This update from Anna Armitage was lost in the internet for a day or two and so appears out of order. Anna and her husband Sheldon are our hosts for this trip, and her insights and local knowledge are greatly appreciated:
Saturday in Serbia
Today was our first full day in Novi Sad, Serbia. After a lovely breakfast spread of some national treats like various cheeses and meats, baked goods and pastes, we were ready to face the new day.
The morning started us off with a gathering of about 20 Serbian women who joined our team for a powerful time of exploring the topic of ‘the courageous woman’. Having had no previous knowledge of what group to expect, we were amazed at the quality and potential of ladies gathered in the place. It was our privilege to share pieces of our individual life stories with these awesome women. But as we felt that we are not only to give but needing to receive, we also invited the group to offer their gifts of their personal stories to each other. Through the simple yet powerful activity of using beads to create our ‘life story’ bracelet, we witnessed amazing work of art unfolding. Each woman, from the youngest to the oldest, freely expressing their life milestones with beads, was able to paint a picture of what her life has represented so far.
The connection and partnership in the room was stunning. There was a mutual sense of sisterhood and any possible barriers of language, ethnicity, or cultural difference was radically broken within this setting. We reminded ourselves of the Love that Christ pours into our lives. We have encouraged each other and remembered the power we have been given. We then moved to exploring what potential tools and gifts we possess that can help us turn any of our oppressions into opportunities.
We clearly saw that even in a fairly recently war-torn nation that deals with trauma and wounds inflicted upon the people, God reigns with power and love. He has purposes for the individuals and He has future for the nation and nationalities. He is calling people, His children to rise up and answer the needs and deal with the issues that the country faces. We stood together in the circle of grace, comprised of all of us hand in hand and we proclaimed that God will use our stories to hold each other up.
During our break in the afternoon, we enjoyed a great time with our hosts, Nesa and Vesna who are a brilliant couple with creative and progressive thinking and vision. In the evening, we got to take part in their church gathering service. They started the church about 2 years ago and it is vibrant and full of young people.
After introducing the team, it was time to bring the Word of God. And we had definitely heard His Word to us; so with the Holy Spirit’s help, we delivered a group sermon that might have been a new experience for all of us. But the outcome was encouraging and strengthening. The response was fantastic. We shared the story of Jairus and his desperate plea for his daughter’s healing; we shared also the connected story of the woman who for so many years suffered the pain and shame of her problem with bleeding. Each team member participated in re-telling these stories and drawing some teaching moments that inspire courage and willing hearts in all of us. The warm reception and welcoming of this church family was truly refreshing. The connection was beautiful. We have been given a definite invitation to return and it seems that some deep spiritual bonds were formed.
We can only look forward to what the next couple of days have in store!
Today was our first full day in Novi Sad, Serbia. After a lovely breakfast spread of some national treats like various cheeses and meats, baked goods and pastes, we were ready to face the new day.
The morning started us off with a gathering of about 20 Serbian women who joined our team for a powerful time of exploring the topic of ‘the courageous woman’. Having had no previous knowledge of what group to expect, we were amazed at the quality and potential of ladies gathered in the place. It was our privilege to share pieces of our individual life stories with these awesome women. But as we felt that we are not only to give but needing to receive, we also invited the group to offer their gifts of their personal stories to each other. Through the simple yet powerful activity of using beads to create our ‘life story’ bracelet, we witnessed amazing work of art unfolding. Each woman, from the youngest to the oldest, freely expressing their life milestones with beads, was able to paint a picture of what her life has represented so far.
The connection and partnership in the room was stunning. There was a mutual sense of sisterhood and any possible barriers of language, ethnicity, or cultural difference was radically broken within this setting. We reminded ourselves of the Love that Christ pours into our lives. We have encouraged each other and remembered the power we have been given. We then moved to exploring what potential tools and gifts we possess that can help us turn any of our oppressions into opportunities.
We clearly saw that even in a fairly recently war-torn nation that deals with trauma and wounds inflicted upon the people, God reigns with power and love. He has purposes for the individuals and He has future for the nation and nationalities. He is calling people, His children to rise up and answer the needs and deal with the issues that the country faces. We stood together in the circle of grace, comprised of all of us hand in hand and we proclaimed that God will use our stories to hold each other up.
During our break in the afternoon, we enjoyed a great time with our hosts, Nesa and Vesna who are a brilliant couple with creative and progressive thinking and vision. In the evening, we got to take part in their church gathering service. They started the church about 2 years ago and it is vibrant and full of young people.
After introducing the team, it was time to bring the Word of God. And we had definitely heard His Word to us; so with the Holy Spirit’s help, we delivered a group sermon that might have been a new experience for all of us. But the outcome was encouraging and strengthening. The response was fantastic. We shared the story of Jairus and his desperate plea for his daughter’s healing; we shared also the connected story of the woman who for so many years suffered the pain and shame of her problem with bleeding. Each team member participated in re-telling these stories and drawing some teaching moments that inspire courage and willing hearts in all of us. The warm reception and welcoming of this church family was truly refreshing. The connection was beautiful. We have been given a definite invitation to return and it seems that some deep spiritual bonds were formed.
We can only look forward to what the next couple of days have in store!
Anna, on behalf of Emma, Robyn, Donna, Diana, Britni, Karen, Idelette, and Gwen
Comments