July 2003

Day Camp in Croatia, 2003

By every measure that I know how to use, Day Camp, or vacation Bible school, this year was a great success. We had by the end of the six-day camp over 130 children coming to Hrastin.

As the children learned to sing new songs, perform dramas, and make crafts to take home, I was often struck by how familiar all this is to me; we take these kind of events for granted in the States. Here however, they are crucial for the Reformed Church, our partner church in Croatia. The kids at this camp are all Hungarians, so their songs and dramas are all in a language quite unlike English, but their smiles and laughter are universal signs that along with learning, they had a great time too.

Day camps like this one are made possible by effective leaders like Peter Szenn, the team he assembled of teachers, activity leaders, children specialists and music leaders, as well as by the daily bus route which went through our villages picking up children and taking them home.

The bus costs us about $200 per day, which, compared to the effect, is money well spent. You, our partners are the way we afforded it, so I want you to know how thankful we all are for your help. Through your strategic help, children are brought into contact with people who love them, with a program that they enjoy, and most importantly, with the Lord who gives us a reason to sing.

We will have several follow-up youth conferences later this year as well. If you or your congregation would like to help sponsor them, we would appreciate it.

Other ministry news

Meanwhile, other ministries continue through the summer as well. The new congregations in Osijek, under the leadership of Boris and Lidija is busy with hosting groups and with youth events in Osijek. Branimir in Zagreb has been hosting groups who help with ESL outreach. Darko in Kotlina hosted a group from Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, treating them to his best cook-out and then serenading them with "Love me Tender".

Computer training program update

It appears that we may be able to get a number of used computers imported without duty expenses, thanks to the legwork of some folks from Los Gatos Presbyterian who were just here. If so, then we are well along the path towards getting that program going. We have designed it so that after the start-up costs for computers and a van, the program itself will be self-supporting. I think it has great potential to stimulate consistent outreach in our rural congregations, so I am anxious to see it get off the ground soon.

Family news

In family news, I'm holding down the fort here in Osijek while Michelle spends some time with her family in the States where her mom is still recuperating. Thank you for your prayers for recovery; God has been gracious.

Benjamin will be having an ingrown toenail removed soon, just before he spends 10 days on the seaside with a school group. He just turned 13, making him a real teenager, and me wondering if I'm up to that challenge as a parent. Nathan watches, learns, and thinks he will be 13 any day now too.

Grace and peace,

Steven Kurtz
Mission Coworker, Osijek, Croatia

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.81