After coming back from Croatia, the Lord had me in California for over a year.  I’d like to say that the past year was easy and that I loved every second of it but I cant. This past year has been one of crying my heart out to the Lord, questioning His timing, and being challenged in various ways. However, this season has also been one of full reliance on the Lord, hearing His voice, sharing the Gospel with the Lost, and learning what it means to live one day at a time. It’s been a challenging season but also a very sweet season. 

In getting ready to head back to Croatia, I packed up my things, I kept what I needed and donated the rest. Though I knew that it was going to be hard, I never imagined how scary it would actually feel to get rid of everything and leave it all behind. As fear crept into my mind, I called on the Lord and just like the good Father that He is, He answered. He took my fear and replaced it with peace. I was sent off be Calvary Chapel Saving Grace. It was a huge blessing to be able to have Pastor Trent pray over me with the entire church before I left. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been in Croatia now for almost a month now. I’ve had so many people ask me how it feels to be back and honestly, it feels like I never left. The familiar sounds of the language, the smell of people smoking, the trams that take you from one place to another all feels like home. As I walk through the streets, I’m humbled by the fact that the Lord has called me back to the country and people I have grown to love so much. 

Each new day is filled with new things that just warm my heart. From the new people I meet to the friends I get to hang out with again, each moment has been a huge blessing! I reminded of God’s goodness and love towards His children. Each new day that I spend in Croatia is a constant reminder of God’s call to go share the Gospel to the Nations. 

Serving with Ben and Emily Spector has been the biggest blessing! They have opened up their home for me to stay until I move into my apartment and they are constantly checking on me to make sure that I am doing well. They’ve adopted me into their family and I couldn’t be more blessed by the amount of love that they have shown. Serving alongside of them has been an answered prayer. I couldn’t be more excited to see what my part will be in Raskrižje and how the Lord is going to use this church to reach Zagreb!

Unfortunately, I will not be able to be apart of the Roma Ministry that I initially intended to serve with here in Zagreb for reasons that I cannot explain (Partially because I don’t fully know and understand the reasons myself). At first this news was very discouraging. I have dreamed and looked forward to going back to those villages for such a long time. It shattered my heart to know that it was going to be a while until I am able to step foot back into the villages. It’s in those moments of questioning God’s will that He brings to remembrance the importance of the waiting season. I know that the Lord has a plan and I fully trust that He alone will provide a way for me to start working in the Roma villages again. Until then, I’m using all my time to study Croatian so that when I do go back, I will be able to speak to them in a language that they can understand. Please join me in praying for a way back into the villages and for a team that I can serve alongside with. Ben and Emily (Pastor and His Wife) are currently contacting ministries they know that work with the Roma community, to see if I can serve with them. 

I also just finished my second week of language classes. I can officially say that from the moment I step into my classroom till the time I go to bed, my head hurts. I’m constantly listening to people speak, trying to figure out what they are saying, and then trying to form a sentence that’s understandable which I can say before they move on to the next topic. I know that the Croatian language is going to take time to learn and I pray that the Lord gives me the endurance and perseverance that I need to learn Croatian. 

I love going to school and talking to my classmates though. I happen to sit next to a Muslim lady from Libya. I can only think that the Lord not only prepared me all summer to work with Muslims but also that He placed her next to me for a specific reason.  I’ve invited her to church and to the English classes at the church and though she hasn’t taken me up on any of my offers, I will keep offering it to her. Join me in praying for her and her family. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does through our friendship that’s starting to develop. 

 

Praise Reports:

I made it to Croatia safely and I am staying with THEE sweetest family!

I found an apartment!

Language school is going well. 

Prayer Requests:

Pray for me to be able to learn Croatian quickly. 

Pray for the English Classes offered at the church every Thursday night.

Pray for the Roma Villages!

Pray for the Gospel to penetrate the hearts of the Croatian people.

Needs:

The Lord has provided in so many abundant ways! I know and trust that He will continue to provide the amount that I still need. As of right now, the Lord has provided $880 of monthly support. Which means that I am only $120 from reaching my goal of $1000! 

However, in making my original budget, I didn’t count for Social Security taxes, Conferences, Furloughs, etc. I would like to raise an additional $300 monthly on top of $120 to cover all of the extra costs which I didn’t account for. I know that this is a lot to ask for but I promise that I’m not adding the $300 for no reason. If you would like a copy of my budget, I would be more than willing to share it with you.

If you feel the Lord is leading you to support the work happening in Croatia, please click on this link. I want to thank everyone who has supported financially and prayed for me in any way. It’s through your support and prayer that I am now in Croatia. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you! 

My first semester of Language school cost me 700 Euros. I chose to take this course because I believe that if I want to serve in Croatia long term, I need to be able to speak Croatian properly. If you would like to help me pay for my language class please click on this link.

Thank you for wanting to take part in the work that the Lord is doing in Croatia. I am so blessed by the fact that you are partnering with me through prayer and financial support! 

God Bless, 

Rebecca