Bosnia Trip Report #3
Gina and I had a quick conversation this afternoon. She sounded really good (even though it was 11:30pm there). She said to tell everyone hello and to thank you all again for your prayers. I think she's enjoying the trip...she said she could definitely see coming back someday.
They had dinner tonight with a missionary, Pat Heffernan, from the town of Trebinje. I met Pat when I was in Bosnia last year and have gotten involved in a project to raise financial support for the local women that she helps manage. I'm glad Gina got to meet her. It's neat and insightful to get to spend time with a missionary in the field.
Gina gave me an update on the two guys from the first trip report, the Muslim and Serb who had argued about soccer. During one of their conversations, the Muslim guy asked about race relations in the United States. Gina said that Roger explained that there were definitely issues, but the church had helped change things. They told the class that one of the things they loved about the church North Point (and Capljina) models is it's love for everyone. The church tries to see everyone as God sees them, equally loved and pursued, regardless of race or ethnicity. She said the guy commented that he could see that.
They found out the Serbian guy had called the church earlier and asked if he, being a Serb, could attend the classes. They told him he was completely welcome, and he was brave enought to attend. Now, both a Muslim and a Serb are in a little church in Capljina, Bosnia commenting on how they both feel welcome and safe. It's pretty amazing that in that culture, the church has created an environment where that can happen. Wow! If you don't feel like your financial support and prayers for our partner churches makes a difference, here's proof they do!
Keep checking back for updates...
Jason
They had dinner tonight with a missionary, Pat Heffernan, from the town of Trebinje. I met Pat when I was in Bosnia last year and have gotten involved in a project to raise financial support for the local women that she helps manage. I'm glad Gina got to meet her. It's neat and insightful to get to spend time with a missionary in the field.
Gina gave me an update on the two guys from the first trip report, the Muslim and Serb who had argued about soccer. During one of their conversations, the Muslim guy asked about race relations in the United States. Gina said that Roger explained that there were definitely issues, but the church had helped change things. They told the class that one of the things they loved about the church North Point (and Capljina) models is it's love for everyone. The church tries to see everyone as God sees them, equally loved and pursued, regardless of race or ethnicity. She said the guy commented that he could see that.
They found out the Serbian guy had called the church earlier and asked if he, being a Serb, could attend the classes. They told him he was completely welcome, and he was brave enought to attend. Now, both a Muslim and a Serb are in a little church in Capljina, Bosnia commenting on how they both feel welcome and safe. It's pretty amazing that in that culture, the church has created an environment where that can happen. Wow! If you don't feel like your financial support and prayers for our partner churches makes a difference, here's proof they do!
Keep checking back for updates...
Jason
posted by atlantaclimber at 7:50 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home