Serbia - a land of challenges
As I write this I have just returned from Serbia, specifically Novi Sad. A fascinating experience of meeting Serbian church leaders, listening to their needs and understanding just a fraction of Serbian culture. In a population of approximately 8 million, only 10,000 - 15,000 are evangelical Christians. Traditionally to be Serbian is to be Orthodox.
As I walked along a dusty, bumpy street full of early morning traffic I was struck by the great need of this wonderful people. We drove along the Danube where bridges destroyed by the NATO bombing have only just been replaced - it is the general populace who suffers the effects of war.
One of the leaders we interviewed here is a young worship leader who is reflective of the dynamics of this nation. His father was Muslim and his mother Hungarian and he and his mother fled Sarajevo leaving their father behind to fight in the Bosnian conflict. He considers himself Bosnian but it is easier here in Serbia for him to document himself as Hungarian. The lines drawn by war are never that simple when seen through the lens of regular people.
The opportunity to support this people in small way by developing communications for CRM Hungary which will help them raise money and further connections with leaders is a remarkable privilege. I pinch myself that I have the opportunity to serve the Kingdom of God so far from my home.
