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