As we drive along the bumpy roads of North Croatia, we see children run alongside our van just as one would see in the movies. These children are so excited to see their faithful friend, Patricia - a lady who lives and breathes the grace of God as she visits these children in the Roma camps weekly. There are 700 children in one village - more than half the population of that village.

Little curious faces watch us as we pull up, wondering what these strange people are doing in their village. As soon as we get out of the van with a soccer ball, the boys are ready to play. Little girls carry their baby sisters around, taking as good care of them as possible. They flock to the camera and laugh gleefully as their photos are taken. For many, it is the first time they have been able to see their gorgeous little faces.
Sharing God’s love with these children who are so quickly neglected by others was a wonderful experience. We told them Bible stories and much to their joy, sang a song in their language. The smiles on their faces filled us with a sadness as we realised that they had nothing - not even the most important thing, Jesus Christ - in their hearts.

Our hearts break for these children who just want to be loved and cared for. More than anything they need to know that God loves them, that they have a hope - something that is so much more than this world can offer, something that will last. That they have a Father that loves them perfectly. Just how they are.
Not being able to speak their language was one of the hardest things but showed us all the importance of showing love through actions (1 John  3:18)

How powerful God’s love is. It knows no bounds. No language barrier will stop His love from penetrating through to the heart. What a big and glorious God we have. What a big and important job we have.

Proclaiming the Word from the Mountain Tops!

Webster's dictionary defines Croatia as: an independent country SE Europe; a constituent republic of Yugoslavia 1946–91 comprising Croatia, Slavonia, & most of Istria & the Dalmatian coast ＊ Zagreb area21,829 square miles (56,537 square kilometers), pop 4,437,460. OM Europe's Transit Team defines Croatia as: beautiful, sea, hot, holidays and mountains. As you can see we all have different opinions but there is one thing we all agree on-CROATIA NEEDS GOD!

It has been amazing to see how God wants to use us here in Croatia. Every morning at 6:30 A.M. sharp we hike up to the top of a mountain that looks over Split. To see God's creation with the sun rising over the city is breathtaking. We want to share with you a few stories on how God is using our team. Here's Carrie's story.

We have been looking at the prayer life of Jesus and how often he went up the mountain to pray. Most times he wanted to be alone. One day I decided to stay at the top to do my daily devotions. I was sitting on the edge looking out into the city when a lady approached me. She said to me seven simple words, "Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" I was completely blown away that 1. a Croat approached ME first and 2. asked me about Jesus. I managed to get out "WHY YES I AM!!" (probably a little to excited) From that point on the conversation was nothing but questions and answers. God gave me the opportunity to present the gospel and pray with her. Praise the Lord! I saw her a couple more times throughout the week and a relationship was built. How amazing is our God!

Please continue to pray for our team and our time here in Croatia. All the Glory be to GOD!

PRAYER REQUEST

This week we have been having lectures on Evolution vs. Creation. Dr. Charles Jackson, a Professor from the United States, is leading these seminars. We want to ask for prayer from all of our follwers around the world as tonight is the last night of the lectures. As you can imagine, there are not many creationist in the crowd. Please pray for physical and spiritual safety for Dr. J, that the evolutionist's hearts would be open, and that God would reveal himself to these lost people.

Quick Update

Well...it has been awhile! We do not have internet where we are staying-sorry! We have been very busy by starting our days off climbing a mountain and working on a Christian book store during the day. God blessed us with the great opportunity to go to Germany for the weekend. While there we attended a mission conference where George Verwer was the speaker. What a blessing it was to hear him preach. On the way home we stopped for two days to work in the Gypsy villages. It was amazing to show those children God's love. We are so excited to write more updates about our time here in Croatia and our many travels.

CROATIA!

We finally arrived safely in Croatia.  It's gorgeous. We are so blessed and more than thankful to be serving God here!!!

Our view every morning on our way to the mountain.  At the top we pray over the city and have a devotion.

We have started doing practical working- helping out the local church ministry bookstore.  Jaco, Sara, and Anna working hard.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Our 3 day journey to Croatia began bright and early this morning. Kudos to the boys on packing that luggage.

 We have just arrived Safely in Belgium.  Keep us in your prayers, as we have a long journey ahead tomorrow.

PEACE, LOVE, JESUS! <3

Art is a Universal Language

Sweden was the first place where we were faced with a language barrier. The first few days were frustrating for the team as we had to rely on a handful of translators to help us communicate. As an artist, I knew I (Krista) had to get creative.  God spoke to me. Simply, yet powerfully. Draw a picture. Everyone in the world understands a picture. Art is a common language no matter where you are from. I took that message and ran with it.

Four points

While visiting a church near London (United Kingdom), I had met a man with four pins on his hat. These four pins included:

1. a heart = God loves us
2. an "X" = We all have sinned
3. a cross = Jesus died for us
4. a question mark "?" = Do you want a relationship with God?



( Entered information in journal as the man explained each symbol to me. )



Remembering this short, yet powerful message, I asked a translator to teach me these four phrases in Swedish. Although I would not be able to have a full conversation or answer all their questions, I could at least be able to tell the most important story in the world. Then I drew these four symbols boldly on my arm like a tattoo, in the hope that people would notice and initiate a conversation with.

When I shared this idea with the team, Carrie, Anna and Sara also drew the symbols on their arms. On a bus ride, Quentin asked loudly, "Krista, what is that on your arm?" I began to explain in English, he asked if I could say it in Swedish. This caught the attention (and amusement) of the other passengers as they listened to my poor Swedish, and many listened carefully to work out what I was trying to say! We started using that little role-play in many other places and opportunities.

 

Flowing with God's joy

As Ramadan ended on our last Friday night in Sweden, we decided to organize a Pancake Night at the town square. Free pancakes, coffee, tea and live music would be a great way to gather a crowd. Usually, Anna and I are the designated face painters in community outreach events, but as the Pancake Night was from 9pm to midnight, I had to find another way to initiate conversation.

Finding a few pieces of paper, a marker and two highlighters in my backpack, I began drawing the scene around me. The team was glowing with the joy of God, and it was like we were in a bubble of peace, safety and happiness. My first picture was of Sara serving the best pancakes I have ever eaten, while Du was playing guitar... everything was perfect. I used the highlighters to express the joy and Holy Spirit flowing out of them. As I continued to draw, onlookers asked why I was outlining the figures with glowing light. I told them it was the love and happiness we had from Jesus. When people asked if they could buy the pictures, I told them they could have the pictures for free, if only they listened to a short story.  I drew the "Four Points" symbols next to my signature on each picture. As Carrie started sharing the Four Points story, crowds of Muslims started gathering around.

( \First street sketch- Sara and Du. )

Great expectations

Carrie did a great job of being bold and sharing the word, and using her genuine and friendly spirit as a living example of Christ. Each team member played a major role in speaking to people and serving the community that night. We will take our new knowledge and use it at our next stop. God's work is always greater than our expectations. We won't let anything slow us down! God always has an answer, and he has everything under control!