So we've been here for a few days now and things seem to be running along quite well. The three things we set out to do (teach english, encourage local believers, evangelize to non-believers) have all been accomplished to some extent in the last two days. Our focus for the first week has been to get to know the local believers through various meetings and get-togethers.
We have learned a lot about Serbian culture and history and it really helps explain some of the reasons the Orthodox church has such a hold on the people. The Orthodox religion was brought to Serbia by a prince named Sava when he escaped from the palace to the Byzantine empire. When the Ottomans overran the Byzantines, they went on to take half of Serbia. The other galf was controlled by the Hungarians. During this time, the Serbian people were forced to conform to their rulers' expectations. When they were "freed" by the Soviets, they suddenly had to conform to communism. The only Serbian cultural identity that survived all those years of oppression was the Orthodox Church. So the people are loyal to it for reasons of culture and national pride.
Later today we'll be heading off to Novi Sad to meet with other groups of believers, so please pray for our safety while travelling and willingness to meet new people over the next few days.
I have pictures, but not the time to upload them, so hopefully they will be making an appearance sometime later.
Dovidenje
mvp
ps If you get a chance to see "Kingdom of Heaven" it would create lots of thought and discussion. I recommend it greatly.
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