Monday, May 18, 2009

Whats happended to America!

I was shocked when I saw the video below. How can this happen in America! Maybe you have already seen this. An Independent Baptist Pastor was beat for standing up for the fourth amendment. It seems like today our Constitution means nothing. Many times in Croatia, I've told the people that America enjoys so much freedom because we live by our Constitution, but now I'm not certain if that is true anymore. After watching this video I would have thought that is was done in Russia or China, but not the land of the free! God help our country!





I WOULD NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN WATCH THIS VIDEO BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Happy birthday, Alen!

Brother Alen is a faithful soul winner in our church. He does not have a family so he is able to go out witnessing pretty much every time Brother Rich or myself goes out. He has been a blessing to me as I try to start the new church in Varazdin. Last week as we were driving to Varzadin, he said: "yesterday was my birthday." He then told me that he did not even know it was his birthday. Apparently he got some card in the mail from an insurrance company telling him happy birthday. He said that he was shocked because he did not even know it was his birtyhday.

I was a little saddened when I heard this. How can a man not know when it is his birthday? I guess if you don't have any family or anyone to celebrate it with you it would be easy to forget.

Brother Alen's mom died of cancer when he was a little boy. His dad, who is an alcoholic, raised him. He grew up pretty lonely, this must be why he loves Jesus so much! He heard about the Savior that will never leave nor forsake him.

Through this I was burdened to try and care more for people. I hope next year he'll learn of his birthday from me and not an insurance company!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Milan's pig!

Saturday I spent the morning with the Gypsy family that comes to our church. They invited me over, because they were going to slaughter a pig. Brother Milan works hard for his money, and he provides for his family. They are very faithful to our church, and we praise God for them. Because meat is so expensive in Croatia, he buys his meat from a local farmer and he and his family butcher it at home. This was a new experience for me. I've been here for over 9 years now, and this is the first time I got to see how they butcher a pig. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I did enjoy spending time with brother Milan and his family.

Below you will find the video of this event. PLEASE DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH. PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS SUGGESTED DUE TO THE BRUTALITY CAUSED TO THE PIG!

I'm not crazy, just wanted you to see what it's like to live in the field.






This family has always displayed a spirit of giving. They sent me home with a bag of meat. If I can keep my wife from watching the video then maybe she'll cook it for me!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Prayer works!

Just quickly wanted to give you all a report on the children's ministries. Last night we had 8 come! This is down from before, but praise God some of them came back. There was a good spirit last night, and many of them asked if we were going to play soccer this week. I'm glad we didn't loose this ministry. Please keep praying. We are in a spiritual battle and need your prayers.

God bless!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Prayer warriors needed!

This week proved a little difficult for our children's ministry! I arrived at the Gypsy village to pick the kids up, and there was not one ready for Church. Apparently one of the Fathers has forbidden his three kids from coming, and this may have spread to others in the village. Gypsy people are very clannish, and follow one another. This man is an alcoholic and has threatened me, although I have never met him. He is upset because we are Baptist. Now this is pretty normal in Croatia. Baptist are considered a sect. This has always been our biggest obstacle in Croatia.

I need some of you to join me in prayer this week, so that we don't loose this ministry. Please pray that the kids will return this Wednesday night. We need God to do a mighty work. Please pray that God will give me the courage to face this spiritual darkness. Everytime I drive into these villages I am going into the devil's play ground. Every sin you could imagine happens in these villages. They are a strong hold of Satan. I need God's power and God's help. These children are important to God. I pray that we can win some out of the devil's grasp!

Thank you for joing me in prayer.