March 2003

Dear Friends,

These seem to be the days of bad news around the world, but I wanted to take a moment to report some good things that are happening in the ministry in Croatia. We can give thanks to our faithful God for the following.

New computer training association

The Synod Council by unanimous vote formed a new association of the Reformed Church which has as its mission to bring computer training courses to people in the communities in which we have congregations. This is a very positive, hopeful sign of the church's desire to reach out, get in contact with young people, and offer something valuable to the community. It is also quite easy to see how these courses can be used as a basis for evangelism and re-evangelism. We have discussed with the pastors how to offer Bible studies, discussion groups, and activities as a follow-up to the classes in order to have opportunities to discuss faith issues with the students. We are hoping and praying that the Lord will use this new program to draw a whole new group of people back to himself, and into the church. I have sent the funding proposal to several congregations. If you would like me to send one to you I would be happy to.

New youth programs

Two of our students of theology, Peter and Darko, have both been working with the youth in their congregations, but now there is a new youth emphasis developing. Not only are we organizing camps and conferences as we have done in the past, but now we are involving the young people in things like producing the newly revived church newsletter.

This gives them a chance to use their skills and have fun together. We are also laying plans from more youth work this summer. It is becoming more regular and systematic now, instead of periodic as it had been in the past, and this is certainly a good sign.

New ministry possibilities in Osijek

Some of you have been tracking the ministry in Osijek.You know that in the past many congregations in the States helped us to buy a big old building in the historic old city part of Osijek called Tvrdja. It had been under an ownership dispute that impeded our use of the building, but thanks to God, we will be able to use it full-steam-ahead very soon.

New women's association being formed

Women are the backbone of the congregations here. We have been organizing women's conferences regularly to help encourage them in their faith with the help of visiting groups, mostly from Hungary. This has been good, but what is even better is that the Hungarian Women's Association invited a group of our ladies to a conference recently, and now they are inspired to form an official women's association here. This would be a great move and would expand and enhance their ability to meet, organize, and run programs and services of help and encouragement for the entire church.

Family news

Many of you have been praying with us for Michelle's mom's health. It appears that treatments are having a positive effect, and for this we are very thankful! Keep her in your prayers.

I'm teaching Hebrew this semester at the seminary. Michelle is even more involved with the Peace programs in Vukovar. Practically every weekend there is a youth event there. We are thankful for many open doors from school principals who allow programs to meet on campus!

Benjamin and Nathan are healthy, doing well in their Croatian school. They have discovered how to make a ramp for their skate boards, scooter, and roller blades, which makes me very nervous.

Please pray

• Keep the Reformed Church in Croatia in your prayers: our ministers, our theological students, our Bishop, and all the people who work in the church, that the Lord might bless us with unity of purpose and vision, with creativity and hope, with energy and patience to labor in this part of his worldwide vineyard.
• There will be a new state law regulating religious groups in Croatia soon. Pray that lawmakers would exercise wisdom and be just to the minority denominations, like us.
• If there is a war, it may mess up plans that some groups have to come to help us this summer. Pray for God's will to be done in the world and for wisdom for parents and churches that have to make tough decisions.
• We are a long, long way from Iraq, but I understand parental precautions.
• If it is not naively bold, pray for a new reformation in this part of the world. God did something amazing here back in the 16th century, resulting in thousands of people finding faith in a new and living way as the gospel was proclaimed. Times have changed, methods need to change, but essentials are the same. We want God to stir up the hearts of the people, starting with those who are on our membership roles.

Thank you!

For all of you who so faithfully support the ministry here and on whom we rely, we are full of grateful hearts. May your generosity be blessed by the Lord. I am aware that these are difficult economic times now in the States, so I'm more grateful to you for your faithfulness.

Grace and peace,

Steven and Michelle Kurtz
Mission Co-workers
Osijek, Croatia

If you or your church would like to support the ministry, or other projects of the Reformed Church in Croatia, you may do so by using the PC(USA) Extra Commitment Opportunity (ECO) system. Have your session send funds by the normal process, earmarked for the ECO which best fits your intentions. The options include:

• Evangelistic Computer Training Program: ECO # 051623, "Evangelism in Croatia."
• Renovation of the Tvrdja building in Osijek use ECO #047856, "Rebuilding the Church in Croatia."
• Support for the new church building in Bjelisevac: ECO #047856, "Rebuilding the Church in Croatia."
• New Church development in Osijek or Zagreb (please specify which): ECO #051623, "Evangelism in Croatia."
• Direct support to poor Congregations or pastors: ECO #051623, "Evangelism in Croatia."
• Rebuilding war damage: ECO #047856, "Rebuilding the Church in Croatia."

Please remember that though it is possible to wire funds directly to the Bishop's office (write for information), it is never appropriate to send funds directly to any pastor or congregation, so that we may have a system of transparency and accountability.

For the peace projects

ECO # 051638 Peace Building Project, Osijek Peace Center (please designate, "volunteers peace project" or another project of the Peace Center). Ask Michelle for more details.