When we began researching about Croatia about eight years ago we learned about the many islands off its coast. The idea of a ministry on an island in the Adriatic sea was a passing thought. Whenever the subject would come up in conversation we would joke about it: "Wouldn't that be awesome? I know, right?" Until today. What was a dream yesterday is now potentially a reality.
My brother Curt Brown and his wife Melinda are missionaries partnering with Manna Worldwide who are concentrating in Eastern Europe. We are looking for opportunities to partner together in Croatia and seeking the Lord's leading in the matter. Last month Curt met a man talking about a Croatian island for sale. The only person to contact was me of course.
Bob Hines has been searching for the island but without success. After talking with him briefly we realized that he had the wrong spelling of the name. Not only were we able to get the correct spelling but we also located it, and an agency to contact about investment opportunities. What is most exciting about this opportunity is that people already travel to Croatia from all over the world. At this time the coastline is Croatia's biggest commodity. The potential for a Christian camp to spread the seed of the gospel around the world is huge. Quite possibly beyond what we could imagine.
You should take a moment to view the island and its location. Then pray, seriously for God to direct us to the next step and for doors to open. While you are praying you should also ask God what your participation should be. In the very near future you may find yourself on a mission trip to Croatia with the purpose of having an eternal impact on the life a someone who might never have heard the gospel anywhere else.
I leave you with this question: "Is it just a dream?"
The island of Obonjan
Renewed Vigor
We just finished a mission conference at Emmanuel Baptist in Harstville, SC. Pastor Gary Colboch and his wife Flora have been wonderfully blessed with a church family that shares their passion for missions. During the conference, we ourselves were challenged to draw closer to God then analyze our resources to see if we could do more for missions.
The end of the conference came too quickly. The church gave beyond our needs and met even most of our wants. It is always humbling to see people willing to give so much. Our passion for the lost of Croatia is renewed everytime a church gives toward our needs because we are held accountable for each investment. Each investment will result in eternal reward because the promise of God's Word.
Another reason this conference made such a lasting impression is the new friends we made. They want to come and visit us in Croatia. Lives were changed this last week in Harstville, SC; but God is not finished working within these individuals. When we return to Croatia in October we will begin preparing for their visit. They will see first hand how God is using their investment. When they return home it will be with renewed vigor as well.
The end of the conference came too quickly. The church gave beyond our needs and met even most of our wants. It is always humbling to see people willing to give so much. Our passion for the lost of Croatia is renewed everytime a church gives toward our needs because we are held accountable for each investment. Each investment will result in eternal reward because the promise of God's Word.
Another reason this conference made such a lasting impression is the new friends we made. They want to come and visit us in Croatia. Lives were changed this last week in Harstville, SC; but God is not finished working within these individuals. When we return to Croatia in October we will begin preparing for their visit. They will see first hand how God is using their investment. When they return home it will be with renewed vigor as well.
Another Opportunity
We were surprised last week to receive a call from someone with a connection to Croatia. There is a group of people who live in a small village approx 45 min. drive from where we live in Cakovec. By God's grace they contacted a tract company in America for some information about Christ. After receiving a sample of tracts and studying them each of them made a profession of faith in Christ. Their response is that their is not a church in their village which teaches this Truth so they desire to start one.
We have contact information for them and have shared this information with our co-workers in Cakovec. Very soon they will be in contact with them personally. Please pray for this opportunity to plant another church with nationals who now have a burden to reach their community with the Truth of the Gospel.
We have contact information for them and have shared this information with our co-workers in Cakovec. Very soon they will be in contact with them personally. Please pray for this opportunity to plant another church with nationals who now have a burden to reach their community with the Truth of the Gospel.
A Very Productive Week
Here in Hampton, VA we had some snow to fall last night. It mainly stuck to the grass and on roofs. At this time most of it has already melted. The excitement for Erin, Ally, and Noah was enough for Kristina and I to delay today's homeschool lessons for two hours. We threw a few snowballs then cleaned off the mini-van. Then I took some time to review how this week has gone.
By God's grace I was able to schedule two more Mission Conferences, reschedule two meetings to allow for two more. On Wednesday Pastor Lloyd Donica of Bethel Baptist Church invited me to speak in the chapel service for the Jr & Sr High students. What a blessing to share some experiences and a message from God's Word to a group of eager and attentive students. After chapel Pastor Donica and I were able to get to know one another over a cup of coffee. While there He introduced me to another Pastor in the area with whom we may be able to schedule another meeting. Pastor Donica also expressed wanting to learn more about our ministry in Croatia with a desire to partner with us in the future.
Today we are rejoicing that God is opening doors for us here in the states. The open doors here will provide means to return to Croatia well equipped for the work that God has for us there. To those of you who pray for our ministry; thank you. God has certainly answered your prayers.
By God's grace I was able to schedule two more Mission Conferences, reschedule two meetings to allow for two more. On Wednesday Pastor Lloyd Donica of Bethel Baptist Church invited me to speak in the chapel service for the Jr & Sr High students. What a blessing to share some experiences and a message from God's Word to a group of eager and attentive students. After chapel Pastor Donica and I were able to get to know one another over a cup of coffee. While there He introduced me to another Pastor in the area with whom we may be able to schedule another meeting. Pastor Donica also expressed wanting to learn more about our ministry in Croatia with a desire to partner with us in the future.
Today we are rejoicing that God is opening doors for us here in the states. The open doors here will provide means to return to Croatia well equipped for the work that God has for us there. To those of you who pray for our ministry; thank you. God has certainly answered your prayers.
Where We've Been
It has been far too long since my last blog post; but blogging was the last thing on my mind. All of October was preparing for our first furlough: saying good-bye's to neighbors and friends, scheduling meetings, packing, etc., So now we are here and wishing we were still in Croatia.
We were privileged to spend Thanksgiving with my family in Marietta, GA. Christmas and the New Year were celebrated in VA with Kristina's family and our sending church. While it has been fun, it has also been slightly difficult adjusting to life on the road again. By God's grace we all had grown to love and appreciate our home in Croatia. We dearly miss our friends.
While in Richmond, VA it was a blessing to be able to help Pastor Kohout and our sending church: making visits, phone calls, performing a wedding, and preaching. We have reported on our ministry in three of our supporting churches: Sharon Baptist of Hampton, Victory Baptist of Hampton, and Battlefield Baptist of Warrenton. In February we will be traveling to GA, SC, VA, WV, and TX. Please pray as we drive that God will keep us safe.
I am also happy to announce that God has provided tremendously for our ministry. Our sending church, Buford Road Baptist, Richmond, has collected a love offering that covers 50% of our costs for the return flight to Croatia. An anonymous donation will cover 50% of the expected cost toward a vehicle in Croatia. Praise the Lord to have received so much toward our goal this early in our furlough. It would be wonderful to be able to return to Croatia earlier than October. Please pray that God will continue to provide the much needed support.
Lord willing we will have more consistent access to the internet and I can begin blogging more often. Thank you all for your continued interest in our ministry. We sense your prayers.
We were privileged to spend Thanksgiving with my family in Marietta, GA. Christmas and the New Year were celebrated in VA with Kristina's family and our sending church. While it has been fun, it has also been slightly difficult adjusting to life on the road again. By God's grace we all had grown to love and appreciate our home in Croatia. We dearly miss our friends.
While in Richmond, VA it was a blessing to be able to help Pastor Kohout and our sending church: making visits, phone calls, performing a wedding, and preaching. We have reported on our ministry in three of our supporting churches: Sharon Baptist of Hampton, Victory Baptist of Hampton, and Battlefield Baptist of Warrenton. In February we will be traveling to GA, SC, VA, WV, and TX. Please pray as we drive that God will keep us safe.
I am also happy to announce that God has provided tremendously for our ministry. Our sending church, Buford Road Baptist, Richmond, has collected a love offering that covers 50% of our costs for the return flight to Croatia. An anonymous donation will cover 50% of the expected cost toward a vehicle in Croatia. Praise the Lord to have received so much toward our goal this early in our furlough. It would be wonderful to be able to return to Croatia earlier than October. Please pray that God will continue to provide the much needed support.
Lord willing we will have more consistent access to the internet and I can begin blogging more often. Thank you all for your continued interest in our ministry. We sense your prayers.
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