FIVE GOLDEN RINGS

We're counting down the 12 days of Christmas. Today is the day we are celebrating "five golden rings," the gift of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible written by Moses, the Torah. We're well on our way to the two turtle doves, the gifts of the Old and New Testaments and, finally, on Christmas Day, the Partridge in a Pear Tree, the ultimate gift, a Savior, born to give His life for us nailed to a tree. Despite Relient K's clever and catchy rendition of this favorite Christmas Carol, this traditional song is rich with meaning intended to teach young children about the whole of the Christian Faith.

It gives me pause to think of the many inventive ways we create to bring the essence of Christianity and Christ alive to our toddlers and tykes, through song, or selflessness, outpourings of generousity, Christ-like expressions of good cheer and service. And, lest we forget Saint Nick, the greatest metaphor for selfless giving of undeserved, unmerited gifts. Grace personified in childlike fantasy, complete with flying reindeer. A man who can circumvent the globe in a single night with the same love for all, yet no one has ever been able to see him. Still with a child's innocence, there exists an undeniable belief he exists.

I recall the day we explained the Santa metaphor to our own son. There were no tears. There was no disappointment. He was humbled, however. To know that his parents loved him enough to carry on this charade until he would be able to grasp the full meaning of the metaphor. To fully comprehend this holiday was and has always been completely about Jesus, His gifts to us. Giving gifts and receiving them took on a whole new meaning from that point on.

I'm reminded of this as each year we try to remember others abroad. Like "Santa" and his flying reindeer can circumvent the world in one single night giving, graciously, freely, lovingly as God so loved the world, He gave us his son. There are organizations like Samaritan's Purse, Heifer, Int'l, World Vision and local charities through which gifts can be given in someone's honor. The emphasis no longer on receiving, but on giving as God gave.

Today I received word from our friends in Bosnia, Mick and Ali Holstead, who run the youth center, Novi Most (new bridge)http://www.theholsteads.org/, in Capljina. I was encouraged to hear the news that Capljina, too, is involved with Samaritan's purse and gathered 3000 boxes to be delivered! The outreach in Capljina has obviously soared to great heights. More extraordinary to me is they actually helped deliver them! Our shoeboxes travel across the world. Those at Novi Most have the benefit of being able to see the fruit of their labor manifest in the faces of the children who will receive these selfless gifts.

Throughout the update, I read another youth has come to Christ. Praise God! And, the center, as well as the church, continues to experience favorable reception. One more for the kingdom as we celebrate the gift of "five golden rings." Just in time for Christmas. And to think Moses was quite sure God had chosen the wrong man for the job. Let us all be grateful for the "five golden rings" this day, and perhaps, even tongue tied, we might share our faith with someone or give of ourselves this Christmas expecting nothing in return but to show the love of a Savior.

"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:12

Merry Christmas,
Kathy

TEARS FROM HEAVEN

It's raining in Atlanta today. It's raining in Capljina as well. I used to love the rain, especially walking in the summer showers on the beach in Florida. Hurricane Andrew changed that. An unwelcome drenching on the outside only served as a reminder of how helpless I felt on the inside. Much the way I feel now.

There are hundreds of reasons it is raining on twos sides of the world today, Georgia and Bosnia. Our climates are similar, seasons a mirror of each other. Still, the dreary, damp and darkness once again paints a bleak, but relevant, picture capturing the essence of hearts broken globally over the loss of a sister, our "Sestra" in Christ, Marica Vega, who went to be with the Lord last night.

I choose to believe the droplets falling from the Heavens, though reminders of our sadness and loss, are the tears wept by Jesus at His great gain - a reunion with his precious, humble servant and most obedient, loving daughter. The disciple, John, could not mention his own name and Jesus' in the same sentence referring to himself only as "the one Jesus loves." It is true of us all. I can picture in my mind's eye as Jesus opens wide His wings, while Marica is now able to run, in her crocks, to Jehovah Rapha who has healed her, the one Jesus loves, of all afflictions and envelopes her now with the warmest embrace. Their tears are different, however. They are tears of joy! Marica is with Our Savior. She has all we could ever want for her. And, still we, and especially her dear husband Andrija, are left wanting . . . for us. More time, with someone dearly loved who gave without exception, who lived as Christ asked, who leaves behind a legacy, a life, we want to emulate. There is never enough time to spend with one such as this, only time to be grateful for the privilege to have known her and apply to our lives the lessons and images she left emblazzened on our hearts.

The Bible says:

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecc 3:1-8

Marica has lived through it all. Nothing broke her spirit, and God fulfilled his promise. His love endures forever, through it all. So, let us weep and let us mourn for “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt 5:4), but let us not forget to laugh and dance. Rejoice! Our sestra is in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I'm quite sure she is smiling her incredible smile with the light beaming down on her face, praising and laughing and dancing with us. She will never leave us. She is a part of us. It rains today, but tomorrow there will be sunshine, and I will think of the light emanating from Marica's face.

Goodbye for now, my sweet Sestra!
Volim te,
Kathy

SURRENDER

It has been a few weeks since I posted. How time seems to stand still following reentry from the mountaintop experience of a mission trip, only to find it hasn’t stopped at all. Time has moved rapidly, while we are the ones still in His presence processing all we have seen and experienced. We are moved beyond words. While there exists a flutter of activity around us, all we hear is the flutter of the southbound birds soaring in the thousands overhead reminding us of the swirl of new movement churning deep within us, beckoning us to process all we experienced and apply it in some meaningful way. But how?

My husband and I struggle with these emotions each time we return from a trip. What does it all mean? Life? Missions? Service? Our Purpose? God’s Will? Where are we going? Where have we been? Why? Ultimately it boils down to one issue – Surrender! Not a complicated word at all to define or understand, yet the application of it seems almost unattainable at times. No sooner do I believe I have surrendered my life, or even a day, an agenda, than I find I have stolen it back.

Still the more we travel abroad, the more we learn about the freedom there is in surrender. It seems counterintuitive. At first, it feels incredibly vulnerable, naked, to be completely barren of all control, hoping and trusting in that which we do not see. Yet, isn’t that what faith is all about? Swinging from the proverbial cliff knowing God has the other end of the rope in his hand. There were glimpses of these moments, where we felt this feeling of utter surrender.

I believe John felt it standing on top of the fortressed walls of Dubrovnik, 1000’s of years old. On the one side, overlooking the Adriatic Sea in all of its beauty, while on the other side, marveling at the age old city ravaged by wars and rebuilt, surrendered and survived. I believe Leland felt it, as he stood atop Capljina, and saw our sister city through the eyes of our dear friend, and Associate Pastor, Predrag as they gazed out upon the Evangelical Church. The church, once dedicated to our Lord despite the vandals and naysayers, now stands pristine, pure and accepted along the banks of the Neretva, God’s house.

Most of all, we see this surrender modeled every day, in every way, in the Christian followers of our partner church. Their humble worship and simple faith is a testament to lives surrendered to Christ Jesus, come what may. They have seen the worst of humanity and still they come, with the greatest, purest, most authentic, submissive faith we have ever witnessed.



“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven!” This is what we see. This is what we saw. How do we bring it here, into our daily lives, into our communities, into our churches and relationships, with reckless abandon and total . . . surrender?!

"Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can't make up your mind."

James 4:7-8 (CEV)

In His Service,
Kathy

http://www.evangelica.ba/en/index.php

TRANSFORMATION

I have a favorite quote from one of my dear friends. I latched onto it, as I do many of her spoken insights as she thinks aloud. We were talking of transformation, when she thoughtfully said, "I think we all want transformation, it's change we don't like!" We all reveled in the truth of her statement. Transformation, true body, mind, spirit overhauling would be fantastic if not for the hardwork involved with the changes required to achieve it. The more work to do the longer it may take, the greater the dedication, commitment and obedience. Oh, the surrender. Are we ever done tweaking and growing, learning and adjusting. Even when we are "grown," we find ourselves still in need of a Savior, every day, in every way.

If I had to sum up our trip to Capljina this month in one word, I would call it "Transformation!" Not that the city has arrived at its ultimate destination of growth, mended fences and hearts, minds and spirits turning towards Christ in vast volumes. No, not yet. However, when considering where the Evangelical Church was 10 years ago and where it is now - Where it was just a year and a half ago, 6 months ago, compared to what I saw two weeks ago, there is a transformation beginning. Something amazing is happening, and I can only attribute it to the profound presence of our mighty and sovereign God in this city. A city that Pastor Bernard, and Mara and Stana before him, vowed not to give up on. A city that the church, the missionaries at Novi Most and both their benefactors, including NPCC and you, our supporters, opted to pour into out of your love for Christ Jesus. In this city, the needle is moving toward positive change, towards loving others, towards rebuilding and taking pride in their city - rightfully showing gratitude for even what little they have.

Last year, the people walking the streets strolled aimlessly with little lift in their step. There was no place to go, the jobs virtually non-existent, all factories still bombed out from the war over a decade ago. Hardly recognizeable, two weeks ago, there was traffic! People and cars, a hum of activity, government jobs kept trucks moving dirt and vegetation cleaning up the banks of the Neretva River, 24/7, causing a traffic jam. Those on foot were many! They greeted us as we walked by. There were smiles, a warmth, an acceptance. We struck up conversation with perfect strangers, unprecedented. We felt not even a little uneasy about inviting them to church, and gracious acceptances were returned. Seeds planted. A small city which uses the "honor system" at 4 way stops is now installing roundabouts to control the increasing flow of traffic. Personally, I have prayed after each trip that the youth might have a movie theater to go to, some fun entertainment place more appealing than the bombed out tobacco factory, a snare for alcohol and drug abusers. To my delight, as we prayer walked the city, we passed the war memorial and came across the new cinema!! Still a work in progress, but there nonetheless, a towering presence of tides changing. And, on the graffiti clad walls of the tobacco factory? There are now postive expressions of love and pride in their city. Perhaps on our next trip, the factory will be in a state of rebuilding as industry, other than the government run variety, moves back to our sister city.

The most stark change was the disappearance of the bombed out building next to the Evangelical Church. The juxtaposition of the former fall of a nation next to the rise of the Evangelical Church captured what was once a dream, a prayer to our Lord and Savior. Now, to see the prayer being answered speaks to the sovereignty of our God. Indeed, through Him, nothing is impossible. He is our strength, our fortress. He alone can tear the old walls down and make them anew. It IS hardwork, but it is a supernatural work, the work of a merciful Father who is defeating the Enemy and freeing a city, and perhaps a country, from the clutches of evil. There are still a lot of cobwebs on the crooked cross, but not for long. The Lord is near. Renewal, Restoration and Resurrection are sure to follow! Hallelujah!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Humbly yours,
Kathy

"GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD" MATTHEW 6:11

Last Friday, we had the amazing privilege to be in Capljina during the "Dan Kruha" or "Day of Bread." I've learned many countries celebrate this feast of bread and baking (see button in the side bar), often in coordination on October 16 and have for years. I'm not certain of the origin, but feel free to post if you can shed light on it. For us, it was a welcome first stop on our prayer walk. Most of the primary school children brought breads and pastries to the town square and sold their goods to benefit the disabled children we worked with on Wednesday evening.

It was incredibly festive as several of the schools represented donned themselves in native costume adding to the flavor of the festivities. Of course, we could not get rid of our kuna (the local currency) fast enough for either the delicous treats, the delightful smiles it brought to the children's faces or in knowing our new friends would be the benefactors. Sadly, there was a presence missing, however. As I read more about this day of celebration, from Israel to Germany and Argentina to Australia, in Capljina, the Muslim children were not allowed to participate. For as much progress as we experienced this trip, there is still so much work to be done on the heart. Our prayer walk continued . . .

We made our usual trek around the city. It is always a wonderful reminder of God's timing and presence. Invariably, He has answered at least one prayer, while other buildings prayed over for years remain in ruins. Our next stop, a former tobacco factory, is riddled with graffiti and continues to rob the teens of Capljina of their youth. It has become a haven for drugs and alcoholism, but this time, amidst the same names prayed over trip after trip, we found praise for the new mayor and expressions of love, while adolescents played soccer in the light of day between the hollowed out shells of what was once a thriving icon of economic prosperity. Tides changing?


Further down the road, we come to the Serbian Orthodox church, bombed out for almost 15 years - a reminder of war and destruction. Today, it is rebuilt, readying itself for opening day, while Pastor Bernard prepares to endear himself to the new priest as he has to the Imam and the Franciscan Priest. The Serbian people will have a place to worship. Another fence will come down, when the scaffolding is removed. Hallelujah!

We ended our day with the jewelry making outreach. This time our mission was different. We planned only to invite the unchurched, the unreached. Our hopes were high for a large turnout, but only one woman, Hermina, came. She was the mother of one of the disabled men from the center Wednesday night. BJ, Nancy and John loved on this family as if they were the only ones in the room, lavishing them with attention and the love of Christ.

Although a showing of one was at first disappointing, Hermina promised to return to the church. A lesson in God's timing, the strength of one, the power of love? Perhaps. I see it as Oswald Chambers stated in "My Utmost for His Highest," . . .

"One life totally devoted to God is of more value to Him than one hundred lives which have been simply awakened by His Spirit."

Friday was a powerful day full of lessons from God above. So much is happening in the city of Capljina, but so much is left to do. Jesus teaches us to pray "Give us today our Daily Bread" Matthew 6:11. This was never so real to me than last Friday, the "Dan Kruha". We petition for our future, but Christ gives us enough for today. One life leaning toward him, enough food to eat, another fence to tear down and the strength to do it, and one more group of people whose absence is felt and acknowledged, an emptiness, work still needed to be done. Give us our daily bread and the courage to act with the Divine strength it gives us, for today.

Be a Blessing,
Kathy

FITTING IN

The last three days have been a bit "puzzling." I wonder about a world, a broken world, with so many problems, so much pain, suffering, war and hatred. We travel miles, across the seas, because we feel called to a country torn by all these things, not the least of which is unforgiveness, and I rack my brain for reasons why we can't find a place on this big blue ball where we'll all fit in. Like a big jigsaw puzzle, we seem to be looking for the perfect piece with the right ins and outs save for one corner that slants sharply instead of gracefully curving. We try to force it, but it simply doesn't fit.

Wednesday night, we held our outreach for the disabled children of Capljina. We brought developmental toys, puzzles among them. I engaged a young girl, tentative to participate during round one, but decided to trust me during round two. Our fun lasted only a few minutes, as I taught her how to find the corners. When I relinquished the tasks to her, she began to cry in frustration. She couldn't find the missing piece which fit. Perhaps the puzzle mirrored her own feelings of the plight of the disabled children of Capljina - no school of their own, needing to be shuttled to Mostar for their education, in search of a place to fit in. As she walked away from the table, my heart broke. If only she knew how her actions captured such a profound reality about the human condition. How we all feel our inadequacies and place far too much of our identity in whether or not we accomplish tasks others call upon us to perform, instead of loving God and loving others as Christ has called us to do. She fits in more than she knows, as much as anyone.


Yesterday, we took a trip to the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. What an incredible blessing to walk the walls of the fortressed city gazing out upon the Adriatic Sea to one side and hundreds of barrel tiled roof tops of various hues - yellow, oranges and reds - to the other side. The old city seemed to fit together as it's own puzzle, harmoniously from above. Yet, take the stairs down below and you can easily become lost in the chaos of only slightly differing tonal qualities. Like the most complicated jigsaw, you believe you have picked up the exact shade, and are headed in the right direction, but again, you are lost, not knowing where you fit in without the vantage point only seen from above.

Tonight, we gather at church with non-believing women from the community for a jewelry outreach. We will spend some of the day organizing baubles and beads and practicing making clasps for necklaces. Very few of us really know how to do this ourselves, so we are praying for some Divine Intervention! My clasps may not fit properly. I might get frustrated like my puzzle partner Wednesday night. I wish she could be here to see me - imperfect, not fitting in, flawed. There is one thing about a mission trip. It humbles you and teaches you, we are all the same, all over the world. None of us fit in perfectly.

My puzzle partner ran up to me at the end of our evening at the center and threw her arms around me saying, enthusiastically, "I like you!" in Croatian. My heart skipped a beat! She got the point after all. Life is not about fitting in perfectly. It is about spending time with each other, bearing one another's burdens and liking each other. Somehow, at the end of the day, it smooths out the sharp edges and smooths out the corners, until we all fit in well enough.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

Still in One Peace,
Kathy

LOVE

Last night, about 30 of us gathered at the Evangelical Church for a time of worship and praise, followed by prayer and a sharing of testimonies. Those with specific prayer needs, Pastor Bernard anointed with oil. A powerful presence felt by all left us emotionally drained, but spiritually awakened and, for many, restored to a sense of wholeness.

Although unable to join in Croatian song, the team managed to immerse in the essence of the Spirit which enveloped the room. Some things transcend language. While snow fell from Sarajevo to the mountains surrounding the city of Capljina, sending the brisk Bura (north winds) rushing through the streets, around every corner, seemingly without means for escape, inside the sanctuary, hearts were melting - afire for Jesus. Amidst the candlelit room of raised hands, not even the unprecedented early arrival of the Bura could penetrate these hearts and douse the fire raging within.

The passion, transparency and authenticity of the Bosnian people ignited the night. Many commented about how amazing it is to come together from across the oceans to worship the same God. For this, we gave thanks. Such a simple blessing. Such a small thing. It serves as a reminder of the truism in Mother Teresa's words. . . "We can do no great things; only small things with great love"

"I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you." John 13:34

in His Love,
Kathy

THROUGH TEARS, LAUGHTER

It was a looong 1st day as we embarked on our journey abroad at 4:35pm Atlanta time with a bit of a luggage snafu which, miraculously, only resulted in one lost bag. Unfortunately, it is the bag containing all the toys and games for the outreach with the disabled children scheduled for Wednesday. So, right out of the starting gates, we would appreciate prayers for a speedy return of this bag or a Plan B better than the first. So like God to redirect our steps to something bigger, better, greater and beyond anything we could ever have imagined. Our faith is in Him, and we know He will be glorified, no matter what.

Toss in three legs to our journey, more than one language barrier, some sleep deprivation and Leland Holder, and you've got a recipe for much laughter. To keep this "G" rated, suffice it to say, Leland seems to be a target for "wanding" through security checkpoints. For starters, we've concluded, either all airports need to invest in the private, curtained scanning booths or Mr. Holder needs to stop losing weight just in case he's asked to remove his belt and place it on the conveyor belt. We can't decide who should play him the the movie version of "Leland goes Global," either Martin Short in his Ed Grimley persona holding up his pants, or Tim Conway shuffling his feet slowly to keep his pants from falling down. His team was no support at all, snickering from the sidelines. Good fodder already and sure to get exaggerated as the week gains momentum. Kathy (me) is doing caffeine! The new tag line being, "You don't WANT her on that wall. You don't NEED her on that wall!"

There were so many laughs with the team and with our family here, just 24 hours into our trip. Adrija insisted, as usual, we are not to return home. No more of this back and forth. We'll just stay here together in Bosnia, as brothers and sisters, until we are together in Heaven. Nono, Associate Pastor, has been shuttling many visitors this week, to and from Sarajevo, and us, to and from Split. He could hardly keep his eyes open at dinner making an encrypted reference to Bugs Bunny holding his eyes open with toothpicks, then tossing his head back with that wide grin and contagious laugh which makes his eyes smile too. Some things translate despite language barriers.

By night's end, the Atlanta weather caught up with us and it was flooding in Capljina. Tony (our translator) said he'd never seen anything like it, and John Morgan, our team appointed driver, couldn't find reverse, on the stick shift, in the van. It was another adventure that only brought more laughter in our over-tired state. Fortunately, Tony bailed us out and got us home.

Still there's a heaviness offset by a sense of wonder and anticipation. A desire to know where the church and our Bosnian church family goes from here. We watch Bernard meet with benefactors and prepare for his upcoming trip to America and pray for all the success of the next chapter in the life of the Evangelical Church. We pray for funding and support and for God to use them and all gleaned from our past partnership as they go out and become a flagship model for others in the country and a beacon of light reaching out into into their city and beyond. What our roles will become going forward are unknown. Only God knows the answers to these questions behind those tears. As we come alongside our Bosnian family, we hope, as they do, to hear God's voice with indelible clarity that this is not an ending, but a beginning for all of us, a new chapter, a door opening, a new direction, the way of which will be revealed in God's perfect timing.

It is now Tuesday morning. We began with morning prayer and worship, as we will do each day. Our plans for the day are dedicated to prayer, worship and encouragement - a full day at the church, which will eventually include most of the congregation. Please pray for a large turnout tonight. We are certain there will be many tears, and through the tears, more laughter.

PRAY CONTINUALLY

They say you can tell the age of a tree, by the number of rings pressing in around its core. The more encircling it, the more seasoned the tree. This is the image that comes to my mind as I consider the current season of my life. I have reached the time when many of my friends, or their children, are now struck by grave illness. I attend more funerals, deliver more meals, and spend more time in supplication than in praise. My world seems a bit turned unfavorably on axis. A bit of a magnet for the wounded and the broken, I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of suffering souls. More a stream of consciousness prayer warrior, I am left wondering if I have left someone off of my mental list today as I go to our merciful Father in petition. I count on His knowing the meditations of my heart on most days of late, in my feeble attempt to "pray continually."

I wonder why I make promises I cannot keep perfectly. “I will pray for you.” Unless I have a pen and paper, I have to rely on memory in those fleeting conversations. Praying right then and there. Is it just me, I ponder? Or, do we all fall prey to this spiritual blunder? What is our alternative? “I will not pray for you? I don’t have a pen! I might forget. Don’t count on me to remember.” We could run to our cars or homes and jot down another name, I suppose. I’m sure there are many solutions. Still, I don’t know if this is the crux of the problem. I have a pretty decent memory and can retain a lot of information up to a point, but eventually, I am overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of those in trough times and become frozen, unable to pray at all. I lean hard into my Savior and the Spirit within me who “knows not what we ought to pray for, but intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26

Jesus was surrounded by crowds all the time. Those hoping for healing were continually at his feet, literally. In one particular scene, Jesus was almost crushed by a crowd, when a bleeding woman, squeezed through the rings of suffering seekers to touch his cloak. Jesus, at the epicenter of this circle of sickness and sorrow, felt the power leave him. His power was being depleted! It is then, at that moment, Jesus knew someone had touched him.

Was Jesus overwhelmed? Maybe. But, significant to me is that he felt his power leave him. That is precisely how I feel, when I am frozen in my prayer time and my list is lengthy. I feel powerless. I have come before my Savior and I have no words. I don’t even recall all the names for whom I am petitioning anymore. There are too many of them. But, in the very moment I hear another story of cancer, a child’s death or our friend, Gara, in Bosnia who is battling a debilitating disease, someone has touched me as well. I know I am called, like Jesus, to have compassion. But, my power is not like His power. My strength unlike His as well. Therein lays my crisis.

In my arrogance, I have likened myself to Jesus in the story as if my loved ones have come to me for healing. They have not. A prayer and a present may restore and replenish in part, but not in full. So many of us, as caregivers, try to become the hands and feet of Jesus. It is a valiant and noble gesture. We are called to be like Him, but we are not Him. When we are overwhelmed because our power is depleted, it is an earthly power, not a heavenly one. I am not Jesus in the story. I am the bleeding woman. I must find my power in the hem of His garment, just as she, while my loved ones encircle Him, seeking His healing.

We have conditioned ourselves to believe we must, must, must. We should. We do to our own undoing, until there is nothing left for others. We become overwhelmed, then overwrought and are no benefit to those who need us to be like Jesus to them. We, too, need to be restored and replenished, daily, through the touch of his garment.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes? You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” Mk 5:30-31

In 3 days we leave for Bosnia. We are to come alongside our brothers and sisters there to pray and encourage, nothing more, because God will use this gesture of love and grace for His glory. He will provide the healing, the replenishment, the strength they require to keep going, keep reaching the unreached and unchurched, keep persevering. Our prayer request for all of our supporters to pray on our behalf is for God to "help [us] speak and teach [us] what to say" (Exodus 4:12) so that our words will nourish them and edify His people.

We welcome all of your comments, prayers and posts as we FINALLY greet the arrival of our departure day, this Sunday. Please keep checking in as we will update from Bosnia. On behalf of the team, THANK YOU, for your unwavering support of this ministry. We appreciate you more than you know. We are also happy to announce we have exceeded our fund raising goal of $16,800, raising over $23,000! We are so humbled by your generousity and God's grace and provision.

"pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Humbly and Gratefully,
Kathy

WHAT'S IN A NUMBER?

Have you ever considered the importance of a number? I mean, “give or take” we say, as if it’s not really that important. Of course, it depends on what we’re talking about.

Birthdays, for example. I hear 40 is the “new 30,” while 50 is the “new 40.” Funny, though, I don’t see any of my friends clamoring to flip that 9 to a 0, do you? What about all of you sports fans out there? One point in a basketball game drawn from a 3 point basket may be easily overcome in a high scoring game, but if you’re pitching for the Mets, one point ahead, with two men out at the bottom of the ninth, that number matters!

We teach our children how to do math the “old way” – long division and so forth, even though we realize, in a matter of time, they will be just as dependent on a calculator as we are. Why do we do this? Because, in our world, numbers are important. Consider Social Security numbers, UPC codes, and sku numbers. Have you taken a gander at a URL lately or some HTML code. Custom color codes shown as digits, instead of “Cornflower Blue” straight from a box of 64 crayons. Do you remember when the 64 box came out? Or the 96! Wow!

This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Pastor Bernard about the impact the Evangelical Churches are having after suffering through persecution to acceptance and, now, exacting change. A remarkable movement towards forgiveness, since the Evangelical churches only represent 10% of Bosnia’s total population. It is awe inspiring to potentially be on the edge of finding a watching world stand in witness as our family of believers begin to move the needle in this broken land, out of darkness and into the light, with hearts afire for Jesus! At this, Bernard corrected me and said the number of evangelicals, or protestants, in this predominantly Muslim country, actually represents only .0002 (1,000 out of a 3.5 million)! I paused. I must have done the calculation three times on my calculator. Have I misquoted this figure for the last two years? A feeling of doubt began to sweep over me. Ten percent stood a running chance, but .0002? Maybe not! There are too few! The scars run too deep, the hatred and un-forgiveness coursing through vains more greatly outnumber those who now worship a risen Lord than before estimated.

How quickly we must unlearn the ways of our world. Almost immediately, a number of Bible stories came flooding to my mind. In Genesis, Chapter 18: Abraham posing question after question to God – What if 50 righteous people remain? What about 10? The number didn’t matter to God. All would be spared. In Matthew Chapter 15: How will we feed the 4,000? (Forget that Jesus had just blessed 5 loaves and two fishes in Chapter 14 to feed 5,000!) The number was not a stumbling block for God. 2 Chronicles Chapter 20: Jehoshaphat’s victory over combined armies, numerically an egregious advantage to the other side - a seemingly no win situation, yet he reigned victorious as the Lord promised.

For the split second of my waffling, I was like the disciples who forgot about Chapter 14. I forgot the Lord’s words to Jehoshaphat, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b

And, this is what it is in Bosnia, a battle for souls. Souls in need of forgiveness. A forgiveness to be experienced by each other and in the arms of a Savior just waiting to meet them. God doesn’t care about the numbers. No number is too big to save, and no number is too small to use as a conduit for the One relationship which will lead to salvation - for all people, regardless of religion, ethnicity, what they have done in the past. Jesus is available to all of them, and it is happening through the .0002 of evangelicals, give or take, witnessing the love of Jesus in cities like Capljina, Bosnia!

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

By His Grace,
Kathy

NO FEAR

What would it look like to live life without fear? I've often asked myself this question. Every once in a while, I encounter someone who seems to have it figured out. My last trip to Bosnia was just such an occasion.

I first met her during an outreach for new Christian women and seekers in Capljina. It was a jewelry making event. I knew little about creating these artful trinkets. Neither of us could understand a word each other spoke, yet somehow we managed to communicate with a woman’s tendency to speak with flailing arm gestures. Immediately, I could tell she was a woman who knew what she wanted. She cared little whether her necklace of various sizes and shapes had perfect symmetry, only that the black shimmering colors matched; or whether there was slack in her bracelet, as long as everything was included as she created it. There was a contentedness about her. She gave up on perfection long ago. It was not important to her. She had found something more important. Tonight was about joy. Her expectations were clear.

Had I spoken the language, I am certain I would have had a few questions for her, but the evening was fast paced, and there was not much time to unpack this peace she emanated. She left an impression on me.

Later in the week, my group would make a trip to a village for visitations to those in need of prayer. Our last stop was to the business of a fairly new Christian woman under extreme persecution for her new found Christian faith. To my surprise, it was my jewelry partner. She greeted me with a big hug and kiss for both cheeks, as is customary in this country. Inside her shop, we would hear her story, which would illuminate all of the unanswered questions raised the night of our women’s outreach.

She came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ much to the opposition of her entire family. This is not uncommon in this region. Her family is opposed to her decision. A parent has threatened her with imprisonment and even death. When asked what we could pray for on her behalf, she asked if we could pray for the safety of her business and for the salvation of her family. Afterward, she openly solicited questions. Many were asked. But, I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around a loved one who wanted her in prison or, worse yet, dead! This was unimaginable to me. Still, there was something about her. It was beyond forgiveness, beyond grace, something more. It was the same contentedness I saw the night of the outreach, this peace. What was that? How did she get it? So, I asked her, “Do you ever feel in danger or threatened? Are you afraid for your life?” To this she replied (thru a translator), with this same peace and utter confidence, “No, not at all. I would go through all of this again, if the alternative meant not having Jesus in my life.” I realized, then, I was standing before someone who truly trusted the Lord and loved Him with a perfect love.

John tells us about this truth, about the incompatibility of love and fear, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, (1 John 4:18b). I think I finally understood how short I fall in the fear-based life I lead. My fear of the unknown, my anxieties and my worries, the “what ifs”, the “things are going too well,” it must be my turn next! Have you ever had these thoughts? This woman has known worse things and still loves and praises Jesus for what He is going to do next. I have seen Jesus do great things in my life, and still fear the table is going to turn as I watch the tragedies which surround me. Her reality is the trinket is perfect in its imperfection. She sees herself, her circumstances and others as God sees, which affords her perfect love, perfect peace, unfathomable faith and no fear.

We could all heed a lesson from my new friend’s pearls of wisdom. Whether strung together or gazed upon in isolation, her message hangs together, timeless and relevant, and is as brilliant as the black beads she hand selected of every shape and size to create her masterpiece, just as God created her.

"Fear never wrote a symphony or a poem, negotiated a peace treaty or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that." (a)

(a) Lucado, Max, "Fearless", Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2009


Peace,
Kathy

DISPOSABLE INCOME

Driving around Atlanta thinking of ways I could support our Bosnian friends, now family, I came to the conclusion it would have to be by other means. We don’t have much “disposable income,” I rationalized. If only God could use me in some other way. If my writing could be used to glorify Him, while at the same time cast a beacon of light on the plight of our brothers and sisters in need of so much, yet with great faith petition for very little. Still, the words, “disposable income” disturbed me. They hung in my head on a noose and caught in my throat, choking me as I spoke them aloud. The face of a Bosnian child begging for throw away coins haunted me. I asked myself, "Who coined such a phrase?" An oxymoron at a minimum, a slap in the face of our current economy if nothing else. It was then I realized, again I had fallen into the snare of our culture. No longer thinking of first fruits, I was considering leftovers. How quickly I fall. Only a few months ago, our pastor gave a sermon series on financial balance. How we tend to spend, repay debt and taxes before saving and charitable giving, when in reality the list would be far more generous and far more tax favorable if we followed this regimen in reverse. I rationalize with some kind of loopy logic that we are “robbing Peter to pay Paul” as it is. Then, something happens to me when I arrive in Bosnia. Things of this world fall away and, all of a sudden, I am rich! Rich in treasures not measured by man, but abundantly blessed with grace and love, hope and friendship, a connection which transcends understanding. A part of my heart is there. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) Suddenly, I have enough.

My thoughts gradually have meandered over a week’s time to the support letters we have prayerfully written and sent asking for both prayer and financial support of our trip. I think many of us on past and present trips bristle at the fund raising aspect of missions. I came to a conclusion this week. I believe it is because of our list. I believe it is because we have fallen into our worldly thinking again, and our lists are turned on end, leftovers instead of first fruits. We’ve failed to give our loved ones an opportunity to weigh in on the health of their own lists. I have to remind myself, my team and our readership, if God has called us on this trip, He will show us - He will show you - how to support it. We will go, you may send, or you may pray. But, it is not a worldly decision. It is an eternal one. No level of support, no type of support, is more or less important.

In fact, earlier this year, I participated in a walk for Breast Cancer in memory of my mother. I sent a fundraising letter to someone special who I knew would never be able to support me financially. She did not have any “disposable income.” Still, I wanted this person to know what I was doing. The fundraising did not go well at first, until finally a response. It was from the person I least expected a reply. The support was not financial; it was a blessing and a praise. In the end, this became my greatest supporter, a gift from God.

On behalf of the October Prayer Team, I want to say to all of our blog readers, prayer warriors, and “senders” offering donations, you have blessed us. Titus walked the land we trek in Bosnia, at that time Dalmatia. And, as Paul said to the Corinthians, speaking of sowing generously, after Titus' trip to Macedonia

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you." 2 Cor 9:12,14

In His service,
Kathy

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

Travel back with me to the time of the great Martin Luther King, Jr., when his dream lay only but a dream inside a brilliant mind. How far we have come as a nation from such time of segregation and persecution of basic civil rights. Recall the marches and the children, the future, now many our leaders. What if we never moved the needle off of where we had been? What if today our children were still segregated to such extremes, where there was no opportunity for intercultural growth? On the contrary, the only alternative facing the youth was to widen the chasm created by generations of hatred and un-forgiveness. It is unfathomable to believe this is the reality in many a nation today. This is the reality of Bosnia-Herzegovina. According to a recent article by msnbc.com, “Bosnia’s ethnic divisions are evident in schools.”, Bosnia stands as “one of the worst examples of segregation in Europe.” I have witnessed it on past trips and written about the struggles just last year -- threats of pulling the Muslim students out of the primary school there to send them to another building, formally used for detention and torture of Muslims during the war. Each visit brings new issues to light, more unimaginable than the next. As uncomfortable as it is to read the msnbc article from August 23, 2009 (see sidebar for a link to it), I cannot help but feel a sense of relief to see global attention given to this issue. Three ethnicities of children being taught in shifts, from differing textbooks that their nation’s capital is not the same. Religious slurs taught as truisms securing the hatred and persecution passed down from generation to generation.

All of this can be seen in Capljina, Bosnia. Our church family there has brought to light a new issue regarding the teachers. Their pay has been cut in half due to the recession. So little keeps this economy going as it is. The unemployment hovers at around 50%. The speculation is there may be a strike. The last strike lasted 2 months and school starts today. I suppose the only thing worse than segregated school days are no school days at all.


All this in the span of about two weeks! We also began discussing what we might be doing on our visit there – potentially working with disabled children and visiting the refugee camps. Yes! They still exist. Since ruminating over the statistics, the articles, the memories and prayer requests for the children of late and pondering all God has in store for us as we prepare our hearts, bodies, minds and souls for our mission, I cannot help but think of a verse from Whitney Houston’s famous song, “The Greatest Love of All”

“I believe the children are our future.
Teach them well, and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”


Why can’t that happen in this country, Bosnia, which we have grown so passionate about, whose people we have come to love and admire for their resiliency and perseverance? I believe the lyrics later reference the greatest love is inside of us. Indeed! But, it is not a self love. At least, not alone. It is the love of a Savior!

Therein is where the answer lies. This is what the Evangelical Church of Capljina is trying to do: to create a unique environment where others might grow in a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus, to reach the unreached, to unite a community, to break down the walls which divide them, to start with one city, one corner of their world that might shine like a city on a hill. How will they accomplish all this? A tall order! They will do this with love, "The Greatest Love of All," the unconditional love of an all powerful, merciful, faithful and sovereign God who gave his only son for all mankind. "Christ in [us}, the hope of glory" Col 1:27b.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Please pray for the school systems in Bosnia, particularly in Capljina. Pray for the teachers and for the children. Thank you for your support.

Still in One Peace
Kathy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ECC!

I am a big believer in marking milestones, celebrating victories, placing a pin in turning points -- good or bad. Without these signposts, I cannot reflect as effectively on where I have been, nor praise the One who delivered me, redeemed me, rejoiced with me, carried me, empowered me, cried with me and equipped me.

We did not make a fuss about birthdays when I was young. Consequently, I am an avid proponent of them now. As soon as my birthday is over, I am already looking forward to the next. "Mark them!" I say. "Which one was your favorite?" I'll ask. "Tell me about it." It tickles me to hear my husband's response to this question when others inquire. "So, Mike, which birthday was your best?" Without hesitation, he responds with the enthusiasm of a child, "10! Double digits were HUGE!" He is my joy mentor. There continues to be a 10 year old trapped in his 40-something body, ever ready for reason to celebrate.

This morning, I discovered one . . . a reason to celebrate. The Evangelical Church in Capljina, Bosnia just turned 10 years old! I watched online as they began collecting pictures, signposts, of their victories and milestones to mark their journey, an arduous, but fruitful road to redemption and celebration.

On many levels, it is hard to believe a decade has passed. On the one hand, this seems like a young church. On the other, once only a small gathering in our hosts' home then a tiny mustard seed planted on the banks of the Neretva River from which a mighty oak has grown, providing the necessary refuge and shade, comfort and nourishment for the seekers who have come. In that way, the church and her congregation seems greater and wiser, beyond her years. This is a place that has been tested and challenged, ridiculed, defaced, stoned. In stark contrast today, a decade later, this house of worship is accepted by the community. Walls which divided a people socially, ethnically, politically and religiously have crumbled by the power of the people who have congregated inside them and left their burdens at the foot of the cross,giving their lives to Christ. Enemies have found forgiveness and grace. The broken and wounded have found healing. Just 2 years ago, the town square map did not acknowledge the existence of The Evangelical Church yet, now, it's presence is graced by a marker - the Cross. It is a place where one may find a path leading to a Savior to free them from the chains that continue to bind a country, a region, from decades of oppression.


If you ever are in Capljina, look for the markings on the map and the mighty tower of the ECC standing steadfast, resolute and tall despite 10 years of rough road to reach this glorious day of celebration. Until then, join us as we mark it, together, in grateful praise to our merciful, faithful and soveriegn God who receives all the glory for all He has done and will continue to do through this church, its leadership in Pastor Bernard, and his congregation. Praise be to God!


Happy Birthday, ECC! We love you,
The NPCC Teams

"Rejoice with those who rejoice" Romans 12:15a

TEAM UNITY

Have you ever been a part of team? Maybe you were asked to join a church committee or perhaps you are a teacher, a member of the faculty. Athletes aren’t the only ones called to experience the team dynamic. The corporate arena is inundated with opportunities to work in unison with others with different skill sets toward a common goal. This is the intriguing part to me, the differences. One might hope those joined together to form a unit fulfilling a common interest might share similarities creating a cohesiveness from the start. Yet, it has been my experience this is seldom the case.

Think of it, a football team would hardly be effective with 11 running backs, not one good wide receiver or quarterback among them. The same principle holds true for a choir or band, teachers or corporate teams. We need the visionaries and the dreamers, the pragmatists and the realists, the listeners and the mouthpieces, the leaders and the followers, they all play a part. Separately, there may be discord in their setting, but brought together, particularly when there is a realization of the gifts they bring, a harmony can evolve.

The keys to experiencing this unity and balance is in knowing what you bring, knowing what you offer and what you do not. Recognizing your gifts as well as the gifts of others. Where yours end and theirs begin. Most of all, we must recognize all gifts are God given and to be used to glorify Him. When we serve God as a team, in this sense, we are acting as the church in the world, one body many members, each reliant on the other.

As my family and I were driving through the country, we came across a picturesque site. It was a rusty old shed, doubtfully used for anything anymore, barely standing next to the gnarliest yet distinguished old tree, not a leaf upon it. Covering the ground was the intimation that spring would soon arrive in a wide spreading patch of daffodils, their brilliant yellows spectacular against a backdrop of winter grays and rusted metal. Deep in the meadow these elements fixed themselves intertwining each other with a sense of belonging. Apart from one another, there was no story to tell, but together in harmonious splendor, they were a team, not detracting from the next, but adding to it.

The effervescent yellow blossoms, so positive and upbeat, with nary a clue how short lived her contribution would be to the team. The old shed no longer consulted for much, now a tremendous support for the vines which would cross through him, remnants of which still dangled beneath the roof. He was a battered and rusty spectacle, but his incredible support of the vines to come were only secondary to the crotchety old tree, hundreds of years old now leaning her heaviest branches on his rooftop, propping up the old girl. Her leaves would render her heavy calling many tiny creatures and birds to nest in her comfortable branches soon. They always make her feel useful and needed as well. She is so grateful for her team.

I am too. Each of us comes together with a bit of knee knocking, wondering what we bring. Soon we will realize there is something God has specifically woven in each of us, a fiber runs through our fabric. Like the vines run through the shed, we will be connected as one, knitted together into a single garment blanketing our Bosnian family. Like the picturesque scene in the country, we will be drawn to that which God will create. Not by the gifts of one, but by the gifts of the whole, woven as one . . . BJ's mercy, Leland's authenticity, Lynne's encouragement, Sandy's goodness, John's gentleness, Janet's devotion, Nancy's caring, Kathy's love . . . and so much more. More than we know at this point, maybe more than we'll ever know. And, that's okay.

This is our team. And, I love them. BJ, Leland, Lynne, Sandy, John, Janet, Nancy, & Me. Please pray for our unity, strength and endurance. Pray that we will grow our gifts, embrace our limitations, and surrender all to our Lord and Savior.

In One Peace,
Kathy

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ro 15:5-6

FISHERS OF MEN

At Northpoint Church, we have a relationship with a number of strategic partners around the world, like The Evangelical Church in Capljina, Bosnia - international churches led by indigenous pastors, such as Pastor Bernard, who align with the North Point model. These partnerships are developed through strategic consulting, team trips, and various other resources to help them create churches that unbelievers love to attend. The long-term goal of these relationships is to help these churches become flagship models that will influence other churches within their countries to rethink the way they do church. In post war torn Bosnia, I would render to say a new layer was added to the primary mission of leading others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout our years together in partnership, we have seen, not just the hearts of the unchurched or unbelievers moved by what is happening through the leadership of Pastor Bernard and his congregation, but the churched as well. Walls which divided cities, villages, a country and a people, also created ethnic and religious barriers, making forgiveness an impossible virtue. Tolerance had no moral position in a country divided. Yet, in a small, unique and unprecedented oasis found on the banks of the Neretva, Muslims (Bosniaks), Croates (Catholics), Serbians (Orthodox) along with our Evangelical brothers and sisters have found a place where all are welcome. Come as you are. God will meet you there. No questions asked. You are forgiven. We are all forgiven. Here you will find love. Pure and simple. And, Peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

This October trip will be a very special prayer trip, unlike those in the past. It is the first time we will make the near two day jaunt (with the boost of a 6 hour time difference) since hearing of the changing relationship between Northpoint Community Church, our home, and The Evangelical Church, our strategic partner. It is a bittersweet time. Our partnership has been a successful one. And, like every student must some day leave the nest to fulfill their true purpose, every bird must eventually learn to fly on its own, Northpoint will move on, looking for other partners in other parts of the world; where there is a need and a desire to create relevant church environments, which will draw people back to the heart of Christ or perhaps draw them there for the very first time.

The "bitter" comes when we realize our times together are now limited. We wonder, like the uncertainty that comes with each of life's crossroads, "Will they think we have forgotten them?" As a college student pulls away from his family home, so much excitement and wonder, challenges and growth opportunities, in store, yet how many thoughts and emotions, positive and negative swirl through the graduate's head as well as those left standing on the curb. But, speak to Pastor Bernard, a man full of faith and he remembers our God is faithful.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isa 49:15-16

Pastor Bernard knows God is true to His promises. Our invested time together was to create a flagship model and as we came alongside him and his amazing team, we watched them build their vessel. The ship is ready to set sail! This is the "sweet" part. The Evangelical Church is strategically positioned to fulfull the Great Commission in their own part of the world, "to make disciples of all nations" (Mat 28:19), to follow Jesus and become "fishers of men" (Mat 4:19). Hallelujah!


We are so excited to go and be with them, to encourage them in this transitional time full of questions and unknowns, not knowing how God is going to do it, just that He will! The reality is whomever God calls to this church through these amazing vessels of His love and grace, they most likely will not have the income to support the church. Few do, as the unemployment still hovers around 50%. But, we know our God is mighty and sovereign and when we surrender our plans to Him, He will show us the way.

Please pray with us, for us, for them. We are grateful for your support in any way - of this trip, of the Evangelical Church. Praise God for all He has done to bring us to this day, for all of His abundant blessings. May the name of Jesus become famous in this region so wrought with the need of His healing touch.

In His grip,
Kathy

WHO WILL GIVE THE BLESSING?

We are a prayer team headed to Bosnia to support and encourage a partner church, The Evangelical Church of Capljina, which has faced seemingly insurmountable odds, personally as individuals and together as a congregation. The building structure itself has been stoned as little as two years ago. These are a people who have been persecuted, hated and oppressed. Why? Because they love Jesus and they worship Him in a contemporary setting which is as unfamiliar as the land to which we travel. It would be understandable if our brothers and sisters questioned God's provision over the years, both during the war and since. Rebuilding and finding hope among the hopeless has been an indescribable journey.

Now, I want you to picture a familiar setting - your family, clamoring around the dinner table, maybe you are the child, perhaps all grown up, now the parent. Capture the visual in your mind's eye. It could be a special occasion, Thanksgiving? Christmas? The children are jockeying for position. No one is taking the seat at the head of the table, but no one quite knows who's going to sit there, or it could be a given, a non-issue. Finally, everyone is settled in, even the family pet is positioned to receive renegade morsels of runaway goodness. Then, comes the question? "Who will give the blessing?" I know in my house, this usually ends the clamor. Silence falls upon the scene followed by the ritual of eyes darting around the table in chaotic triangular patterns. Finally, someone offers. The food is blessed. God is praised for his provision, and the evening continues without incident.

Last April, I had the opportunity to visit our amazing church family in Capljina for my second trip. As we gathered for a prayer meeting, again I was humbled at how my brothers and sisters pray, so slow to petition but quick to praise and give thanks. At the outset, Pastor Bernard suggested we begin with only praise, all of us, in unison. I ask you once again to picture a setting. There were maybe 15 - 20 people, 8 of us American, all praising El Elyon, God, Our Most High, for who He is, for all He has done, for all He is going to do, for His Providence, for being who He says He is, for delivering His promises, and on and on we went for several minutes in grateful praise and different languages. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house afterward. Who will give the blessing? Indeed! We all will. And, God will bless us in return. He already has.

I have often said, I don't know who is blessed more by these mission trips, the short-term missionaries, our brothers and sisters we are supporting, or those who support us through prayer, financial support, and encouragment. I just know we are "Blessed by Bosnia." Who will give the blessing? We all will. Won't you join us?

https://ssl.northpoint.org/ssl/globalx/giving.html

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6

Slava Bogu!
Kathy