GOD IS HERE

The team is gone for dessert and coffee. It's 9:30 pm, Saturday evening. All is well and quiet, save for my ipod sweetly playing "How He Loves" in the background. Why does it require crossing an ocean to this joy and hope deprived country for me to reconnect with this essential truth of our faith? I witness God's love in this tiny fraction of the Bosnia-Herzegovinia population who have somehow overcome insurmountable odds to worship our risen Lord and many who are battling those odds still. We prayed with a women this week who is being persecuted by her community and family because she has chosen to claim Christ her Savior. Despite the fact that her father has threatened imprisonment and even death, she stands boldly and resolute claiming she would rather die for Jesus than live any other way. Then, there is our dear friend here who has lost, not one but three, children and through these trough times found his path to salvation, because of it. Now, he states he would suffer it all again rather than losing his relationship with Christ, our Lord. This is a people, a country, a city, a community which has lost so much. It is dark and oppressive, yet there are beacons of light such as these that illuminate mountains and valleys, towns and villages sprinkled like Heavenly stardust. There is a love that is supernatural and can only come from the Holy Spirit shining within, uncontainable. How they love! Indeed, "How He Loves" It is almost unbelievable, if I were not witnessing it with my own eyes and feeling it with every fiber of my being. Like characters in a book, by stories end, they change each other. We are a team changed by this love. We have prayed with them and wept with them. It has been a highly emotional week. As we made our final walk through the streets of Capljina tonight, we prayed over many of the buildings still pock marked or completely destroyed by the war. Factories which once represented industry and a prospering economy are now drug and alcohol dens claiming Capljina's youth. We prayed intensely for them as they represent the future for this country. Upon leaving the graffiti plastered, soot marred and hallowed out shell of what once stood as a visual reminder of a thriving culture, a single, white dove soared overhead and perched atop a dead tree at the property's edge. Moved to tears, we all felt it - God is Here! Praise Him!

This will be our last post. We leave in the morning for Split, Croatia, with an overnight in Rome, Italy. One of our team members has a "connection" in Rome, so we are praying that we make contact and are able to manage a quick personal tour and dinner, before flying out Tuesday morning.

Please pray for safe travels for the team. Also, prayers to Jehovah-Rophe, our Healer, would be most welcome to relieve head colds, coughs and headaches before we take flight! For those who have been praying for our host Andrija, he has recovered! Slava Bogu! He is the happiest, most faithful man we may have ever known. Saying "Goodbye" or "Ciao, Ciao" to these passionate friends, now family, will be very difficult, but we all look forward to being reunited with each of you. You are loved!

Love,
Kathy

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

War & The Wonderful Peace that Surpasses All Understanding

Before I get into Friday's events, I just wanted to let you know that Leland's luggage did indeed arrive the day after we did. He and Pastor Bernard took a drive to the Croatian border to pick his bag up from the authorities. He'd prayed for a shirt and a jacket the night before and the Lord provided; both were hanging on the door to his room when he woke up in the morning. Leland was grateful that he only needed to rely on borrowed clothing for one day.

We started Friday with devotions with our wonderful hosts Andrija & Marica at the breakfast table. They are such Godly people and we have been honored to share their home this week. The early days of the Capljina Evangelical Church began in the very room that B. J. Colleen and I have been sharing. Yesterday they showed us a picture of the first "small group" that was the church. After breakfast and devotions, we swung by the church to pick up Bernard and head to Pocitelj and then on to Mostar.

In Pocitelj there is a Mosque that was bombed and nearly destroyed in the war of the 1990's. Much of it has been restored but the evidence of war is so obvious everywhere you look. According to Pastor Bernard, the village is over a thousand years old. People still live there and their homes are high above the Mosque where no cars can go. They must travel on foot high up into the mountain to reach their homes. I climbed only as far as the Mosque and I am so glad that I did because it was really something to see. We left there and headed to Mostar, Pastor Bernard's home city. There we had a lunch of sandwiches made with small "house made" sausages & pita. The bread was just about the tastiest pita most of us have ever had. Driving through Mostar we saw many, many bombed out and bulleted buildings. Some have been restored to usability but it's very apparent that there was war here not too long ago. After our tasty lunch we walked through the city down toward the famous bridge which has been restored to it's original beauty. Both before and after the bridge there are many small merchants and artisans selling trinkets and things to wear. We had fun shopping and chatting with the merchants. I'm sure that I was snowed by one of the shop owners but what can I do? What's done is done.




Friday evening we had "A Night of Worship" at the church and though we do not speak the language it was a wonderful experience of praise & worship among Believers from both the Mostar Evangelical Church and the Capljina church. Most of us sang along in the native language since the words were on a screen in the church. We are learning the correct way to read and pronounce the words. Our God is so awesome, the language was no barrier. We all felt as though we were wrapped in the arms of Jesus as Toni, No No, Matea, Eleanor, Ivan and sweet, sweet Veronika skillfully led us in worship & praise. They all love the Lord fully with their entire hearts, souls and minds. One can feel His goodness and light emanating from within them.

This morning we took a little trip to Veronika's apartment where we listened to some of her story and prayed for her. The Lord has wonderful plans for this special girl. She has managed to get herself invited to join an organization for the youth in the city and has secured a meeting with the mayor to discuss the youth of Capljina. She is very bold with her faith and never fails to put it right out there for all to see which easily could cause pain and persecution in this area of the world. I am so honored to call this special young woman my friend, my sister in Christ!

Please pray for the health of the team members as we've had some illness and headaches. FYI: The Lord has healed Andrija!

In His Awesome GRIP, Tracy Anne

STRINGING BEADS, TETHERING HEARTS

Last night concluded our outreach to the women of Capljina. For two evenings, we hosted a jewelry making party as an opportunity to connect with some of the women in the church and others they have invested in over the last several months. Our hope was to give them a chance to relax in an evening of fellowship with Christian women and experience the love of Christ Jesus, as we strung baubles and beads, gems and gemstones, gold and sliver. We came prepared to assist each participant string a strand or two, but much to our surprise, we had difficulty keeping up with these most creative and passionate women. Six, seven, eight necklaces later, some with matching bracelets and earrings, more than jewels were connecting - hearts were as well. More precious than gold and silver, our God tethered every soul and shined manifest like the most glorious pendant covering every heart. And the joy! Oh, the joy was his delight, His glory. We had said from the beginning, whomever God brought - whether few or many - He would be glorified. It is with incredible awe that we claim God is true to His promises as He filled every table, both nights! We even had to buy extra beads yesterday to meet the demand. Glory be to God! He is it!!
Still in One Peace,
Kathy

Alive and well in Bosnia

DAY Four from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hello Everyone! Yes, Lynne, I am alive and well in Bosnia. Despite its tragic past, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with friendly people.

Today we went to the home of Lidija and Tiho. They met us in the driveway and invited us in. We were expecting dessert and coffee and to our surprise they gave us an incredible dinner. Their warmeth and passion for the Lord inspired us all. On our way back to Capljina, we stopped by the salon of Mladinka where she gave our intrepreter and wonderful friend, Tony, a hair cut. Yours truly documented the day with his cameras.

Tonight the ladies in our group are hosting Day 2 of a Jewelry making class while we guys go out with Pastor Bernard to plan a BBQ for this weekend. He is a wonderful person who has a passion for the Lord and for his fellow Bosnians. 

Thats all for now. I want to personally thank all of our supporters, especially Patty Boyce who was so generous to me. Also a special thank you to Deb Avery who not only helped but inspired our whole team. God bless

A Busy Wednesday

Good morning! The picture above is an attempt to get a team picture with the WHOLE team. More often than not, Leland is taking pictures of everything and everyone, which means he has been in very few pictures during our stay. Hopefully, more WHOLE team photos will take place. The picture was taken behind the church, which, as you can see, is situated next to a bridge and fast-paced river (name of river escapes me right now).

We had an action packed Tuesday, which left us all emotionally and physically drained. First, we started off our day with morning worship/fellowship. The music was led by our translator, Toni, who is an excellent musician! This time was spent to listen to God's word, listen to great music, and pray.

Next, our group visited Robert and Emina's house to spend time with their family and listen to Emina's testimony. Her story is one that could fill any book, but the main theme that runs throughout her story continues to be Jesus Christ and all that he has done in her life. After listening to her story, our team prayed over her and her family. We could definitely feel the Lord's presence.

Lunch for the day consisted of delicious pizza; however, I don't think many of the Americans added the mayonaise or ketchup, which is custom here (and supposedly delicious). Our hosts have gone out of their way to make everyone comfortable and feel at home. As an added bonus, most of the people within the church speak English, which makes for much easier communication.

Our Tuesday afternoon consisted of visiting Novi Most, which means "new bridge". Novi Most is a youth center that welcomes children and teenagers of all backgrounds and faith to learn computer skills and English speaking skills. Our team had the pleasure of helping a group of about 10 teenage girls practice their English and listen to various American accents. Mick and Ally, missionaries from the UK, run Novi Most and live in Bosnia with their two children. They are a delight to meet and are perfect examples of how to follow in Jesus's footsteps. The website for Novi Most is www.novimost.org.

The main event of the night was the jewelry making fellowship held for the women of Capjlina. The turn out was larger than expected. The ladies that participated in the event spent a lot of time making beautiful jewelry and joining in fellowship. A great night!

Overall, we had a great Tuesday! Spending time with great people and praying with them has been a true blessing.


God Bless,

The Bosnia Connections Team

BE WELL

We arrived in Capljina, Monday around 4:30 pm, after an eventful trip! There were several snags and hitches this year, but all were overcome easily and without any angst. Leland's luggage is still somewhere between Atlanta and Bosnia, but we've all pitched in clothes, toiletries, and remained true to our sense of team spirit. This will all become good fodder for gatherings around the dinner table during the week! :)

Just before arriving in Capljina, we witnessed a 4 wheeler ATV careening off the steep embankment that shores up the narrow two lane roads hugging the mountains and hillsides. The vehicle flipped the man and woman off leaving the woman lying relatively immobile and on her back against the rocky terrain so indigenous to this region. While Pastor Bernard talked the couple through the shock and called the police, the man all the while pacing back and forth, I came to the woman's side. I kneeled next to her, taking her hand, praying silently, gently stroking her wrist and forearm, hoping and praying Christ's comfort and healing touch might somehow move through me. The team stood around us in a powerful presence of God's love manifest. Soon, others arrived trying to help. I wished I had words of comfort to express all I felt for her, indeed how God feels for her, but I knew I wouldn't be understood. And, on some level, I wasn't sure how it would be received; well aware of where we are. So much for claiming God boldly! I knew nothing of this women save for the fact that, in this moment, she was in great need for the healing balm of Jesus - for His touch, for His embrace, for His peace which surpasses all understanding, for His love and reassurance.

When the ambulance arrived, we began to make our way back to the cars. I placed her bloodied hand down on her body and brushed her hair from her eyes and forehead, whispering "Be well." With every ounce of strength, she turned her head and looked at me with beautiful, big, brown eyes and mustered a smile. A Connection!

The Bosnia April Connections Trip has arrived. We are safe, we are rested and we are thrilled to be here with our Bosnian family at the Evangelical Church.

Please pray for Andrija, our host, who has taken ill today with congestion in his lungs and weakness in his legs. He and Marica are fearful, but their faith is strong. He will see a doctor today.

Please pray for the family and those who grieve the loss of Peter, a friend of Toni and Matea's who was killed in an auto accident. He was only 21. His funeral is today.

Thank you for your support.

"Be Well"
Kathy

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Connections

At the end of 2007 I was honored and privileged to be a part of a short term mission team in Skopje, Macedonia. We helped our Partner church in Skopje produce a Christmas concert in a 700 seat public meeting hall there. I fell in love with the people and would really love to go back some day! Two of those people are a young married couple, Zivko & Stephanie Barbatov who were performers in the concert. They have been living in Croatia to further their studies for some months now.

About two weeks ago Zivko posted on Facebook that he was going to Bosnia and I commented that I was too! Then he said that he was going to preach at Bernard's church in Capljina! After reading this, I thought it would be so cool if I could see my Macedonian friends while I am serving the people of Bosnia but it was not meant to be. They went back to Croatia yesterday afternoon.

Many of my support letters were sent via snail mail but I sent several through Cyberspace to folks I've served with in different areas of ministry since the early days of North Point Community Church. One person was Steve James who has also been to Bosnia several times on mission trips and for business. I served with Steve in the Starting Point Ministry a few years back.

Our trip is called "Bosnia Connections" and I've discovered that I already have quite a few connections before I've even physically touched the Country. I can't wait to get there and hug these wonderful people whom I've been hearing so much about over these last few months!

The photo is of the Capljina Church taken by Stephanie & Zivko while they were there just a few days ago celebrating a "second honeymoon". We hit the air in two and a half days; we'll land in Frankfurt and spend a few hours there before we board our Air Croatia flight for Split, Croatia and then we'll get to Capljina via automobile.

Last night we had a send off party thrown for us by Bonnie & Deb, members of previous Bosnia short term mission teams and it was wonderful! We were able to meet some of our team's supporters and we were prayed for and shared communion. It was the perfect thing to do before we head out into the land. Thank you Loyal Blog Followers for being on our team from wherever you are. We are connected, we are Family, The Family of the Mighty God we serve...

Tracy Anne

TRANSFORMATION

I’ve been a bit of a recluse for the past week or two. Some may call it moody. But after much activity, I often need to withdraw. For some reason, lately it’s been more intense. Following a steady flow of outward preparation for our trip, I believe this has been a time to draw inward and ready my heart and mind. I look forward to these times of reflection, processing and contemplation. It is a time of renewal for me, a time to draw nearer to our Lord and Savior. And, what a better time than during the Lenten season, a time when we all are reminded of the most glorious events of sacrifice, grace and forgiveness, resurrection, transformation and renewal on which our entire Christian faith rests. I have draped myself in this truth in anticipation of what we are all about to do, and I seem so small. I am humbled. Like a caterpillar in cocoon, I feel as if I have returned to a familiar place. Back to the chrysalis, resting in Him, reconnecting, remaining, transforming. Only five days left until we depart by air for Frankfurt, Croatia, then by car to Bosnia. Today, I am breaking through the private dressing room my Lord has spun for me, and with unveiled face, I have turned toward Him. With new life, invigorated, I will begin the tasks of leaving. Like the butterfly, I launch into a flurry of movements, hustle and bustle, packing and cooking, running and driving, all the while joyful, excited, ready – ready to proclaim God boldly, express my love for Jesus lavishly – for I/we have been given new life! The old has gone away. The veil has been removed. Let us share the good news!
Happy Easter everyone!
In Christ,
Kathy

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Cor 3:16

Our God ROCKS!!!

We hit the air in 9 days and are down to single digits! I know that it sounds so cliche but time has flown by entirely too fast...

Jill sent us all a note a few days ago to let us know that we'd met our team goal of $20,000.00 which is fabulous! I knew in my heart that we would have no problem at all reaching our monetary goal but most of us get that little twinge of doubt that tells us it can't be done.

I expressed my doubt and nervousness on FaceBook last week and a dear friend who's known me since I was 4 years old sent me this passage: Psalm 139:9&10 "If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uppermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me" How awesome is that!? This is yet another reminder that we are indeed held in the palm of His hand.

Please keep us in your prayers from now through our return on April 28th. If you would pray for protection for us as we travel and protection of our health we would really appreciate it. We are going to try to update the blog daily while we are over there but we can't make any promises as there is not clear agenda and agendas change like the wind anyway.

He's been with us every step of the way and our God truly does ROCK!!!

In His Grip, Tracy Anne

Seagulls, Stillness and a Sweet Savior

I'm at the beach this weekend....a self-declared "time out" before we head to Bosnia in two weeks (from today!). At the pace my life has been going for the past few months (Bosnia team leadership duties, crazier than normal job workload, maid of honor in an upcoming wedding, leading a women's small group, family commitments, etc.) I knew that I was going to go SKIDDING into April 19th (the day we leave for Bosnia) with no reserves (emotional, mental, physical OR spiritual).

In true fashion, the Lord's timing is impeccable. One of the girls in my small group is getting married today (Sunday, April 5) in Amelia Island. The timing was perfect to take several days to get alone with my Father. Nothing besides the grandeur of mountains reminds me of how huge my Father is than the ocean. He has met me here. He stopped the noise and the clamor of my busy world in Atlanta, and He met me on a beautiful coastline. He gave me the gift of quietness to hear a child's laughter as she runs from the waves nipping at her heels....the gift of watching sea gulls bicker over cracker crumbs...the stillness to just grab the coarse sand with my toes. It's been quiet. Quiet is good.

Quiet has helped me hear Him more clearly...to allow Him to love me by experiencing Him in nature. He led me to Psalm 42 and to a "panting" for more of Him than maybe I've wanted in a while. He's helped me remember his power as the mighty waves crash and the wind attempts to push them the other direction sending a beautiful white spray of water in the air. He's reintroduced me to my favorite author, John Piper, as I read Piper this morning saying what my heart must already know and has seen more clearly this weekend...."God is glorified in His people by the way we experience Him.....nothing shows the direction of the deep winds of the soul like the demand for radical, sin-destroying, Christ exalting joy in God." If it takes a six-hour drive to sit on a beach alone to be reminded of that, then so be it. He's worth every mile and an eternity more.

In another two weeks, we'll travel a few more miles as we head to Bosnia-Herzegovina and the dear people that we love. As I spoke with Pastor Bernard last week over Skype, he expressed his anticipation of how we can encourage each other. His plans for us to come and worship with him and the church, to reach out to the community (especially the women of the community who are much more open to the gospel than the men) and to pour our hearts out together in prayer served to stoke the fire in my heart even more for what God is doing there. He's moving and working and stirring in ways we, and especially they, have never seen before. Bernard is encouraged...all the while, fighting discouragement at every turn. The spiritual and financial oppression is palpable there. But our God is bigger, and this is where we place our hope.

I'm so honored to go with this team of eight amazing individuals. God has so greatly gifted each one, and in ways that will uniquely minister to the people in Capljina just as He's ministered to each of us already as we've met for the past 3-1/2 months. I've loved witnessing God take eight very different individuals with our own doubts and insecurities (although a fierce love for Him and a passion for His fame throughout the world)....and form us into one team that together, will pack up every ounce of love and hope one can expect from a GREAT God and take it to a country that desperately needs this love and hope. This kind of luggage is too heavy for us, but we trust in a God that makes the waves crash....that can count the grains of sand....and cares enough to put laughter in a child's lungs. This is the Savior we take on our trip. This is the Savior we believe will be more famous than Allah or the Pope in Bosnia-Herzegovina soon and very soon!

MEET ONE OF OUR HOSTS

Meet Marica (pronounced "Mar-It-Za"), our most gracious host. She and her husband, Andrija (pronounced "On-Dray-Ya"), built a hostel next to their home for those who come to Capljina on mission trips. We stay there for a penance and live like kings and queens for 9 or 10 days. She greets us each day with a wide smile and softly spoken terms of endearment. Her eyes twinkle with great love for us and for our Lord Jesus. His life in her cannot be contained. It emanates freely, fully and effortlessly. She showers us with grace, prays with us, fusses over us, worships with us and then goes about her daily service. I'm quite sure if the Lord came to her and said, you must build a hostel for the missionaries who will come, whether she had the means to do so or not, like Mary, Marica would have no doubt replied, "I am the servant of the Lord . . . Let it be as you have said" (Luke 1:38) Like Brother Lawrence, Marica has discovered there is no need for grand gestures. Whether she is making her homemade cheese or bread, bowing in worship, peeling her carrots or trimming her kiwi vines, she does it all for the love of God. Every moment of every day exists for His glory and it shows. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1Co 10:31
When we first learned about the nature of our trip, of course, I knew already we would again be connecting in prayer. However, the added opportunity was an outreach to the unchurched. Again, I was excited, until I read the activity - jewelry making. I don't wear jewelry, so, obviously, I know little (okay, nothing) about making it! I felt a little tug of pride on my heart. "I can't do this," I thought. It's not my gift. My eyes are so old, not even with my new muli-focal contacs will I be able to see those tiny little holes to string beads. And, I was right! During our retreat, we had a "training" exercise, and I was a mess! Granted it was a wonderful team builder, and we had a lot of laughs (many at my expense - all in good fun, of course). But, those holes are really, really tiny!! Nevertheless, I did make a beautiful necklace and again, I was proud. Eeek! There is that word again! Why must I feel like I have to do everything well? It's not what the Lord expects of me. It wasn't until today as I was reflecting over the thought of reuniting with Marica when the clouds parted and the truth came to me. All God has done is called me. I must leave the rest to him. It is not about making jewelry. It is about showing up. It is about "whatever I do, do it to the glory of God." It is about emanating the love of Christ. It is about the ease at which Marica reflects His beauty and majesty. It is about being that kind of light. And, if my bracelet brings laughter, let it be uproarious and glorious - the kind that transcends language barriers.
I'm thrilled to rush to the arms of Marica on our arrival day. I will relish our time together as I learn from her humble heart and watch it reorganize my own.

>"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests,but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness." Philippians 2:3-7

in His service,
Kathy

Just in the Nick of Time

Upon entering the blog this morning I discovered that the team only needs $800.00 more dollars to reach the $20,000.00 required for us to take this trip and I am in awe of our God. I am confident that we will reach our monetary goal and beyond what we need by the April 15th deadline. Many of us were discouraged last week because we were all having a difficult time raising funds due to circumstances beyond our control. I have however been 100% positive that the Lord would bring in ALL of the money we need just in the nick of time. You see, when we went on that retreat, the retreat where the lens cap was "lost" and we completed the "Spiritual Gifts" exercise I discovered that my strongest gift currently is FAITH. What an incredibly cool gift to have!

Last Fall when I read about the "April Bosnia-Herzegovina Connections" trip I knew I was "supposed" to go so I turned in my application and went about the daily business of living life, serving an awesome God! Before Christmas I received word that I had indeed been chosen to be a part of the team and a few days later found out that my dear friend Colleen had also been selected for the team! Yay, not only do I get to go to Eastern Europe and serve the Lord but I get to share the experience with a very dear friend which just makes the whole experience that much more special!

When I went to Macedonia at the end of 2007 and prepared to send my support letters, the words just flowed easily from the Lord, to my brain and into the trusty Macintosh. Even though the support process is a bit intimidating I got the letters done and out plenty early and the dollars rolled in and I had all my funding well before the due date. For some reason the letter writing this time around was a whole different ball of wax! When I sat down in front of the Mac to write my letters on 5 or 6 different occasions the words just would not come. I prayed and prayed about this and had the letters "written in my mind" for months but when I sat down to get them knocked out nothing came and I was beginning to get a little frustrated. At the end of February I decided to put the letters on the back burner and just not worry about them.

The dollars were coming in regardless! People who knew about my trip were giving me support checks and donating online and pledging to give in spite of my writer's block. By the time I was finally able to write and send my letters at the end of March (we leave April 19 so that's cutting it close) I'd already raised two thirds of the $2,500.00 needed without any letters. Within four days of sending my letters I am just a couple hundred shy and am confident that the money will be here days before it needs to be. You see, I'm "supposed" to go on this trip...

We leave in 16 days and the eight of us North Point Ministries folks and our Bosnian National Team Members truly covet your prayers now and during our time there. Thank you in advance for being part of our team, there is tremendous power in prayer!

LIKE LOAVES AND FISHES

During our last meeting, we distributed some prayer cards created for our supporters. These would have been ready sooner, however, I made a mistake in the cutting and pasting of text. Initially, the print shop thought it was an error made from translating my document to theirs and then in the conversion to the print file they require for printing. However, when I arrived home, I double checked and saw it was "my bad!" I had to call them and let them know. The former would have been no cost to us. The latter a different story. I called to explain my error. Much to my surprise, the associate honored her promise to reprint at no charge! I was very grateful and quite humbled, especially since we disagreed on the final cost. I was being charged a different price than I was originally told (or understood) by the first sales clerk. But, after some explanation, I agreed that the final figures were fair. Only moments early I was squabbling over a few dollars, and now I could have justifiably been recharged the entire price. From my vantage point, I did not deserve such mercy and grace, but was afforded it anyway. How quickly we crossover the "thin line" between self righteousness and benefit of the doubt . . . for prayer cards!!!

Fast forward to the night of our meeting. I am preparing to count out twenty-five prayer cards to each of our eight team members. Everyone dives into the box and helps me count. But, the box never empties. Like the baskets of loaves and fishes, barely a dent was made in our bounty of prayers to request for our team and the people of Capljina, Bosnia. There must be a thousand of them! Our box is still full. I don't think this was a mistake, since these were printed not once, but twice. Again, undeserved, unmerited favor, an act of grace given by the printer to our team.

Two days later, I received an email from Pastor Bernard in Bosnia. In it, he updated us on his prayer requests. Hoping we had captured everything on the back of our cards, already printed, I flipped one over and there they all were, just as if he had asked for them before I had ever met with the printer. God is so good. He is teaching me still, and I have not yet left. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

So look for us to be distributing prayer cards when you see us. If not, ask us for one. Or expect one in the mail! When I mentioned the cards to Bernard he was thrilled so many of you would be praying for them, so many more than the total membership of their congregaton itself. As we sat in our meeting, discussing what trinkets we could bring as gifts for them, I realized, this IS the gift - the gift of prayer. It is what they love the most. Their lives are rich in praise and start and end with humility. Their is no greater offering we can give them than the prayers for which they have asked.

Pray for the leaders of the church. Pray for their endurance and encouragement. Pray for God to give them the words and the wisdom to continue to reach the unreached in their community.

Pray for those in the City of Capljina whom the church has reached, that they may continue to be receptive to the message and to the truths the Evangelical Church is teaching and have a strong desire to be in relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Pray for the growth & prosperity of the church. Pray for their financial resources as they become more of a presence in their city, so that they may experience ongoing success in many of the outreach programs, study groups and other ministries which have opened the minds and hearts of the people.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."John 17:20-23

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
Kathy

I BROUGHT ALL MY BAGGAGE

Last night, we had our final, "official" meeting before we leave for our trip. We've completed all of our studies, learned about the culture, shared our stories, secured our flights and discussed contingencies. This last gathering was deemed a "packing party." We were told to bring one extra piece of luggage as there are always additional items we cart halfway across the world and leave behind. There are supplies for our partner church, as well as, the materials we will use in our outreach program and so forth. This evening's activity will give us an idea of how much baggage we will be bringing and how to divide it among the team.

Well, not really an "instruction" person, I misunderstood. I was the last to arrive to the meeting, in part, because I was wrestling with not one, but three bags (one nested in another) all of which had to fit in my VW Beetle and still allow me some visibility out of my rear window! No easy task. Upon arrival, same problem. I pulled, pushed, shoved and shimmied, in order to bring all of my baggage to the meeting. It didn't take long before I realized, it was all for naught . . . until today.

This morning, as I awoke and began my morning prayers, the metaphor began to unfold. For two months, this amazing group of eight individuals has come together as one in Christ. We have grown together spiritually. We have brought all of our baggage into a small room every couple of weeks and lay it at the foot of the cross. Last night was particularly heavy as the spiritual warfare seems to ramp up in our lives just before we set out to do God's work. The darkness was intense. We are tired. Some of us are struggling with illness or just a heaviness. The world's work is weighing us down as we prepare to do eternal work. With great transparency and authenticity, we emptied our hearts and minds to each other and lifted each other up in prayer, surrendering all of our burdens. Instead of filling all of them, we drew from the baggage and clothed ourselves with humility with one another. Unadorned we knelt before His throne and surrendered our worries, anxious thoughts, worldly demands, and oppressions. By His grace, we began to feel lighter.

As it turns out, we will not be needing any of my baggage. I left the meeting with all of it. . . empty. That is what happens, when we bring our junk to the foot of the cross - to the throne of the Most High. He takes it and prepares our way.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18

The Lens Was On The Camera!

Sometimes in life we find ourselves scurrying all over God's green earth looking for something that we've lost, only to find that it was right underneath our nose the whole time. Not only did this happen to a certain lens cap during our amazing retreat at Lake Hartwell, but it perfectly connects, in one way or another, to our team's personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Last weekend, members from our mission trip to Bosnia left the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to join together for two days of friendship, great food, reflection and prayer. Thanks to Betty, Tracy's friend, our team was able to enjoy the coziness and relaxation of a beautiful lake house, which set the stage for a great experience. 

Unfortunately, one of our team members, BJ, was unable to make the trip to Lake Hartwell. She was greatly missed! However, please join us in thanking BJ for providing some of the most delicious food that has ever been tasted this side of the Mississippi. BJ went above and beyond to send her love and unselfishly use her talents. BJ, you were with us in spirit.

Throughout our time on retreat it was clear that Jesus Christ was walking with us, step by step. He enabled our group to share stories with each other, connect in concentrated prayer, study the words of the Bible, personally reflect, join in Communion, and build friendships that will go beyond our time in late April.

Finally, through one of the activities organized by Kathy, we were able to determine our team's gifts. They are mercy, discernment and hospitality. Mercy is described as cheerful acts of compassion, empathy towards the hurting, and keeping the body of Christ healthy and unified. Recognizing the true intention of those in the body and testing the actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body is known as discernment. Hospitality, as you know, makes visitors, guests and strangers feel at ease, while integrating new members into the body. Wow, what great attributes to have!

God Bless,

Your Bosnia Connections 2009 Team

WHERE ON EARTH ARE WE GOING?!

I wonder how many times those called upon in biblical times, asked this question. "But, Lord, where on Earth are we going?!" I'm thinking not a whole lot. I don't recall ever reading these words in the Bible anywhere. Isaiah?
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)
Abraham, the father of faith? No way. Whenever the Lord would call, to a point of what would become the ultimate trial of faith; a call to the region of Moriah, his answer?
"Here I am," he replied (Genesis 22:18)
So, where is it that we have been called? What was our answer? Did we look on a globe first? I don't think so. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's just not the way it seems to work. We hear a call. Perhaps it's not an audible one, more of a heart pull. Yet, the response is the same.
"Here I am, Lord. Send me!"
THEN, we look on the globe! ;)
And so, we will go. Eight of us. A team, united in Christ, one mission, on a mission trip.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus commands us, in the gospel of Matthew. "All nations," referring back to the very nations promised to Abraham, all the people, to whom Abraham would father.
"and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:3)
May we be a blessing to those whose lives we will touch through the Evangelical Church in Capljina, Bosnia as the Lord uses us in answer to his call.

SPREADING GOD'S FRAGRANCE

Welcome to our Blog, supporters, friends, family, believers, seekers and all who have a heart for Bosnia -- all who would like to see the needle move in this country economically, politically, socially, but most importantly, spiritually.

Many of us traveling on this prayer team are returning, while some of us are making our first trip, to this distant land where unity is also a foreign concept. In the month's ahead, as we prepare for our trip, we will be embarking on another journey as well . . . the knitting together of our hearts, becoming united in one Spirit. Eight individuals, Jill, Kathy, Jamie, Douglas, BJ, Colleen, Tracy, and Leland have entered into a covenant to lead a procession and spread the aroma of God to the people of Capljina. We hope you will journey with us as eight become one - one fragrance, like the scent of this single rose captured in Bosnia last spring after a rain. May our lives and our witness be the sweet fragrance of God's grace and love for all.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." 2 Cor 2:14