Conference Day Two & Closing

Where to start? Our hearts are full! Yesterday was a full day of learning, sharing, discussions, questions, answers, new challenges, and possibilities. The group met bright and early for breakfast, then started with the conference. Sessions were led by Roma leaders -- Selim, Marijan, And Bora; Serbian leaders -- Rodja; "SerbiAmerican" -- Paul Hovda; and Americans -- Jim and LaJuana. Topics ranged from the characteristics of a leader, and time management, to marriage as a picture of the gospel. We covered tent-making (a la Paul) in support of ministry, the ministry resource benefits of learning English, getting our priorities in Biblical order, the church planting movement, what God is doing in the church today, and the history of the Roma church in Serbia.

Paul

Rodja

Marijan

Discussion was lively, and there were many questions. Church planting information was shared from David Platt's ministry, Francis Chan, and Kurt Urbanek, among others. Culture and context of the Roma community in Serbia prompted questions and suggestions. Some were energized by the new ideas, and others had a more reserved response, but we all agreed that the desire was to make the gospel readily available to all Roma.

Another topic of great interest was business development. Both Serbs and Roma are thirsty for more information about starting small businesses. There is a tremendous need for experienced business people to teach and mentor, as well as for investment in small enterprises that could be the difference between a lifetime of intermittently available hard labor and being able to provide for a family while pursuing ministry such as disciple-making and church planting.

The $500 grant program offers the opportunity for investment in a small business -- chickens, goats, rabbits, or perhaps a sewing maching -- a way to provide for their families, make a small income, learn business principles, and then bless others. Because part of the program is that those who participate, then pass along the gift to another Roma family. A goat received bears a baby, and that one is passed to a new family. One who learns to sew something for sale teaches another that skill. Kingdom principles -- disciples are disciple-makers -- appear in business as well.

Bora, Rodja and Jim, Selim

We also had prayer and praise and worship all through the day. Marijan led in praise and worship, and I know for certain when I stand in heaven among every tongue and tribe and nation singing God's praise, I really hope I can stand with the Roma! Nothing blesses my heart like worshiping with these dear brothers and sisters.

 

Each leader went away from the conference with the first two of an eleven book set of resources in Serbian. They also each received five Life of Christ picture books, and one complete picture Bible. 

We have had a large quantity of the picture Bibles printed, so if they prove valuable in teaching, we can provide more.

 

Each woman received a gift from Linking Partners, and all the women present, as well as the wives at home, were given a hand-knitted scarf that LaJuana made as a gift for them.

Everyone is looking forward to the next annual conference. We have already heard of other Roma leaders who can be invited, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for the Roma community. They are already moving in a mighty way, and we are honored to be able to join them.

Pray for Jim, LaJuana, Rodja, Natasha, Paul, and Jody as we travel to Budapest, Hungary tomorrow to present a business seminar for CRM. Thank you all for reading and keeping us in your prayers.