First Days

Hello friends and family,

Sorry we are just now getting to update, we have been going nonstop since we arrived in Prokuplje a little over 24 hours ago, and have not established an internet connection in our apartment yet, but we have access at Marijan’s apartment (Roma Pastor).

The trip here was extremely long and tiresome. We had no layovers between flights long enough to sit for even 30 minutes, and in Chicago and Zurich both we had to exit and re-enter security. When we arrived in Belgrade we were short one bag, thankfully it was our supply bag not our clothes. We then looked for Rodja, the Serbian pastor in Novi Sad who was going to accompany us and translate for a week in Prokuplje. He never showed up, and after about one and a half hour of waiting with no way of contacting anyone God sent us Marijan. Rodja’s car had broken down, so he called Marijan who came to get us. It is no surprise that God will always provide a way for His people and His work.

We then began our “3 hour” journey south in Marijan’s car with about an hour of sleep on the plane ride J.  After about 25 minutes driving we had to stop because the oil light in the car came on and it was close to overheating. This became our new routine, with no AC I might add, and 95 degree weather. Stopping every 15-20 miles to let the motor cool down and to add oil, as we baked in the sun.  Along the way we came to the worst traffic jam of our lives. This journey turned into 9 hours!!

The first place we come to in Prokuplje is their church. Just in time for service. After being awake for about 30 hours we arrive, and are prompted to share with the church. We gave brief introductions and I shared I little about telling others about Christ usuing the great commission and Acts 2. We had dinner and took showers with no hot water, both by choice, and because the hot water heater was not yet working.

Today (Monday) we began our children’s camp at a building in the village built by UNICEF that is used for after school tutoring during the school year. Almost 50 children attended!!! This was amazing! Some of these children have never been to church, and they all seemed to enjoy. We told a bible story about creation, then had snacks, and then quizzed over the lesson and sang songs.

This is already reason enough for the struggles that Satan attempted to get us down with. Satan doesn’t need to bother people who aren’t seeking Christ and honoring him, he attacks those who are doing things for Christ. Our time here will be very fruitful for Christ, as we have seen just the first full day. We expect Him to move in our lives and the people around us. We appreciate all the prayers (with out them we would probably be either on the side of the road, or feeling very defeated, but because of you we are here, and excited!!!) and the donations that got us here. Thanks so much!!

Daniel