“Say not my soul, ‘From whence can God relieve my care?’
Spurgeon Morning and Evening
Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere.
His method is sublime, his heart profoundly kind,
God never is before his time, and never is behind.”
Thank You for keeping our feet Beautiful!
Job 26:10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
Gleaning from the Field
This month has proven to be among the most difficult for us but also proved to be among the more fruitful in our personal lives. The heat was upping the ante (42 C) and the infamous economic pressure has seemingly found its way into Serbia, but there was also great clarity in this month for us. It reminds me of this poem that I wrote some time ago titled “Quiet rain”. I find the faithfulness of God is most apparent when trial and pain take their residence in our hearts and this month among others has been a gracious reminder of that truth.
Understanding “NO”
No one likes to say no, this is a universal truth yet interestingly enough it is among the most used word for toddlers and the youth. Anytime opportunity arrives it is almost inherent to welcome it with open arms, make room for it in your life and adapt to whatever it may demand of you, but there does come a time where a line has to be drawn that alienates you from a world of possibility. There truly is a place for “no” in the life of a believer. The world is quick to see this looking in as they often may define a Christian as one who “does not”, but within the walls of faith there actually is a great issue with the decisive use of “no”. We have spent all Summer and have even had you all praying for upcoming camps and events on the calendar, but when it came down to the decisive moment of taking part in these things Rae and I did not. These camps and trips to the praise of Christ have gone so well and blessed all those that took part, however, we had another part and it is this part that I am excited to share today! Serbia like a closed curtain has seemingly opened, homes are welcoming our visitation, vendors and owners are inquiring about our life and seeking truth, and an opportunity in itself has become apparent. This has come at a cost though as we have had to place a line where we did not initially desire. No, is not denying good or refusing orders as the youth often infer, it is actually a decision of definition, an exercise of our volition, and a trying of our own hearts before God. This is a hard truth and a difficult truth to employ in our lives, yet as we have discovered it is essential to growth and maturing relationships.
Thank You for the Prayers
Camp 2022
“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. “
Psalm 16:6 – 9
The Lines of Love
Above all else that can be done here within Serbia, there is the dire need to manifest the heart of God. Our focus must be so narrow in regard to our goals and desires for others, it is within the specifics of prayer that many can find a great answer. To better understand this, think about someone you dearly love and imagine asking them what they want or giving them an opportunity to make a decision. Upon request, they reply “I do not know what are my options”. You patiently and kindly offer some options to find that none of them are contenders. Now a little confused you ask again, ” what is it you want?” In this situation and many in our lives I find that our lack of focus leaves us wanting what God has ready to dispense. The scripture of Christ saying, ” you have not because ye ask not” really resonates in this light. So truly, it is no wonder that when we find the lines set and prayers sent we can in a big way have an expectation from God for the answer! For some time we have asked for people to come through our doors and become part of our lives here, this has happened and it happened when we decisively established a boundary to allow it to happen! So many times in our lives good activity can keep us from God’s activity, and to our joy, both Camp and our time in Belgrade was blessed! This also reveals God’s wisdom in dispensing gifts to the body of Christ! When a born-again believer operates in the gift God has given them, you can expect great growth to the body as a whole. God has made each of us with unique qualities and there is truly no shame in exploring those things as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ to distinguish your part in particular in the body! It has been a wonderful time here in Belgrade and we would just like to thank everyone involved in support and in prayer for your great dispensation of love towards us.
Beautiful Tree in an old Square
…For any wondering, The cat is still well
Our Vision and Prayer according to The Great Commission:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore(Reach), and teach(Teach) all nations, baptizing(Immerse Them in Christ’s Truth) them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all(Challenge their capacity) things whatsoever I have commanded you:(Engage their faith in Biblical Responsibility) and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (See Them faithfully kept by God’s Grace). Amen.”
Matt 28:18-20
Please pray as we believe God to:
- Reach: Evangelism to the Lost
- Teach: Biblical Study and Training in the Word of God
- Immerse others in Christ’s Truth: Fitting into the fellowship of the Church, discovering their Identity in Christ, and Observing the Ordinances
- Challenge their capacity: Biblical Discipleship and Biblical Accountability
- Engage their faith in Biblical Responsibility through His Ability: Opportunity and Leadership Development in the Church
- See Them faithfully kept by His Grace: Faithful Feeding and Fruitfulness in their Lives
Transformed To His Way 
2 responses to “Lines In Pleasant places: The Serbian July”
Thanks for sharing your journey!
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Thank you for giving it a read! It is such a gift to be able to share these precious moments with others.
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