Here we see something truly significant. While it may appear to be one of many Christian youth meetings, it is much more than that.
With a population of about 600,000 people, Montenegro has less than 200 Evangelical Christians. There are three main fellowships in the country, the largest being the Brethren Assembly in the capital city of Podgorica. On any given Sunday, perhaps 35 people will attend their service.
So here is why the picture above is so significant: twenty six teenagers attended the youth meeting a week ago. Twenty six! This is a VERY significant number of people for such a small church.
Not all of the teenagers are yet followers of Jesus, but all have been invited to hear more about Him and all have willingly come. Some have been involved in the Brethren youth meetings for a few years, some are part of a Roma (gypsy) fellowship, some received Samaritan’s Purse shoe-box Christmas gifts and expressed an interest in participating in the youth meetings.
What we see here is the fruit of years of Kingdom work: preaching the gospel, building relationships, establishing a church where there was none and faithfully serving in thankless roles. Vladimir and Marijana Cizmanski have ministered for many years; Violeta Pavetic, an early convert of Vladimir’s ministry, is now the youth leader. They are laying their lives down for Christ, and the fruit is the beautiful souls and loving relationships so evident in the meetings.
The Lord is also calling workers to the harvest field. Two missionary families, recently arrived in Podgorica, are committed to helping the church and the youth ministry in particular.
Please keep Vladimir, Marijana, Violeta and other leaders in your prayers. Along with the growth are special challenges and spiritual attacks. Pray especially for unity and love to be ever-present. There is much work to be done, and they are pouring themselves out every day.
