The brevity of life

To live everyday as if it were your last...About a week and a half ago I received the sad news that a close friend of mine from school had passed away. She was my age (27) and was one of the most loving, caring and enthusiastic people that I’ve ever known. Her life touched so many people and she will be missed dearly. I’m comforted by the fact that she was a child of God and is now in heaven with Daddy. Her death made me think of life. I know I spoke about leaving a legacy in my previous blog, but this just brought the urgency of it back to me. What am I doing today??? Who are there that I can call, that I can say to: “I love you” or “I’m grateful of having you in my life”? We can so easily live our lives as if we’ll be on earth forever and we become lazy in doing good...even to step out and make a difference. I don’t want to waste the life I’ve been given... I want to live it to the full! I once heard the saying: “Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ, will last”.

So, family...here I come
Friends...here I come
Home cell...here I come
Work...here I come
Bosnia...here I come
Children of Mostar...here I come! :-)

Bosnia News:

I finally bought my U.K to Bosnia tickets this past week. It took a while, because I first needed to confirm the dates and also find out about the voyager miles a client had (mentioned in previous blog). Unfortunately the voyager miles available were not enough for the ticket, but it was worth a try. I might look into getting a credit card with voyager mile points...it could come in handy for the future.

Other news is that I will be sharing at a big home cell gathering this Friday (25 June) at church. For friends in the area, you are welcome to join us @ Rhema church, FH2 at 19:30pm. Please pray for God’s guidance as I prepare for that.

I’ve also confirmed the date for my “Bosnian Party”. I’ll be having that on the 24th of July at my house in Randburg @ 15:00pm the afternoon. Anybody interested, please give me a call or email me so I can forward you the details.

The next step for me is visa applications. For the U.K visa, I need to apply about a month before departure. Thus, am looking to submit that around the 15th of August. This gives me just under 2 months to raise some more funds as you have to have about R20 000 in your account to show you’ll be able to support yourself whilst in England. For the Bosnian visa, similar requirements apply but as mentioned before, I’ll need to personally go to the London Bosnian Embassy to submit the application even though I’ll be emailing some of the documents prior to that time.

Praise report – I thank Jesus that I’ll be able to stay with friends from Novimost for my time in England. They’ll also be getting me from the airport ... so I won’t have to worry about additional travel expenses!

That’s about it for now...have a blessed week and remember...”Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ, will last”.

Laura xx

To be the change

Last weekend I attended my church's annual women's conference. It was titled "Legacy" and oh how inspiring it was! I've also been reading Joyce Meyer's book the "Love Revolution" and more than ever I've been challenged and inspired to 'be the change'. I want my life to make a difference...to leave a legacy of love...to be someone who goes out of their way to be a blessing and help others in whatever way possible...to be a world changer. We might not be able to help every single person on the earth...but the few we do help will make all the difference. With Bosnia coming up, I pray that my life will make a difference in the hearts and lives of precious Bosnians who will in turn make a change in other Bosnians who will in turn make a change in other Bosnians...with a ripple effect that will continue for generations to come! In one of the workshops at conference, a pastor said that there was a statistic which stated that an introvert influences 10000 people in their lifetime. Now if an introvert influences that many people, how much more will our lives empowered by the Holy Spirit influence and touch other lives!!!!

For all my friends in JHB, I'll be speaking on the 25th of June at a big homecell gathering at Rhema Church Randburg sharing my vision and dream for Bosnia. Initially I was planning to have a "Bosnian Evening" on that night, but as it worked out (trying to arrange the venue) my homecell leader suggested we iclude it with the homecell gathering for more people to find out about BiH and get involved. I still want to have a proper Bosnian "party" which I will have at my house in July. Will keep you posted with details of the events.

Prayer Points & Praise reports:

* I thank God for feedback from the Bosnian Embassy in London! According to a contact there, I'll be able to start the visa application via email before September and hopefully that will speed things up once in London so that I'll be able to go to Bosnia in the beginning of October allready!

* Praise God for a customer at work who contacted me regarding extra voyager miles that a friend of his have which I might be able to use for the airplane ticket from London to Sarajevo!

* Please continue to pray for the Lord's guidance regarding preparation for my time in BiH,favour with regards to sponsorships & visa applications, that I will run and not grow weary...

God has an amazing plan for each one of our lives. Let us hold on to Him and His Word and run the race set before us with endurance and determination. Let's not focus on self and our own conveniences...but let's be bold, step out and BE THE CHANGE in the world!

With Love,

Lxx

Trust in the Lord...

Mudre Izreke 3:5-6 : Uzdaj se u Gospoda svim srcem! Na svoju razboritost ne oslanjaj se! Misli na njega na svim putovima svojim; i on će ti ravnati staze.

Prov. 3: 5-6 :
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Here is a taste of the Bosnian Language. It sounds similar to Russian. I love this Scripture...yes, all that we can and need to do is TRUST IN THE LORD! My life is in Your hands Father, in Your hands! :-)

I've also included a photo. This was taken in the summer of 2004...Novimost Camp at Boracko Jezero. Super!!!

L xx

A BIG thank you!

A big thank you goes out to everyone who has blessed me so far with sponsorships for Bosnia (and pledged sponsors!). It is such an encouragement and I can just give glory to God! :-) Even yesterday, I went to the bank to deposit a gift for the BiH fund. Afterwards I went to check my balance and saw that someone had anonymously payed in money that I wasn't even aware off. (If that person reads this blog, THANK YOU SO MUCH!). God is faithful - He will provide in all my needs!

Some other news is that I received info about possible accommodation in Mostar for October. I'll be sharing a house with another missionary lady from America. I've been in contact with her and await her response to my email. Will keep you updated! The house is very close to the Novimost youth centre (5min walk) and also near the Old part of town. I'm so excited...can't wait!

News on Bosnia event...I'll be having my "Bosnian Party" on the 26th of June. It's a Saturday and will be an afternoon event (especially with soccer fever in the air;-)The venue still needs to be confirmed...but things are moving forward. Have brain-stormed some ideas and had the stationery out this weekend making a big poster with info on BiH etc. Love being creative!:-)
Am really looking forward to having all my friends together and sharing with them what God has laid on my heart regarding BiH. As the body of Christ, we all need each other - the one cannot go without the other.

Once again, thanks for all the love and support. May this coming week be filled with great blessings, God's peace and favour over your lives.

With love,

L xx

BiH 2002

Here are a few pics from 2002. The group photo infront of the waterfall was taken in beautiful Jajce. Team members: Anton (team leader), Hattingh, Eugene, Heibrie, Erica, Elana and me.

We enjoyed playing games like "aroechicha" with the kids..."Hands up, wrists together...aaaaaroechicha,aroechicha,aroechicha cha cha aha!"

Dina (the lady between me and the car) is the pastor of the small Evangelical Church in Jajce. Her brother Budo (infront) and his wife plus another two Novimost workers will be joining Dina in autumn (our spring) to establish the third Novimost location in BiH. Hope to visit them in Jajce!

Preparation...

To be a good steward...that is the key. On Tuesday (Freedom day) I had plenty of time to think about Bosnia and getting things organised (I love public holidays!!) I was specifically thinking about preparation - not only financial but spiritual, emotional, language studies, to seek God's will for my time in BiH etc.etc. I made a list of things to do.

Regarding language, I've decided to work through two pages of my "Serbo-Croat" language study book (“Teach yourself Serbo Croat”) every day and also read a page in my Bosnian New Testament Bible (starting with the book of Acts). I've also been working on a little index book with different topics such as anxiety, faith, obedience...writing 2-3 Bosnian Bible verses per topic. I got the idea for this from an assignment we had to do for Counselling last year in Bible School. We had to make a booklet for counselling sessions. It's a very handy tool to have and doing it in Bosnian has helped a great deal in brushing up my Bosnian vocabulary. There is so much to learn, but at least by taking these small steps, I will improve and it will be a great help once I'm in BiH.

Regarding spiritual, one thing I know is that a strong walk with God is crucial for the work of the ministry...and for everyday life!!! When pressure is on and you’re out of your comfort zone, Jesus is the only One that can help, restore and give you strength to move forward. What I need to do is “abide in the Vine” and allow His life to flow in and through me. I cannot do anything out of my own strength – it is Christ in me, the hope of glory!

This week in home cell we were talking about the power of association. It is so good to have people around you that will encourage, stretch and strengthen you in your walk with God and life in general. Thinking about this, I realised how God has strategically brought two people over my path that are going through a similar faith journey as I am regarding mission work. My one friend will be going to Tanzania in May and another friend to Spain next year. As they say, two are better than one...and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Eccl.4:9; 12) When one of us is discouraged, it’s great to have the others there to encourage and say: Keep on trusting God! He will come through for you!

Well, as another week lies ahead – let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and do our part in being a good steward over that which He has entrusted to us.

Blessings,

L xx

Summer 2003

A glimpse of summer 2003. Had to scan these photos, so the quality might not be the best. I really enjoy looking at these pics - it brings back a lot of good memories!

The first one is a "maskenbal" where everyone had to dress up as a different character. Had great fun with that! (I'm the cat...just in case you wondered;-)

Secondly - Facepainting.... this was a big hit with the young people. I'm not sure how many "dolphine" I painted that summer...anybody for a dolphin???

Thirdly - Dance in the park...was good fun. The girls loved this :-)If I remember correctly, we did it on the Charlie's Angels song..."All you women..throw your hands up at me"

Enjoy!

L xx

Visas!

In the past week I've been looking at visa requirements for Bosnia. One cannot apply upfront for a year visa, you first need to get a short term one and once in Bosnia, apply for long term. On my previous mission trips, the visa length was 90 days (3 months) for a “Type B” tourist visa. I found out that there is a “Type D” visa which is for 6 months. The application process for this takes about 1 month and includes a more comprehensive list of information required such as medical certificate, travel documentation, reason for visit, proof of income or funds available etc.etc. Previously, South Africans could apply at the Bosnian Consulate in Pretoria, but we found out that they closed down and S.A applicants should consult the London Bosnian Embassy. Kate (Novimost UK Office) have sent an enquiry to the BiH consulate in London to find out whether we can start the application earlier via email since I’ll only be in London on the 18th of September. Please pray for this matter that God will give me favour and that the application process will go smoothly. I will also have to apply for a U.K visa for the time spent in England to apply for the Bosnian visa and for pre-mission training. The training will take place 21 – 24 September in Chesham. Myself and a UK family will be joining the long term team in Mostar in autumn (our spring).

This weekend I was just reminded again of the fact that it is God Who will get me to BiH, not myself. When you start looking at your own abilities and think how will I ever raise the funds etc., doubt creeps in and you start to worry. But God promises that - HE WILL PROVIDE IN ALL MY NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS! (Phil.4:19) He is faithful and I will thank and trust Him for His favour and provision! I thank Him for the wonderful blessings He has already given me and that I was able to book my flight. In 5 months time I will look back and think wow...look at what the Lord has done!

Thanks for being a part of this journey. Your love and support means so much to me!

With all my love,
L xx

Train ride to Sarajevo..

On our last day in BiH 2005, we took a train ride to Sarajevo. Half way through we had to climb over on a bus, but the trip was definitely worth it! We took a walk through the old part of town and visited friends for "kava". We had a ride on a tram and past the Holiday Inn which you can see in the movie "Welcome to Sarajevo"(many reporters and news crews stayed there during the war and captured footage which was shown all over the world). Sarajevo hosted the winter olympics in 1984 and it's also the capital of Bosnia i Herzegovina. We ended our trip with some "sladoled"...icecream - who can resist! Looking forward to seeing Sarajevo again!

Some more photos...

Some more photos of Mostar...Me with our cook, Mirjana - alias "Bosanska Mama". She used to cook the most amazing food - really spoiled us! I remember visiting her house and she would speak to me in Bosnian and I would try to respond as best I could using my little Bosnian /Croation dictionary and the language I'd picked up over my time there. It was awesome! The sky line of Mostar is quite interesting...having the Muslim minarets and the one tall Roman catholic tower all in the same picture! One of the most common/traditional food in Bosnia is cevapi (small unskinned sausages) in a pita-like bread. Very delicious!!! The picture with the two girls, lady and me is dear friends of mine: Sanja and her two daughters Andrea and Matea. Loved visiting there place as well! To give a closer look of Mostar, I've added two photos of the streets we used to walk in. I've also included the gate of the East Mostar evangelical church. There are only two evangelical churches in Mostar - one on the East (predominantly Muslim side) and West (predominantly Croation r.catholic side). There are only a handful of evangelical churches in Bosnia (maybe one in a town - max two) and the total amount of Christians in the country is 500 +. To explain a bit more, there are 3 ethnic groups - Serbs (Greek orthodox), Croats (R.Catholic) and Bosniaks (Muslim). For most people their religion is part of their background/identity - it defines who they are and they don't necessarily practice it. For them to change religion (become a Christian for example) would be to betray their heritage and often they would be rejected by family and friends. The need is great, but praise God - we serve a caring, loving, forgiving compassionate Saviour Who has overcome this world and no obstacle or man made tradition can stop His love from reaching the nations...may we be His hands and feet!

BiH volimo te!

If you look carefully, you'll be able to see the words "BiH VOLIMO TE" - which means "BiH WE LOVE YOU" - on the mountain with a picture of the Stari Most below it. Awesome!

Don't Forget

Here are a few photos from my time in BiH 2005. Klub time was always exciting with different activities like arts & crafts, outings with the kids, or just catching up over coffee.The city of Mostar itself is a contrast of beautiful old buildings, cobble stone streets amidts the ruins from war...waiting to be fixed. One of my favourite pics is the "Don't Forget" one with my friend Ena. Yes, let's not forget....let's remember and do something.

Faith walk

Wow, can’t believe it’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog! I am so excited and praise God for His faithfulness! As most of you know, for me to go to Bosnia I have to raise approximately £500 - £600 monthly sponsors for the year abroad. So far God has blessed me through family members and friends with +- £100/month and cash donations of £500! How awesome is that!!!!
I’ve also booked my ticket from Johannesburg to London. Still need to book the flights from London to Sarajevo...need to confirm the dates.

I’m busy putting ideas together for a “Bosnian Fundraising Evening” which will be held towards the end of June (to be confirmed). For all my South African friends, will keep you posted!

Every step of this journey is truly a faith walk. Even last night as I booked my flight, I most probably stared at the screen for half an hour before I finally clicked the ‘confirm’ button and waited for the e-ticket to be processed. As it said in the movie Princess Diaries 1:

“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgement that something is more important than fear”.

Why are we so afraid of the unknown? “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”(Heb.11:1 NLT).

I thank God for His amazing grace...taking our hand and saying “Follow Me...you can trust Me”. Fear will be there, but God says in Jos.1:9 – “This is My command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

So I will walk – taking one step at a time, trusting God.

All my love,
L xx