Belfast via Serbia
Cath recently moved from England to be part of the team who are planting Redeemer Central. Before that she lived in Serbia for 4 months. Read on to find out why.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matt 28:19
Jesus left us with this great commission – to make disciples of all nations. What a task! He didn’t call us only to meet on a Sunday and get to know others at our “church” better – although that’s a great thing to do. He called us to “all nations”.
What is “all nations”?
It is not every country, it is each people group. Today in the UK it is easier to meet different people groups in our own town/city. “Mission” work is on our doorstep as well as overseas. Therefore “mission” isn’t something a handful of Christian’s can do – we can all be involved.
I have a heart for Europe – for Europe to turn back to God, to live in the fullness of His glory. I feel blessed to have served a church in Serbia – being part of 10-day teams and living for 4-months in Niš (pronounced Neesh) - and also to be part of Redeemer Central in Belfast.
Where is Serbia?
Serbia forms part of the Balkans, eastern Europe and was part of the former Yugoslavia. The country is a former Communist state with the main religion being Christianity (Greek Orthodox). To be Serbian is to be Greek Orthodox; it has become part of their identity. Many Serbians I met said they were Christian even if they didn’t go to church because they were born in Serbia. Any other form of Christianity is seen as a cult or too western. There are Evangelical, Baptist, Presbyterian churches dotted around the country but they can feel very isolated. It is difficult for churches to become a legal-entity. At present for a church to be recognised it requires the signature of 1,000 members, not an easy task when church-planting!
Niš is the third largest city in Serbia, situated in the south-east. Niš is a crossroads of the Balkans and from ancient times been considered as a gateway between east and west. You can reach 5 capital cities within 2/3 hours. It is a university city, with over 30,000 students at 13 faculties.
The Good News church in Niš became part of the New Frontiers family in 2006 and has had connections with churches in Norfolk for over 10 years. With some help from UK churches they purchased and renovated a house in 2006 (I think) which has enabled them to serve the local community and hold church services. The church is an international church – Serbian, Russian, English, Czech people regularly attending. One of my favourite memories is a Thursday morning at Kafe Pauza – the ladies meet every Thursday to prayer, support each other. There were at least 4 nationalities between 7 of us – translations flying around the room, it was electric.
The church serves the community in many ways: student nights – once a fortnight the building is open to students to hang out together, MAD days – many Kosovan refugees attend, once a month either a quiz night or bingo night – a chance for the church to spend quality time together and to invite their friends to share in the fun, during the warmer months Mother and Toddler group – support for mothers and parenting tips, craft workshops. Once a year they receive Humanitarian Aid from a Swiss-based group. This year they were able to bless over 300 families in the city with much needed clothing and supplies.
The church vision is to be a self-supporting church – to be able to fund projects itself and to have the manpower to run projects. They love hosting international teams and are greatly encouraged by the support and love they bring but they would love for more people in their own church to step out and serve. This is one of their biggest prayer – Balkan people serving Balkan people.
Another big prayer is to raise up influential students, to be grounded in Christ and a passion to change Serbia. There are more students attending church regularly who have a desire to continue living in Serbia and make an impact on the country.
What can you do?
You can do as much as you want.
Pray for the Nation and region – political stability, resources to be shared across the nation (there is a north/south divide)
Pray for the church – serving hearts, improve relationships with other churches in area, Serbians to step out and join the team, Mature-in-Christ Serbian/Balkan couple to support Elder
If you would like to serve the church in Niš or require further information please contact us.
Tags: Church, Church planting, Life, Travel
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