Macedonia Update July 2024

Hi everyone, here is our latest update from Macedonia.

In the Summertime

It is scorching here! Our daily high ranges between 35 and 40^OC, making it difficult to do much outside during the day, especially as everyone hides away to get out of the heat. But in the evenings the parks fill up with families and there are opportunities to connect with the community. This year we have met some new people and shared Jesus with them.

These words from Colossians 4 seem appropriate at this time:

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:3-6

We need to be ready for any opportunity that comes up, to be flexible and adaptable and take them when we can. One evening, the children were delighted to get a much later bed time because Ian had the chance to speak with someone out in the park which meant they all stayed in the park until late!

Our bible study groups are continuing under the air conditioning and there have been some great times digging deeper into the word. In our adults class we don’t formally teach the bible – we explore it together under the leading of the Holy Spirit, and this has led to some great times of revelation and insight.

New Vehicle

At the end of June we had to say goodbye to our faithful old car, which at 22 years old was becoming increasingly unreliable. It had served us well for the past 6 years, looking after both the needs of our family and of the ministry. It has taken church members on mission to Romania, transported trainee evangelists to other towns, visitors to church and Christian events and ferried short term teams around the city.

Amazingly, God still had one last job for it. After 2 breakdowns in one week, we took the car to a mechanic for some more repairs and were under the impression that it would not be fixed until after the weekend. Yet the mechanics generously stayed late at work to complete the job. This meant that the following day we could transport people to our church water baptism service a 50 minute drive away from our home and our friends who had never before seen a believers baptism could witness this amazing event, and join us for our church celebration on the Sunday. As we parked up at home on Sunday night after our church celebration, the car broke down once more! It was such a blessing to be able to use it for one last special opportunity, however we felt it wiser to use the money towards a new car instead of getting it repaired again.

We no longer own a car and are seeking God with regards to a suitable replacement. We would like to purchase another 7 seater car so that we can continue to use it in the same way, using it to transport other people as well as our own family. There are challenges though: If you think buying a car in the UK can be a bit of a minefield then you should try doing it over here! Cars can cost nearly 3 times as much than in the UK so, even if we get a good deal in Macedonian terms, it is an expensive investment.

If you feel that God is leading you to make a contribution however big or small to buying a new car please contact the Elim Missions office on missonsfinance@elim.org.uk.

Home Education

Kristen and Josiah begin their new academic year in August. We are grateful for the provision of a large number of the books needed for the new year and are thankful to Julie in the Elim Missions office for helping to source a number of them for us.

Prayer of thanks:

• For the provision of resources for the new academic year.
• For the new people we have met, and opportunities we have had to share our faith.
• For the impact of the Bible study sessions.
• For safe travels to and from the UK and Bulgaria in June.
• That Kristen had an inspiring time at the Young Life summer camp.

Please pray for:

• People to come to Jesus and enter into a transformational relationship with him.
• Provision of finances for our new car and wisdom to choose the right one.
• An increase in hunger for God amongst those who attend our groups and those who don’t – yet!
• For the new academic year for the children.
• We have perceived an increase in alcoholism in our community and have been praying for bottles to be laid down and Bibles to be picked up. Please join us in this prayer.

Thank you

Ian, Katie, Kristen and Josiah.