How about a quick peek into one of my recent ministry trips that covered three weeks, six nations, and 14,000 miles?
Spantov, Romania
I ministered along side Pastor Daniel Banu. Daniel is a gifted leader doing an amazing job of reaching the Roma (Gypsy) people. I stayed in his home along with his eight children, wife, and a few other adults. There was never a dull moment from the time we woke up until we went to bed. Morning started with neighbors in need coming to Pastor Daniel’s home for coffee, bread, sugar, and other daily needs. They have a window off the kitchen wall that opens wide and people just walk up to it or ride their bicycles to the window to ask for help. The days were filled with serving people. At night we would have church or training meetings with leaders.
Pastor Daniel is a strong, visionary leader with a passion to see people’s lives transformed. Check out this video and then click HERE to learn how we can partner with him.
Tirana, Albania.
I then flew to Tirana, Albania to be with our FMI missionaries Chris and Laura Dakas. Chris and Laura have faithfully served Albania and the Balkans for more than 20 years. Because of their work the Good News of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed and demonstrated in Albania and beyond. Check out their website, http://www.stephencenter.com for more information.
Gjakova, Kosovo
Chris and I then drove to Gjakova, Kosovo to be with Astrit and Emily Morina. They pastor Eternity Church. God is using Astrit and Emily to bring healing to this nation that has suffered so much. Working together with this quality couple we will see Foursquare Churches planted throughout Kosovo.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Then it was back to Albania for one night then off to the airport for a flight to Sarajevo. I went to Sarajevo to connect with a young couple from a Foursquare Church in New York and to connect with a local pastor who wants to explore getting connected with our Foursquare movement in Europe. I spent my first day in Sarajevo with Adam and Lizz, the American couple. Even though this was our first time to meet face-to-face we instantly connected. What a great couple! I liked them so much I invited them to our Foursquare Europe conference in Budapest the following month. They were able to attend and they tell me it was a great time for them.
I spent my second day in Sarajevo with Pastor Dario. He has a church about 70 km from Sarajevo. Just like with Adam and Lizz from the day before it felt like I was meeting an old friend. I look forward to building a long-term relationship with these leaders and seeing the Foursquare Church grow throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kiev, Ukraine
Then it was off to Kiev, Ukraine to meet with Dmitry Mason. Dmitry leads a local church and a network of Churches called City of Light. We are working together to build strong healthy churches throughout Ukraine and beyond.
Chelyabinsk, Russia
After my time in Kiev I flew to Chelyabinsk, Russia (made famous recently by the meteorite that exploded over their city). Debbie and I started working in Russia in the mid-1990s. It was out of our work there that the Foursquare Church of Russia was established. For the last eight years it has been led by Pastor Slava Naniyantz. Last autumn during a Foursquare Russia gathering he let the leaders know he felt his time was over as the national leader and it was time to pass the leadership off to someone else. A plan was set in place to meet again in March in Chelyabinsk.
I sat in the meeting in Chelyabinsk watching how these pastors worked together to select a new leader and forge a new path forward. I was humbled and amazed to see just how healthy the process was. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Foursquare Russia.
I share these brief glimpses of my travels for one reason: to give you a taste of what it is we do together. We each have our role to play in making disciples of all nations. One part is not more important than another part. When we all do our part there is a Holy Spirit-empowered synergy that takes place that multiplies our efforts.
I wanted to say thank you for praying with us, supporting us, and partnering with us. It is because of your prayers, your giving, and your partnership that Debbie and I are able to open new fields, strengthen existing works, and care for the people, opportunities and resources entrusted to FMI for Europe.
I wanted you to see a glimpse of your harvest. Yes, because of our partnership we get to share in the harvest together. I wanted to let you have a glimpse of what I think is held in heaven for us.
Blessings,
Jeff and Debbie
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