IWC Skopje Macedonia 2009

Skopje Day 6

2009-07-24T17:17:00.005-04:00

Friday started with a trip to Matka. Lake Matka is a man-made lake created by damming the river Treska. It lies in a steep ravine and canyon of the Treska Valley and is very breath-taking. We took boats up the river to a cave. We got to go into the cave (complete with many bats) and hear stories from our guide about all the discovery and research that is going on in this underwater area. Very fascinating!

After a nice lunch by the river, we went back to the Education Center to get ready for our last session at the ministry site. The intention was that we would have a "showcase" highlighting all the things we had learned for the week. The girls who were in Mandy and Angie's dance class performed "Shackles", the puppets did their thing and our men wrapped up the week by talking to the parents and kids about the choices we make in life.

Thank you for all your prayers. Continue to pray for the work that was done this week. That it would continue to bear fruit for our Field Reps. Pray that the Roma would come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Pray for us as we travel. Pray for Sarah as she returns to Germany. The rest of us will have an overnight in Vienna. Also pray for Amy as she returns to Florida.

Day 5 Skopje Macedonia

2009-07-23T16:38:00.006-04:00

Wow! What a day! Today was our last full day of ministry. It was hot. It was BUSY. It was PRICELESS!

Todays observations:

1. Andrew Basic and Marc Chewning are having birthdays. So...we thought we'd send a message from the other side of the ocean.

2. Exhausted World Changers can sleep anywhere at anytime.

3. Nutella is goooood!

4. Matt can drive in a different country and not wreck!

5. Music transcends every culture and if you repeat it enough times they can sing it even if they don't speak the language.

6. There is nothing like the love of a child.

7. Crew Chat is fun!

8. Water games are good when the temperature is 96 degrees.

9. THERE IS NO ONE LIKE OUR GOD!

Tomorrow is our showcase where the children will show their parents what they have been learning all week. Pray that we hve a great turn out and that we will be able to have fruitful conversations with adults.

It will also be a day full of emotion as we say good-bye. This is going to be really hard.

Day 4 Skopje Macedonia

2009-07-22T16:58:00.010-04:00

Today was filled with much of the same ministry activity. Many of the children are really getting attached to the participants and we are already anticipating how hard it will be to say goodbye!

When we approached the playground today there were already tons of kids waiting. The crowd that beats us there in the morning is getting bigger and they keep pouring in all day long. It is hard to get a real grasp on numbers.

Last night during worship, Sarah said our experience was much like Jesus' experience. Where ever Jesus went there were always crowds wanting to be near him and to touch him--even if it was just the edge of his clothes. They were relentless in their pursuit of Him. That is exactly what this experience is like. If your arms could hold 50 children, they would want you to do it. There is no bottom to the depth of their need and/or desire for love.

Today we said that "serving" is one way you demonstrate love to another person and it was amazing to see how many children started helping us at clean up time. They picked up trash, helped us load our car and wanted to help carry our chairs all the way back to the Education Center where we eat and rest.

Thank you for all your prayers and enjoy the pics and videos!

Terrific Tuesday in Skopje!!

2009-07-21T16:46:00.007-04:00

Another beautiful day in Skopje! The weather has been GREAT compared to the 101 degrees the day the team arrived. We have been blessed! There is always a nice breeze and some shade to find.

The Roma children love the participants so much that a group of them have found out where we hang out in the morning and at lunch. They stand at the gate and beg for us to come out and play. While this is heartbreaking for some of us, we keep them away to protect the rest and health of our team.

Our day is broken up into two sessions. A morning session where we do large group activities, puppets, participatory songs, games and one-on-one play. The afternoon is craft time, dance lessons, art lessons, some music lessons, sports and games. We also paint some fingernails too!

We took a count today and we are averaging 100 kids in the morning and 120 in the afternoon. A lot of these kids join us for both sessions. They leave the first session holding up four fingers showing that they know what time to return in the afternoon. So picture this....kids running away with four fingers in the air yelling "Chao" and blowing kisses!

Enjoy pictures and video!
Be Blessed!

IWC First Day on Ministry Site

2009-07-20T16:17:00.008-04:00

Today began our ministry time with the Roma children. We knew we were in for a treat when we rounded the corner only to see children waiting on us. We were most surprised that they greeted us instantly with kisses and warm hugs! Very affectionate little folks! We do not have words to express the joy and the experience today so we will just let the pictures speak. Yes, you ARE God of this city!!

Skopje Day 2 Prayer Walking & Ministry Training

2009-07-19T16:53:00.009-04:00

Greetings from Macedonia! Today we started our day by prayer walking the city. Our prayer time began in an ancient fortress. As the highest point in Skopje, Kale fortress sits high above the city. Long before the Turks created the extensive castle walls that survive today, settlements had existed here. The earliest traces of life date back to the Neolithic period and early Bronze Age, or some 4,000 years before Christ. We asked God to give us a vision for this city and to allow us to see it as He does. Many of the participants said that the entire time they were looking out over this great city, "God of this City" kept playing in their hearts and heads.

After our prayer walk, we went into the center of the city and got something to eat. Then it was off to the Education Center for an afternoon of ministry planning. We sang songs, practiced puppets, played games and enjoyed each other. We met with our crews and made crew assignments.

After a long day, we went out to dinner for an authentic Macedonian meal. Everyone *said* they enjoyed it.

The day ended with Haley stating that she "thought she'd jump out the window" so we caught it on film just to freak out her Mom! :O)

Tomorrow is our big day! We begin our ministry. We are expecting around 125 children in the morning and 125-150 in the afternoon. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Arrival Day at IWC

2009-07-18T15:46:00.006-04:00

We are so grateful that everyone arrived safely and on-time here in Skopje. We think the pictures really speak for themselves! Please be in prayer for our team. Pray that they would get much needed rest tonight. Pray for our time tomorrow as we prayer walk the city and begin many hours of ministry training.
Malachi 1:11

Skopje Get Ready!!!

2009-07-17T02:31:00.002-04:00

We're here and anxiously waiting for our team to join us! They (16 of them) will be traveling beginning today and arriving on Saturday.

Pleaase be in prayer for them as they travel from as far as Florida and the larger group from Washington.

Get ready for HEAT (yesterday was 101 degrees and no breeze)! At least our hotel rooms have air conditioning. We are so spoiled!

First Leg of the Trip

2009-07-16T05:22:00.004-04:00

Susan and Jackie have landed in Vienna and are getting really excited about the team that will be joining us in a couple of days! Thought you would enjoy these pics and advice!
Yes! Vienna has a Starbucks and it was our first stop! After that, you may need a WC (water closet) which in most other countries is the term for "bathroom." It will be your friend! Especially after the long flight or multiple trips to Starbucks!

Happy Traveling!

Get ready to change the world

2009-07-08T12:20:00.001-04:00

Are you ready?