Kosova is surrounded by mountains, so a short drive in any direction leads upward. On a recent journey to the capital city, we enjoyed the fall leaves along the mountainsides. The days are still beautiful, but the morning air is a bit nippy. We know that the grass will soon be crunchy under our feet at sunrise.
Sewing is an enjoyable hobby for me, and I have done a bit recently. Curtain panels for the house we are now renting, and patching and repairing winter clothing in preparation for the chilly weather. I must admit this task would be impossible without my glasses. This reminds me of a joyous moment that occurred recently.
A church from Frankfurt, Germany has been sending Christmas gifts and mission teams to Krushe each year since their first distribution of gifts for Christmas 2001. This year twelve people came the last week in September. Half of them had been on past teams. They came fully prepared and enjoyed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The pastor was an optometrist years ago, and he was able to borrow a machine that tests eyes. Many people donated used and new glasses. Humedica sent a whole palate loaded with eyeglasses. Volunteers from the church sorted and made an inventory of the glasses. We were able to see over three hundred people, and distribute glasses to most who needed corrective lenses.
The team was divided into three parts, daycare/Krushe e Vogel, evangelistic team, and optic/evangelistic team. The daycare team worked each day in the daycare, prepared a daily craft activity in the elementary school with the first through fourth class, led a kid’s meeting each afternoon with music, drama, and a Bible story that related to the craft of the day, and whipped up delicious meals for the team. The evangelistic team visited several villages with a program of music, powerful drama, games, and the Good News. The optic/evangelistic team set up in six villages and distributed God’s love and the ability to see more clearly. In their spare time, team members stacked wood, cleaned, and worked on projects at the daycare. It was a full and productive week. Daily the team experienced the victory of seeing their hard work of preparation put to good use as they spread the Gospel message. The agony of defeat came when we visited a village and were told to leave. It is a village we have been many times with the medical teams and other mission teams. The first two days the team was there went great. The children listened; they played games, and showed every sign of having a good time. The second day, a Muslim priest-in-training came at the end and said if he had known what we were doing, he would have organized a group to oust us. He told the team not to come back the next day. We prayed and hoped for the best and went back the next day as planned. That man was not there, but his representative was and sent the team away. The children who had been laughing, hugging, and playing for two days stood apart from the team with fear in their eyes. Even in that apparent defeat, the children could surely see the difference in the people who came to bring joy and fun as opposed to the ones who shut down the program. AND, we had two great days with those children.
We moved out of the Smile Center and into the rental house in Krushe. We had visited the village on many occasions during our stay at Smile, yet the villagers welcomed us as if we had been gone for a very long time. Many of them told us how pleased they are that we will continue to live in Krushe. What does the Lord have in His heart for this tiny village in the middle of this tiny land? He makes a way for us to stay and share the Gospel. He keeps bringing quality people to share His love. He has a plan for this village.
An old lady came as a patient the first day of the optical team. Her eyes were tested, and she was given glasses. I handed her a registration card and asked if she could read it. She looked at me and said, “What? I never went to school, and I had no education. How could I read?” Then she said she wanted to see if she could thread a needle – that would be the test of the glasses. She sat and waited for another woman to run home and get a needle and thread. Seeing the thread go through the eye of the needle and the gleam of triumph in her eyes was a joyous moment filled with emotions that words cannot express. Sewing is a need and a pleasure for the women. They say it chases away boredom and sorrow.
Oh, for the day that the people will see clearly with spiritual eyes the ONE who comforts every sorrow. Until that day, we continue in the strength of the Lord to sow seeds and welcome mission teams to help share the Good News. Thank you for your prayers, concerns, emails, donations, and love that empowers us to continue.
Our congratulations to Hasan Bytyqi, our first student in the Bible school to receive a Certificate of Biblical Studies for completion of the first ten courses.
Prayer needs: Dan, Amber and Judah – Amber and Judah are visiting family in the US.
The Harvey family – missionaries in Malishev-police found a bomb under their car after one went off by the door of their church/English school/living quarters.
The Noble family – missionaries extraordinaire who are preparing to return to Idaho in three weeks. And, for their seeds sown in Kosova to produce thousands of times over in fruit that remains.
Us. Good riddance to a flu virus that is at the tail end, but just doesn’t want to let go.
With eyes of faith,
Dave and Cindy
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Dear Friend of Kosova in Our Hearts,
Thank you for your love for this small nation so devastated by war. Your prayers and support in partnering with the team have made this ministry of Jesus' love overwhelmingly successful. We will never know this side of heaven the lives that have and will be touched by your giving.
From a small beginning in 1999 we have seen this ministry grow and increase in grace and favor as God has blessed their faithfulness. Dan & Amber continue to minister through the Day Care and medical teams opening Muslim hearts to the gospel of Jesus. Dave & Cindy have greatly expanded the ministry of the Bible School . They travel around the nation bringing foundational teaching and equipping to believers in churches throughout Kosova. Dave recently got his Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Beacon University so that he could be more effective in equipping these precious saints. They are training Kosovar ministers to care for the new believers brought to the Kingdom by the mission teams. It is wonderful to watch their service to all the church in Kosova. They truly have a national vision for this broken land.
The primary reason for my letter is to communicate an increased need for this ministry. For the last 3 ½ years, Dave & Cindy and Dan & Amber have graciously lived together at the Day Care. We have wanted for some time to help them by finding separate lodging for Dave & Cindy. This has become even more important with the addition of little Judah to the Litzinger clan. This fall we were able to secure a lease on a house in Krushe e Vogel near the Day Care. This also gives us added space for short term mission and medical teams.
We estimate that this move will increase the team's monthly expenses by about $1000 per month (US Dollars). We've also seen the value of the Euro increase compared to the dollar which costs us more every month. The reason for my writing is to ask you to prayerfully consider giving extra as the Lord would direct to help with this added expense. Dave & Cindy and Dan & Amber are champions for Jesus who have done an exceptional job under often difficult circumstances. As we pray and give, I believe we can partner with them in this crucial mission. The rewards are eternal…lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus.
Please make this urgent need a matter of prayer and respond as God directs. We are so grateful for your partnership in this mission. Many of us may never have an opportunity to visit a nation like Kosova, but we can be the hands of Jesus through our giving. Thank you. May God bless your giving.
Serving together,
Bob Johnson
Senior Pastor
Great Falls Christian Center
2 Cor. 9:10-11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Cor. 9:13 You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. NLT
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www.gfcconline.com
Great Falls Christian Center
P.O. Box 6846
Great Falls, MT. 59406
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KOSOVA IN OUR HEARTS
