying that God will use our family for His glory.
2/15/11
What is Missions?
When people think of missionaries they naturally think of preaching, teaching, and passing out tracks. Right? I would say yes. What if you are a missionary wife? We certainly can't preach...(although our husbands would probably disagree). ;) Our ministry is first in our home to our children who did not ask to be missionaries. They are along for the ride and need to feel like life is somewhat normal in their home.(Don't get me wrong, I am not feeling sorry for my kids living on the mission field.) It is actually a wonderful opportunity for them! :) For now homeschooling, getting to know my neighbors, and building relationships are all part of my ministry.
What else can women do to minister on the field? Ministry can also include, but not be limited to: baking cookies for your neighbor on special days, crafting with ladies in your church, trying your best to use as much of the language you know to speak to your neighbor etc. Sometimes people need to friendly smile and kind words to go along with the tract you give them. We will never know what a person is dealing with until we make the effort. The truth is that people are hurting everywhere and we may be the only Jesus they see.
Can we do more than we are already doing... certainly. Do so carefully and don't forget about the ministry God has given you right at Home. I'm thinking of ways even now to help my children become part of the team in reaching Croatia for Christ. Hopefully I will share about our efforts later.
What else can women do to minister on the field? Ministry can also include, but not be limited to: baking cookies for your neighbor on special days, crafting with ladies in your church, trying your best to use as much of the language you know to speak to your neighbor etc. Sometimes people need to friendly smile and kind words to go along with the tract you give them. We will never know what a person is dealing with until we make the effort. The truth is that people are hurting everywhere and we may be the only Jesus they see.
Can we do more than we are already doing... certainly. Do so carefully and don't forget about the ministry God has given you right at Home. I'm thinking of ways even now to help my children become part of the team in reaching Croatia for Christ. Hopefully I will share about our efforts later.
What Makes me a Christian?
1. It's not the variety of Christian music I listen to.
2. It's not my Christian friends.
3. It's not the good I do. Many people are good AND lost.
4. It's not even my modest apparel whether it be skirt or pants.
You see... none of those things make me a Christian. Those things help set me apart from those who aren't a Christian. They help others see the difference Christ made in me.
When I was just a little girl, He made it known to me that I was lost. I needed Him as my personal Savior. It wasn't until I accepted His FREE gift of salvation that I became a Christian.
His FREE gift is available to ALL who will recieve it.
No, I'm not perfect. I'm thankful for a forgiving Father who is full of grace and mercy when I mess up.
2. It's not my Christian friends.
3. It's not the good I do. Many people are good AND lost.
4. It's not even my modest apparel whether it be skirt or pants.
You see... none of those things make me a Christian. Those things help set me apart from those who aren't a Christian. They help others see the difference Christ made in me.
When I was just a little girl, He made it known to me that I was lost. I needed Him as my personal Savior. It wasn't until I accepted His FREE gift of salvation that I became a Christian.
His FREE gift is available to ALL who will recieve it.
No, I'm not perfect. I'm thankful for a forgiving Father who is full of grace and mercy when I mess up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)