One Chapter Ends, Another Begins!

The month of May was an amazing experience. We started off by going down to Split, Croatia for a prayer meeting in honor of the International Day of Prayer. People from all over Croatia, and all different walks of faith, came to worship together - and it was breathtaking. Though we weren't able to understand all the words to the songs, or the words that were being lifted up, we could feel the Spirit working in the people there. They lifted up prayers for the churches in Croatia, for the government and leadership, and for unity amongst all of God's people. We worshipped and sang together, and we all worshipped differently - and that was okay. Some danced, some sang a different song from their heart, some couldn't cease their prayers even when the crowd began to sing. Leaders from each church represented there prayed over the country, and all who live in it. And God's blessing on that day was practically tangible.

The month of May also brought Let's Start Talking workers. For those of you who aren't familiar with the LST program, it's a free program for any who want to practice their conversational English, and the curriculum uses the book of Luke as conversational material. The first two workers who came for 3 weeks were named Jane and Lori. They worked with about 20 readers, and the parties we had with the readers each week gave the rest of the church an opportunity to get connected with those who came also! We are looking forward to the relationships we have begun, and how Christ is working in their hearts.

Hover over pictures to read a bit about them (:

Jane and Lori returned to the States after 3 weeks of kingdom work and relationship building. They passed the LST torch to the second team: Alyssa, Perry, and Kelsey. They were able to stay with us for two weeks, continuing to talk with the readers and share their faith stories. We had another LST party centered around "Conversation" - a fitting topic for an LST party! We all drew pictures of what "good conversation" looks like to us, and got to share out artwork with one another and talk about how we communicate who we are, what is important to us, and how we understand others.

We have also been blessed with new encounters in our every day life. My afternoons are usually spent at the dog park in conversation with all the dog owners of the neighborhood. Those relationships we have been introduced to during our time there have started growing deeper, and we are getting to learn what is important in their lives, as well as share the most important thing in ours! We've received a whole spectrum of responses to our faith - anywhere from blatant disbelief, simple curiosity, and some who want to continue to more comfortable topics... but still others who are interested, longing, and ready for healing. God has brought many different people, and he continues to work in his timing, for his glory.

This month we complete our first semester of Croatian lessons (WOOH!!!) and head into Champs Camps! We are excited for all the volunteers coming to work with the camps - both Croats and Americans - for the Lord is making the harvest plentiful and the workers MANY! It is such a huge blessing! Please pray for the Good News to be shared with all those who come, and for our camps to be completely FILLED!