October Update from Croatia

Greetings from Croatia where the leaves are turning yellow and the winds of change are blowing on many levels.

First, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bishop Endre Langh's service in ministry through the Reformed Christian Church in Croatia (our partner church). We kept the celebration a secret from him right up until several days before, when the Roman Catholic bishop said "I look forward to seeing you at the celebration." Endre called me and said, "What celebration?" It was great. Over 90 guests came, including pastors, elders, friends and officials. Greetings of congratulation were read from many people including the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Nyomi Setri, the former general secretary, Milan Opocensky, and others from America, Scotland, New Zealand, and around the world.

The renovations to the office will get underway very soon. So, all in all, it was a terrific success and a blessing to Bishop Langh, his wife Olga, their family and the entire church here in Croatia.

Thank you to all of you who participated in sponsoring this historic moment in the life of the Reformed Church. I know that there are many urgent needs around the world, many worthy causes, and everyone has to make decisions about where to put resources, but I want you to know that you did a big thing by helping us. You allowed us to gather as the church in a positive way and to look not at our struggles but at one of the big ways the Lord has been faithful to us. This nurtures us in a deep, irreplaceable way. We needed this time, so thank you for deciding it was important enough to help. May the Lord reward your kindness and generosity in kind.

Back in the Tvrdja building for a fresh start

As many of you know, several years ago we started an outreach ministry in the old-city section of Osijek known as Tvrdja, actually within the walls of the old Austro-Hungarian fortress. Now Tvrdja is home to three high schools, several colleges of the university, city government, and lots of cafes and restaurants. It buzzes with people during the week, making it a perfect location from which to reach out with the message of God's love. But though we began with lots of energy and vision, troubles soon came as well. We had to let the pastor go and begin again in a rented space while the right to the building was contested. Needless to say, it was a setback and a heartbreaking experience. But God has been faithful, bringing us Boris and Lidija Gunjevic and Paul Drogowski, who have proven themselves faith stewards of the mercy of God, able to communicate effectively to the modern youth culture which surrounds us.

So, we are looking forward to re-starting the ministry in the Tvrdja building soon. We need to do some repairs, we want to put in a working bathroom and finish the basement, as well as putting guest rooms in the large old attic. Some of you have already helped us with resources for this work, so let me say thank you again! My prayer is that this ministry will soon blossom in a brand new way for the sake of the gospel of the Kingdom, to the Glory of God.

Grace and peace,

Steven and Michelle Kurtz

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