Soooo....big news.
I'm going to Kosovo.
Yep.
For nine months.
From the end of August through the end of May.
Let me tell you a little bit about it.
A few months ago, my pastor issued a challenge to the young people of Mission Church: a 9 month commitment in Gjilan, Kosovo to minister alongside Genti and Linda Saliu, our missionaries there. After much prayer and seeking, I just knew in the middle of me that I needed to go. Actually, the first moment, Brent announced it, I knew. But it took a little while for me to...ahem...accept it.
First, where is Kosovo? Kosovo is located on Southeastern Europe, next to Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia.
Primary language: Albanian
Where I'll be living: Gjilan
Population of Gjilan: 80,000
Primary religion: Islam
Number of Jesus followers: 41
The city of Gjilan is interesting as it made up of over 50% young people--between the ages of 12 and 25. In fact there are so many high school students that kids have to go to school during one of three shifts. When not in school, they hang out in coffee shops. This provides a prime opportunity for building relationships., what's better than coffee shop ministry?
Moreover, Kosovar youth are passionate about American pop culture and the arts, especially music. As a musician, this is another wide open door for me to build relationships through playing music, teaching, and facilitating creativity. I will be joining a small team of people already serving in Gjilan. My job will be all about building relationships and the arts...not to mention extensive coffee conversations.
How much money I need to raise: approximately
$7000 or around $28/day. Honestly, I won't have an exact number until I come back from my first trip in June and fully figure out what my living situation will look like.
How I'm preparing: Prayer, prayer, and more prayer! Being intentional about spending time in the secret place--in the Word, in worship, and in prayer--is the number one thing I'm focusing on in order to prepare. I know that nothing is more important to this journey than that I'm deeply rooted in Christ and sensitive the leading of the Holy Spirit. Also, I'm learning Albanian (slowly but surely) and reading up a lot on Islam and Kosovo's history. Kosovo, I'm discovering, has both a fascinating and heart rending history.
What you can do: Pray, pray, PRAY!
1) The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray for the Lord of the harvest.
2) Unity among the team
3) Soft hearts among the youth and their families and that I would be a sensitive, yet bold witness.
4) That my eyes would be ever fixed on Jesus!
5) Financial blessing. I know God is in this, therefore it's His responsibility to make a way!
Also, if you feel led to donate, you can make out a check to Mission Church, in the memo put Kosovo Arts Project. You can mail it to:
Mission Church 2221 NE 3rd St
Bend, Oregon 97701
You may also donate online, here: Kosovo Arts Fundrazr.
So there ya have it.
I'm going to Kosovo.
And it's going to be one brilliant adventure.
Photo Cred: gooseman666, \!/_PeacePlusOne, Lisa568, Maps of Net, Daut!
I'm going to Kosovo.
For nine months.
From the end of August through the end of May.
Let me tell you a little bit about it.
A few months ago, my pastor issued a challenge to the young people of Mission Church: a 9 month commitment in Gjilan, Kosovo to minister alongside Genti and Linda Saliu, our missionaries there. After much prayer and seeking, I just knew in the middle of me that I needed to go. Actually, the first moment, Brent announced it, I knew. But it took a little while for me to...ahem...accept it.
Primary language: Albanian
Where I'll be living: Gjilan
Population of Gjilan: 80,000
Primary religion: Islam
Number of Jesus followers: 41
The city of Gjilan is interesting as it made up of over 50% young people--between the ages of 12 and 25. In fact there are so many high school students that kids have to go to school during one of three shifts. When not in school, they hang out in coffee shops. This provides a prime opportunity for building relationships., what's better than coffee shop ministry?
Moreover, Kosovar youth are passionate about American pop culture and the arts, especially music. As a musician, this is another wide open door for me to build relationships through playing music, teaching, and facilitating creativity. I will be joining a small team of people already serving in Gjilan. My job will be all about building relationships and the arts...not to mention extensive coffee conversations.
Coffee and music. Sounds like my kind of ministry.
$7000 or around $28/day. Honestly, I won't have an exact number until I come back from my first trip in June and fully figure out what my living situation will look like.
What you can do: Pray, pray, PRAY!
1) The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray for the Lord of the harvest.
2) Unity among the team
3) Soft hearts among the youth and their families and that I would be a sensitive, yet bold witness.
4) That my eyes would be ever fixed on Jesus!
5) Financial blessing. I know God is in this, therefore it's His responsibility to make a way!
Also, if you feel led to donate, you can make out a check to Mission Church, in the memo put Kosovo Arts Project. You can mail it to:
Mission Church 2221 NE 3rd St
Bend, Oregon 97701
You may also donate online, here: Kosovo Arts Fundrazr.
So there ya have it.
I'm going to Kosovo.
And it's going to be one brilliant adventure.
Photo Cred: gooseman666, \!/_PeacePlusOne, Lisa568, Maps of Net, Daut!
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