This is the last post for CBF Romany Ministries.

From now on, please go to 

Reflections by Keith and Mary

To read about CBF's work with (not for or to) Romany, look in the archives of this blog.

Below is a brief overview of who served on the team and where.

The CBF Romany Team began in 1992 with the appointment of pioneers "T" and Cathie Thomas. They grew the team to include first Ralph & Tammy Stocks (1995, Hungary & Romany), then Frank & Cindy Dawson (former USSR), Robbi & James Frankovich (focusing on Banjara in India), Keith Holmes & Mary Van Rheenen (resource coordinators, living in the Netherlands), and Amy & Jon Derrick (Slovakia and Czech Republic). Eddie & Macarena Aldape joined the Frankovich's in India. Allen and VerrDean Williams, CBF field personnel who had served in another capacity in Europe, shifted to focus on Domari-speakers.  The Thomases joined them. Earl and Jane Martin, CBF's first emeritus field personnel, served the team as volunteer prayer coordinators.

After the Derricks shifted to assignments back in the U.S.A., Rachel Stephen  joined the team. She served in the Czech Republic where she met and married her husband. The Brunclikova family continues to live in Czechia. Shane and Dianne McNary then focused on Slovakia & the Czech Republic. They were joined there by Jon & Tanya Parks. 

When the Thomases retired from the field, Sandy & Kevin Holmes worked with the Williams. The Holmeses were seconded from another sending agency. Mary Helen Brandon contributed to the Domari work through the two-year Global Service Corps.

Ralph & Tammy Stocks hosted a number of Global Service Corps volunteers. These included English teachers at the Gandhi School for Romany high school students in Pez, Hungary:  Mark Knowles, Penny Mann, and lastly Doug & Clista Adkins, who actually served for 3 years. Doug Adkins created and led the Gandhi School choir. Additionally, Cheri Hornbach taught English for two years at a Hungarian teachers' training college. 

The Stocks moved from Hungary to Bucharest, Romania. Four Global Service Corps volunteers served there. Wes & Cindy Craig (Gypsy Smith School; Ruth School) and Skyler & Ronella Daniel (Ruth School, children with special needs; chapel services + teaching). 
Global Service Corps member Elaine Childs who worked in Croatia also affiliated with the team. 

Since 1992, each of these team members have either transitioned to other roles within CBF, retired, or moved on to serve in other ways. The goal of the team has always been to work ourselves out of a job. We praise God for the many local partners who have made that possible. The Spirit continues to work through Romany Christians across Europe . . . and across the Globe.

During testimony time at church on Sunday in Poprad, Slovakia, one woman stood and asked that we not forget about the war in Ukraine, the internally displaced people in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian refugees--including the family in their regular pew, one row and a little to the left of our regular spot. We have not forgotten.

In November, Ukrainian Baptists sent a request to Slovak Baptist churches requesting electric generators. Because of increased Russian bombing of infrastructure facilities, including public utilities, many of the churches and related ministry centers reached out in order to provide their own electricity. Not only would the generators be used when electricity was cut, they also allow churches to disconnect from central utilities to help relieve the pressure on already over-burdened systems. 
We reached out to two of the churches we regularly partner with to offer our support for their initiatives. As a result, we were able to provide two generators plus food aid which arrived in Ukraine in December and in January. 

"Your generator in orphanage in Rivne, Ukraine," is the message I received along with the photo above. There was an explanation that there are more children at the orphanage who were not in the photo because they were at a retreat. 

Thanks be to God that you have not forgotten refugees and internally displaced people fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

Shane & Dianne McNary

A Pile of Mismatched Scraps

In late January, the 29th to be exact, I (Dianne) did something I had never done before.  I stood on the Arkansas state capitol steps and participated in a political rally.  It was a protest against the President's executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries.  I was there to show support and to hear stories from those affected by the order.  One statement stood out to me in particular, "I know what it is like to wake up every day in a country that does not want you, that despises you."

Joyce Elliott, an Arkansas state Senator was describing her experience as an African-American in the United States, in the south.  But she could also be describing the experience of the Roma peoples we work with in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, or the Syrian refugee, or the US-born Hispanic child or the Iranian-born doctor with a green card.  These people who are looked at with suspicion, distrust, and contempt because they look or sound different.  The "Others" among us.

I can never imagine how this feels because my birthright brings me a certain amount of privilege.  So I use my privilege to call attention to the injustice turned on these bearers of the Image of God - dark or light skin; bi, straight, trans; Atheist, Christian, Muslim; rich or poor.  The distinctions we humans make don't matter to God.  We are all created in God's Image and reflect the Image, marred as it is, to one another.  When we limit who we know and interact with, we limit our knowledge of the Creator reflected through them.  Our diversity is beautiful to God and through our diversity we learn more about God.

I visited my Aunt recently and she showed me a quilt she is working on.  The top was pieced by her mother/my grandmother over forty years ago from bits and pieces of fabric from old clothes.  To most of us, we would have seen a pile of mismatched scraps not worth much.  My grandma saw something beautiful and useful. Our world is much like that pile of mismatched scraps.  But when we look at one another through God's lens, we might catch a glimpse of a beautiful quilt.  A quilt whose pieced-together fabric is warm, useful, and full of love.

You have provoked me today...

   The Baptist Church in Nesvady had a dilemma.  One of the church members, a cantankerous old man who, following his wife’s passing a couple of years ago has only become more a pain the pastor’s side, began inviting his Roma neighbors to church.  He would go and visit with them often, taken them Bible-themed movies and copies of several translations of Scripture (Romanes, Hungarian, Slovak) in an attempt to help them study Scripture together.  Well, all of his relationship-building paid off.  The matriarch of the family accepted Christ, came to church, and wanted to be baptized.  On the day she was Baptized, twenty-something of her relatives attended the service, sending the church into full-blown panic mode!  What if these people start attending church?  What if they want to join too?  How do we minister to them?
   Because I have known the pastor since our first week in Slovakia and have come to know many of the members including the elders of the church, they decided to invite Dianne and me to come and lead them in a discussion about ministry with Roma.  Their three main questions:  Roma history and culture?  What does the Bible say about ministry with minorities?  What are some practical things we should do?
   The first two topics are able to be done in a weekend conference setting.  The last question, much to their disappointment, cannot be answered from a distance but must be discovered through genuine relationships rooted in their context.  While we will continue to walk with them as they discover their practical ways of ministering in their community, the comment from one of their elders as he left church Sunday morning provides a bit of hope.
   “You have provoked me today,” he said.
   “Well, Marian, I think that is a good thing.  How did I provoke you?” I asked.
   “I have never considered Roma to be created in the image of God.  I will have to keep thinking over what that means.”  He said with a nod that the journey his church is undertaking is likely to be more provocative then they ever expected.

ROMANI IS A FIRST-CLASS LANGUAGE

Keith first met Stano and these other Romany brothers in 2014 when they helped record the New Testament in their Eastern Slovak Romani language. Now Stano & co. are helping to translate the Old Testament. (Excerpt below taken from:  https://seedcompany.exposure.co/unlikely-calling.)  

THE VALUE OF HEART-LANGUAGE SCRIPTURE goes even deeper. Several people have told Stano what it felt like to hold their New Testament for the first time. At first they felt shame in seeing God’s Word in what they saw as their second-class language. But soon the shame was eclipsed by joy.

“I believe that they’re not ashamed of their language anymore,” Stano says as he looks up a word in the dictionary. “They have tasted of something, like myself, that we have God’s Word in our language. That’s something wonderful.”
Pavol looks up from his screen.
“For our nation, for our people, this is something that is very precious.”

A Word for Translation

   At a board meeting of Word for the World-Slovakia, the Slovak organization that holds the copyright for the Eastern Slovak dialect of Romani language Scriptures, I was able to hear the testimony of some of the translators.  So far, the New Testament is completed and available.  Currently the Old Testament is being translated.  What these three men shared was an incredible testimony of the power of the Scriptures to touch the heart through one’s heart-language.

   “The more I work on this, the more I realize what a beautiful language we have and how God’s word is understood in our language.  I can experience God’s word deeper in my own language.  It is a blessing.” Translator 1.

   Translator 2 added, “I learned more about my own language in this process, in the reading of God’s word.  Even non-Christians are asking and waiting on when the translation will be done.  For my family, to be active in God’s word every day is having a big influence on my faith and on my family.”

   “When I read to Roma in Romanes, you can see how God’s touch falls on them.  (This translation) speaks to them deeper.  Once they learn a new word, you can see how much more of God’s word than they knew (from when the translation is) in Slovak.”  Translator 3

   “When I read (the Bible) in Romanes, the Slovak I grew up with suddenly was not only more understandable, it was not sufficient.” Translator 1

   It was encouraging to hear the testimony of these three men as they reflected on the incredible work they are doing. 

   Pray for these three as they continue the translation process.  Also pray for a project being done by the Slovak Bible Society which will offer a parallel translation of Slovak and East Slovak Romani New Testament.

What The Offering Makes Possible

This post originally appeared on CBF's Blog in a series highlighting ministries supported by the Offering for Global Missions.

Support from the CBF Offering for Global Missions enables us to concentrate on nurturing long-term relationships in local communities. These relationships are not built on promises of long-term funding. We receive no ministry funds from the Offering. What we do receive is funding for our presence – which includes not only living in Slovakia but also provides for us to be able to travel when needed to visit with our local partners.

Dianne McNary (far left) and Danka, Viera and Mina – women from the Jekh Drom nonprofit in Vazec, Slovakia.

Sometimes we have to visit often and over many months or years. Joining in ministry and learning to deal with one another’s cultural baggage takes time and patience. The Offering provides us with the hallowed space to engage with partners in a community at the pace of our host culture. This is an immeasurable gift.

Long-term sustainability is enabled by a long-term presence. 

Should one of the predictions of the imminent end of the world prove true – Jesus’ return, if thatperson is elected president, World War III, or One Direction’s Reunion Tour – we know that we will be safe, living happily in Slovakia for another twenty years. They say that’s how far behind the times we are here. Without testing the end times’ theory, it is true that time here moves at a different pace.

In 2013, we set a goal to assist one local partner establish a preschool for Roma children.  As we formed a plan to coordinate our work together, it was clear that the only way forward in the future would be for the Slovak organization to have a building. Within just a few months of beginning the project with them, we had generous sponsors from across the Fellowship who agreed with the vision of the Slovak group and wanted to support them in either purchasing or building a new building.

Because the CBF Offering for Global Missions provided us with time to study language and culture, because the Offering provided for our stable presence in Slovakia and because of the faithfulness of individuals and churches who generously gave more than their support for the Offering into a project to buy the building we were ready to keep up our part of the partnership agreement with the local Slovak organization. The Americans responded relatively quickly and sacrificially. Then we entered Slovak time.

Believe me, we would have preferred to move the process along more quickly!  Culturally and missiologically, however, we knew this would be a mistake. If the building was to be theirs, they had to decide what was appropriate. We had to wait, though not always patiently, for them to act.

Thankfully, the American donors were willing to stay in relationship with the Slovaks throughout this process. Almost three years after we began the project and two years since we had the funds available, we were able to celebrate with our local partners when they purchased a suitable building!

Engaging in long-term cross-cultural missions is an investment in the Reign of God where the results may never be fully known. We have been blessed to have hosted many short-term ministry teams in the twelve years we have been fully funded by the Offering.

We remind teams that God’s story has been unfolding in Slovakia for at least 1,200 years (to hear the rest of the story, you have to join a team!). A short-term team or even our long-term presence does not introduce God to this place. Lest we be tempted to speak of amazing numbers of conversion stories and Reign of God breakthroughs, we do not seek quick decisions or quick-fix solutions. Instead, the Offering allows us to live in the sacred now, building community-honoring, healthy relationships, and seeing how God moves through different cultures to achieve God’s ends. This is, indeed, an immeasurable gift and an amazing opportunity.

Finding ministry opportunities

   A few weeks ago Shane and I traveled to Chisinau, Moldova to attend the annual Gypsy Lore Society meeting. It was interesting to hear papers and discussions about work among Roma from a completely different perspective. It was good to look at the situation of Roma with new eyes and be reminded that we always need to be open and willing to learn. You never know when you might meet a new co-­worker.


   Potential collaborators can appear when and where you least expect them, like in a conversation with an atheist researcher who studies Roma public health issues in Slovakia or with a young Spanish woman studying medicine as an exchange student. You might make a connection with an embassy worker or even the ambassador himself at a meet and greet which will later open the doors when you need to push for the repair of the roof at a local Roma school. Volunteering your time at a local school or library and sharing your story can put you in position to receive and share gently ­used clothes, books or furniture items. Attending a training or conference can open new doors to share ministry ideas over a dinner of pancakes and tea.


   Ministry comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. We just have to watch for opportunities through the right lenses.

First Day of School

T successfully passed his entrance exams and is preparing to leave home in a couple of weeks to attend school.  He will move a couple of hours away from his family to begin his studies as a healthcare worker.  To help him gather everything needed, we took a trip to a nearby town so he could get photos made for his identification card that will be his pass to the dormitory.  As we were getting ready to head back to the village, I asked if there was anything else he needed to get ready to move.

"I do not have a suitcase." he said after carefully thinking through the long list of things he needs to bring.

It never occurred to me that among his limited possessions, that he would not have a single bag - a backpack or satchel or gym bag - he could use.  Of course we stopped into a store and picked him up a new travel bag.

T moves into the dorm on 1 September and school begins on the 2nd.  Dianne and I talked about how we both felt a little anxious and also a sense of pride that we were able to assist T.  Thanks to the financial support of faithful donors, we are able to provide T with a scholarship that will pay for his room and board as well as travel expenses.  We will also buy shoes, clothes, and toiletries to go along with that suitcase.

When we were having lunch, T and I spoke about how miserably I fail at taking pictures of the things we do so that other people can see for themselves.  He smiled and said he understood.  Perhaps then he will understand when I ask to take his "first day of school" photo in a couple of weeks.

Speed Teaching in Slovakia

In various communities in Slovakia this year, short-term ministry teams have invested in the lives of students by assisting them in learning English.  Supplementing the excellent work of local teachers, these teams encourage and challenge eager students.

A favorite activity for teaching is akin to speed dating!  The students are put into small groups and the native speakers sit with them for ten minutes.  During that time they ask simple questions, go through their introductions or colors, and get to know each other just a little.  Then it is time to switch groups!

Laughter and fun fill the room.  Being the presence of Christ by helping with English literacy has proved a meaningful ministry strategy.

Encouragement at the Christmas Market

We recently took a little break from our constant traveling to . . . well , , , travel.  Friends in Germany had invited us to visit months ago and we were excited to be able to finally respond.  We loaded the train in Kosice, Slovakia and headed off towards Stuttgart, Germany.  What a blessed time we had.

In addition to connecting with long-time friends, rekindling memories of decades or two ago, we also ran into a family from Kosice.  Though we had met before when Shane had preached at a Roma church in Slovakia, this gave us an opportunity to sit together in their apartment as we shared refreshments, our testimonies and prayer so we could get to know each other better.  As Dezko described himself he said, "We Roma are quick to accept Jesus . . . but then we need someone to always encourage us in our faith."  That wonderful night in Stuttgart was a time of encouragement for us all.  New friendships were made which will last.

With our long-time friends, we visited Christmas markets in Stuttgart, Esslingen, Munich, and Bad Tolz.  That is a lot of Christmas markets!  We enjoyed the seasonal punch, bratwurst, and toasted nuts.  And the people!  It was grand.  Yet, it was the conversations with friends as we strolled through the markets, enjoying the rooftops of the booths especially, which were life-giving and provided lasting memories.  

Gathering with family and friends during this busy holiday season, it is an opportunity for us all to find ways of encouraging each other in our faith.  As you gather with family and friends to observe the holiday season, encourage one another.  Look up for fanciful rooftops and hold tight to those around you.

As part of this season of giving, we encourage you to consider a special gift in support of life-changing ministries around the world.  You can give to the Offering for Global Missions or to a specific ministry you can find in the CBF Gift Catalog.  

Ashleigh's Goal and student.go

   Through student.go, a ministry of CBF Global Missions which is supported by the Offering for Global Missions, Ashleigh Bugg came to Slovakia this past summer in response to a request we had for a photo journalist.  Ashleigh's assignment was pretty vague - take photos of Roma which show a different side to a much-misunderstood minority.  

Ashleigh graduates this month . . . Oh the Places you will Go!

   We arranged many meetings between Ashleigh and our local partners.  She did a great job interviewing and writing different stories about her experience.  And yes, her photos were great as well.  Over the next several months, many of Ashleigh's photos will begin to appear in different Cooperative Baptist Fellowship publications.  We are thankful to Ashleigh and to student.go for supplementing the ministry among the Roma of Slovakia in such an incredible way.

   If you just can't wait to see Ashleigh's work, you can visit the Presbyterian Student Center at University of Georgia in Athens where a selection of the photographs will be on display for a couple of months.  After the showing in Athens, the photo display will be moved to Birmingham, Alabama where they will be utilized by our partner church, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church.  

   I you just cannot wait, you can see a selection of photos and discover an opportunity to connect with Ashleigh in support of an anti-human trafficking campaign in Slovakia, you can watch this video:  Ashleigh’s Slovak Roma Video

   or you can work through the Prezi found at this link:  Ashleigh’s Slovak Roma Prezi  

   The giving link in the video and Prezi is here:  Ashleigh's Goal

   If you are a student or recent graduate, and of course exceptions are made, you can plan your next semester or summer with student.go here:  student.go

Healthcare and Cultural Awareness

Prior to moving to Slovakia, I worked as a Registered Nurse in several different areas: Critical Care, Labor & Delivery, Home Health, and Nursing Instructor to name a few. Nursing provided me with a comfortable income and a way to support myself and my family.  Even though I don’t work in the same capacity as before moving to Slovakia, I still consider myself a nurse and maintain my license. Healthcare education is one of the ministry areas I am involved with in our work here in Slovakia.  Staying up-to-date is important.   

Taking vitals on a 2008 trip to India to learn from friends and colleagues

While looking for required CEUs online, I came across an offering entitled Moving Past Stereotypes with the Roma.  Even though it did not offer a lot of new information for me, it is good to know there is information out there directly related to work with Roma.  Being sensitive to the cultural differences and needs of an ethnic group is just one way to build relationships. 

I am also looking forward to the next article and review which is about how awareness of cultural context of the patience influences their care - from mental health to pain management, women's health to effective communication with patients who have limited English communication skills. Cultural Competence for Today's Health Care Professionals can provide this missionary/nurse with excellent tools to use in ministry.

A week filled with interruptions

“The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own,' or 'real' life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life -- the life God is sending one day by day.” C.S. Lewis

Day One

Finished Project

   Water interrupted the planned outdoor work of the short-term mission team from Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) - Heartland.  Rain kept us away for one day from a beautification project planned at the community cemetery in Vazec, Slovakia.  Our local partner, Jekh Drom, planned the project to coincide with the team's visit.  The team worked along side of unemployed women who were sent by the local labor office.  The goal was to beautify the memorial to a group of fallen soldiers and partisans who lost their lives defending the city from Nazis at the end of World War II and to add new greenery at the front entrance of the chapel in the cemetery.


  The CBF-Heartland team was interrupted a few times by laughter and then by singing when they hosted an evening with a local group of retirees.  Whether it was the line dancing to the tune of Boot Skootin' Boogie or the full-bellied singing during the chorus of Delilah when Harold Phillips played on the accordion, everyone had a tremendous time.  One of the four Anna's present interrupted once to let us know that we should visit the local school to see the Vazec Room.  It was filled with items she had sewn in the traditional Vazec design.

Retirees Group Singing for the team

   Danka, member of the local non-profit we work with, then interrupted the school director's summer vacation to request that the director open the school and give the team a tour of the room.  We learned that not only had Anna had provided the fabric samples, she had also provided the school with her own wedding photo and a framed copy of Slovenka magazine from last century which included Anna on the front cover!  Good thing we did interrupt the school director's summer.  Since the school was shut down and no one would be there until late August, our little interruption saved the school tens of thousands of dollars in repairs from the water which was leaking from upstairs through the ceiling into the cafeteria!  The director called later and thanked Danka for insisting that the team from CBF-Heartland visit the school before the leak had done more damage.

Finished product of the sewing group

   One of the moms who was part of the sewing project (and for the record, there was one father present too - a widower who is raising two children) had her week of fun and fellowship interrupted when she had to miss a day to go for a job interview.  As we were preparing to leave, she walked quickly down the hill from the bus stop and greeted us all with a huge smile.  Out of hundreds who applied for jobs, forty were selected and she was one of them!  No one minded having our departure for dinner interrupted as we shared hugs and congratulations.
   And finally, dinner was interrupted.  Before Danka could serve the incredibly delicious meal she had prepared for the team, Harold, on behalf of CBF-Heartland presented Jekh Drom with a symbolic check representing their generous support for the Samuel Project - a multi-year partnership between CBF Field Personnel Dianne and Shane McNary and the local non-profit Jekh Drom to address the educational and hygiene needs of an impoverished Roma community in Vazec.  Afterwards, Clara Youngblood presented Danka, Martina (president of Jekh Drom), Harold and Gwen Phillips, and Dianne and Shane McNary with beautiful prayer quilts made by a group in her church, Holmeswood Baptist Church in Kansas City.

CBF Heartland symbol of support

Clara presenting Danka her beautiful prayer quilt

   Thanks be to God for the many interruptions we had this week; it was in those interruptions where our lives found meaning as we experienced the presence of Christ.  

Purifying Love

Nicole with one of her ponies

   In a small village in west-central Slovakia, a transformation of lives is taking place.  Dreams are becoming reality.  The change began several years ago when Anna began to spend her free time helping out at a center for special-needs children.  Through relationships Anna made, she became aware of the number of Roma children who are never adopted from the state-run orphanages in Slovakia.  Anna had dreamed about having a child of her own.  That's when she met Nicole.

   Nicole's birth mother left her when she was just a few hours old at a baby-receiving center in the Czech Republic.  Though Nicole had no family, it was determined that she was Slovak and she was shipped off to an orphanage in Slovakia.  Anna fell in love with the then two-month-old Nicole and in time decided to adopt her.  A caring mother plus a child in need of a family.  It was a dream come true.
 
   But the decision to love and adopt Nicole was costly for Anna.  Nicole is Roma, minority Slovak; Anna is majority Slovak.  Anna spoke honestly about how her closest friend - a friend for whom Anna had been the witness at her wedding, godmother to her children, life-long pals - cursed her for adopting a "gyspy" child.  Convinced that a relationship with Anna would some how contaminate her own life because of the darker-skinned infant, she cut off all contact and refuses to acknowledge her former friend.

As Anna shared this heart breaking story, she looked over at Nicole and said, "What could a small child do to change my life?  She changed everything.  I am richer now than before . . . she has purified my life."  Love has a way of doing that.

Anna and Nicole now live on a farm with lots of ponies, miniature horses, cows, and goats.  They occasionally host days where other ethnically-mixed adoptive families or families with special-needs children can come and enjoy a day on a magical farm.  "What kid does not love a pony?" Anna asked as we strolled across the pasture to where the horses were pinned.  Their dream of a permanent playground and a magical farm is still only a dream . . . a dream which one day may come true.

(Nicole and Anna are not their real names, but the story and the farm is real.  We'll keep in touch with them and see what doors God may open.)

Team from Howard Payne University serves in Slovakia

Dr. Melody Maxwell along with five students from the International Missions Practicum class from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, spent a week ministering and learning in Važec, Slovakia.  Their days began by teaching English in the local school.  We shared with the team beforehand that this was the first time we had offered something like this in Važec and were concerned about how it would go.  The HPU group were so well prepared and taught so well, the school opened doors to us for future ministry teams to serve the community in this way.  Excellent job, guys!

Each afternoon the team conducted a children's club with Roma children from the settlement in Važec.  Activities were followed by a Bible Story with the theme of the lesson reinforced with a handmade craft.  It got more than just a little loud in the room when we had more than twenty children show up on day one!  The children were so excited to spend time together with the HPU team that a few began to show up more than an hour early.  Because of really bad weather, we had to cancel a cookout planned for Thursday.  Instead, we enjoyed the hot dogs and s'mores indoors.

On Friday we were all treated to a special dinner at the home of Danka Šeďova.  She made a fantastic pot of goulash and homemade dessert.  But that wasn't all that was homemade.  As is common, a salty snack was put on the table after the sweet dessert.  Danka's husband Daniel had made korbačiky, little whips made of cheese, from the milk of their cow!  After dinner we had a blessed time of worship and games with the youth/young adult group at the Evangelical (Lutheran) Church.

The team relocated to Krakow, Poland after saying all our goodbyes and stopping by a very foggy Štrbske Pleso.  In Krakow, we visited the Schindler Museum as well as Auschwitz-Birkenau.  It is difficult to process everything you experience after witnessing these places and realizing what took place.  However, the memories will stay with the team for a while as they have opportunity to think about everything they saw.

What The Offering makes possible

Several months ago I was enjoying coffee with a few friends at a gas station on the way back from a meeting in Prague.  Included in this auspicious group was Ksenija and her husband Toma.  Toma is pastor in Croatia and former president of the European Baptist Federation.  He told me about the incredible ministry being done in Serbia among several Roma communities.  I was invited to visit and witness for myself what God was doing among these people.  This weekend I was able to go.

The Friday drive from Košice, Slovakia to Osijek, Croatia was without incident.  Well, except Budapest which is always a nightmare to drive through, around, or near.  Once you cross the event horizon near Budapest, time stands still.  Anything gained by leaving early disappears into the darkness of the potholes which are waiting to greet you in Budapest.  But I digress.

Shrapnel scars on the river walk along the Drava river in Osijek - a reminder of the Serb/Croat war.

On Saturday, Toma and I left early because we were headed to Vršac which is on the other side of Serbia.  Toma continued to speak about going to the end of the world and entering the Twilight Zone as we made our way along the 250 kilometers towards Romania.  After Friday's drive through Budapest, every road in Serbia was a walk in the park.  The countryside was beautiful.  Hard to believe that less than twenty-five years ago war tore this area apart as neighbor turned against neighbor in an effort to find independence and exert control.  When we passed through Lazarevo, Toma pointed out that this was the town where Ratko Mladić was captured.  Mladić is the Serb military leader currently on trial for war crimes in The Hague.

Don't let that smile fool you . . . Mrs Magda can stare you into submission in a heartbeat! (Mrs Magda, me, Toma's brother)

We arrived in Vršac in time for lunch with Toma's mom and brother.  The pastor of the local Baptist Church, Avram, came for lunch as well.  I confess that I was a glutton . . . and it was not only because Toma's mother forced me to continue eating.  What an incredible cook she is!  After lunch Avram, Toma and I headed south to the village of Parta.

In Parta I met Jovan and Radica along with Nenad, who goes by Tosa.  These three have given so much in service to the Reign of God in this region by reaching out with the Good News and giving of themselves sacrificially in order to help others know the joy of Christ.  Their charisma was evident; their faith was vibrant.   Tosa, having never left Serbia, speaks almost perfect English! They spoke about the successes of their outreach activities in neighboring communities - how one fellowship quadrupled in attendance when they were able to devote their energies to the work on a regular basis.  The lack of dependable transportation is one barrier to their ministry.

(L-R) Avram, Jovan, Tosa, and me standing in front of Baptist Church in Parta

We visited the Baptist Church in Parta where these three regularly serve.  The beautiful sanctuary was built in the 1980's when, so I was told, the loud worship music caused the walls to start giving way in their old mud-brick building.  God has been faithful in providing for their needs and they have shown faithfulness in using their meager resources for God's glory.  The opportunity to impact the five or six communities on either side of Parta is restricted, however.  Without different transportation and a long-term commitment to partner with this congregation, to encourage and pray for them - and yes, to financially support them - they are unable to grow the ministry any further.

As I asked about the situation of Baptist work in Serbia, it was disturbing to hear how laws which recognize only the majority Serbian Orthodox church make life very difficult for Baptists.  Unable to own property or even open a bank account, local churches are tightly connected to the Serbian Baptist Union which was grandfathered in as a religious group.  All properties are owned by the Union and arrangements for church bank accounts must be made by the Union as well.  Years ago, automobiles to be used in the Parta ministry were confiscated by customs police because they refused to recognize the legitimacy of the local church.  The punitive laws about recognized faith groups in Serbia represent a religious liberty issue of great concern to Serbian Baptists.

Christian Baptist Church - Parta

Toma and I returned to Osijek, arriving about 20:30.  We picked up Ksenija who had been at an ecumenical meeting for women in town with representatives from Croatian and Serbian churches.  With Toma's excellent translating, I preached on Sunday morning at the Osijek Baptist Church.  I did do a very brief introduction in Slovak since the church was founded by ethnic Slovaks who lived in the community - a few of them came up to me after the service and identified themselves as Slovak.  Several women who were in town for the ecumenical meeting visited the church that morning.  It was a beautiful worship service.  After lunch with the Magdas I returned home to Kosice.

I usually don't write about my trips in a format like this.  But I did so in order to share how this trip was made possible.  Not only was it through contacts with local friends and churches, it was made possible because you gave to support the Offering for Global Missions.  The Offering makes it possible for us to connect with others and provide a way for you to connect with them with confidence that your prayers, encouragement, and financial support are targeted in such a way to honor what God is already doing among our brothers and sisters in Serbia.  Supporting The Offering enables us to do the "due diligence" on the ground to ensure effective partnerships.

If you have not given yet to The Offering this year, you can make your contribution online immediately.  If God is speaking to you about meeting the needs in Parta which I have shared here, then write to me at smcnary(at)thefellowship.info  (If you have not seen emails listed in this form before, it is to cut down on spam.  Replace (at) with @ and email me!)