We got to the church early for breakfast and had a short time of prayer and praise and then we hopped in the van with Veronika and headed to Grude. Veronika's mom and step father live just beyond the town almost to the Croatian border on a beautiful piece of property with vineyards and a few animals. The two of them are such a blessing and all of us really enjoy spending time visiting and praying with them. They have been through much hardship but they both express complete joy in our Lord in all they do and say! After visiting with them we drove back through town and stopped at "M's" hair salon to pray with her and encourage her. Last year "M" told us that her father and husband both were very angry with her for becoming a Christian. She has suffered much persecution and even less business since committing her life to Christ but she's held firm in her beliefs. What an inspiration she is to all of us.
After visiting with "M" we drove to Mostar for a late lunch and then a short visit and prayer with Gara who has been in the hospital for the last week for physical therapy. Even though she was in great pain she had a huge smile on her face the whole time we were there and was so glad for our visit and prayer. After visiting with Gara we went to see the Bible College in Mostar and visit with David Lively and "Schmidt". David gave us quite a tour of the school and we chatted about lots of things and mutual friends.
From there we headed back to Capljina and hung out at Veronika's place with her roomate Mirija while Veronika cooked us a wonderful meal which we all REALLY enjoyed! Jamie gave Veronika permission to get married! We also skyped V's fiance Mufid while we waited for dinner and had a nice conversation while we were there. It was such a pleasure to pray with Veronika and Mirija for their upcoming marriages and their young lives here in BiH.
We got back to the house a little before 10 and most of us just crashed in order to prepare for today which was also busy but in an entirely different way. Will tell you more about today with the next entry. All in all it was quite a lovely day indeed!
I am overjoyed to hear all that you are doing in the name of our Lord, Jesus. It warms my heart to read the names of the people you have spent time praying with, knowing full well how much it means to them that you traveled so far, left all of your commitments, agendas, overcame personal odds....all to simply "show up" and be the presence of our Savior manifest in their lives. Showing them this love that overcomes all things, encompasses all things, heals and binds all things is real and true and lives in each of your hearts, connecting you to our brothers and sisters there . . . well, it is beautiful. It is what God is, love. It is what He called us to do, love. What a privilege to be used by Him to do it and to receive it, love . . .
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