It’s been quite a while since we’ve been in touch. Honestly, the transition to Zagreb has been difficult. Yet, the Lord’s faithfulness and steadfast love has been evident in how quickly the children adjusted and the church family has surrounded us. Praise be to God!
We moved to Zagreb in August 2016 with an idea of what we would be doing to support a local church we’ve known for years and a pastor with whom we’ve been friends for even longer. But our roles were a bit undefined at the beginning. Additionally, we made an unofficial agreement to reevaluate the fit after two years. Now, in August 2018, our roles are more defined and we have agreed with our church to continue our ministry together indefinitely.
Jeremy successfully completed his Master’s in June when he defended his thesis on Making Disciples in Croatia at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek. Though it’s the official end of one project, in some ways it’s just the foundation for a more focused practical ministry. Throughout the first 2 years in Zagreb, Jeremy has been leading Bible Studies during the mid-week services. One of the challenges for him has been a completely different church context; in Zagreb the local church is made up predominantly of college educated professionals and college students. Quite simply, given his commitment to teaching in Croatian, Jeremy has had to step up his game. He is also serving as a deacon.
Additionally, we have continued our work with Biblija365, the Croatian Bible reading app that was launched last year. Jeremy also teaches English once a week at the center for refugees in Zagreb. There is no lack of work to be done. The challenge has been what to say no to.
Though living in the big city is new for both (all) of us, and therefore has created a lengthy adjustment period, we are thrilled with the church with whom we are serving. We are a young (8 years old), vibrant, and growing community. The teaching is biblical and there is a strong bond that unites our fellowship. We are part of a church that has an influence on the Church throughout Croatia. That gives us joy vocationally while providing peace that our children a part of a community in which they can grow with their friends in the Lord.
Another thing we are very excited about is that the head our mission organization, Tom Foley, and our pastor in Croatia, Ratko, have a strong personal friendship. Tom visits us 3 or 4 times a year and during each of those visits has a conversation with Ratko. This allows us to say that there is complete harmony between the vision of the church and our role as missionaries. In supporting our ministry, you are supporting not only our work, but the efforts of Christian Educators Outreach and our church in Croatia. Your prayers and gifts are critical to us being here. Thank you!
In Christ,
The Bohalls: Jeremy, Petra, Enoh, Ian, Emily and David
0 comments:
Post a Comment