A network of small new communities reaching out to the next generation

 Hi Friends,

Thank you for your prayers which are treasured more than you know. We have spent the last 48 hours visiting numerous churches and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In each location there are lovely young people and children who attend, listening and engaging. We are so grateful to those who are working with them (whether through football, or regular youth outreach, friendship or just invitations and refreshments). It is a beautiful thing to see such a desire to reach many who need to know the one who brings eternal joy and freedom from Sin. 

Something special is happening. This is a glorious opportunity. In this place there is a true sense of community. Serbia does not suffer from many of the barriers (and broken community issues) we see in the UK especially when it comes to sharing faith through invitations to church or guest events. There is a sense of freedom, as we declare the one who knows the worst about us but loves us anyway. Yes, this culture knows hardship (there is rural poverty and economic hardship), and for some that means hard heartedness. Yes, there is a religious (satanic) superstition which manifests itself in a lack of faith or readiness to respond to salvation in Christ alone, but there are also those who are listening, responding to his voice, and are emerging under Godly youth pastors and couples who lead youth ministry. I believe a new day could clearly be around the corner for many churches here. A next generation could clearly emerge on fire for the gospel. Pray hard. May God open the door to overflowing. We would love to see how we could encourage these fledgling youth ministries with partnerships connected to the UK, Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro (and maybe further afield). In this there would be many mutual benefits. There is a great beauty and simplicity in this culture, a refreshing connection with people and our deepest needs.  We are praying for 16 churches (10 Romanian speaking and 6 Serbian), the hub also which connects them all.

Please pray about this. Please pray too for those who were deeply moved by the declaration of the gospel tonight and last night. Would God open their hearts to receive him and not just be moved. Please pray also for our strategic day tomorrow with leaders of many churches in this network. May we all be flexible to the mission of God, and surrender to his glorious purposes as we hear his loving voice. May there be a joy and unity in surrender as we fit in with his glorious plans together. May the next generation see great days ahead as we obey, serve and sacrifice in order that they would be increasingly fruitful in his purposes.

Thank you again for your partnership.

Glory to the one who saves, brings a new day, restores people, gifts leaders, and saves communities.