Croatia
The Reformed Christian Church in Croatia (RCCC) was organized in 1551. It survived the Turkish wars, the Counter Reformation, two World Wars, and the breakup of Yugoslavia. But the present church is a remnant of what it used to be. According to the most recent official census, there are 4,054 Reformed Christians in predominantly Roman Catholic Croatia.
The partnership of the RCCC with the PC(USA) goes back to April 1951 when the PC(USA) sent a caring delegation of five persons who visited every congregation in what was then Yugoslavia. The translator for the delegation was a young theology student, EndreLangh, who forty years later was elected the first bishop of the RCCC. The RCCC strives to be a witnessing, mission-minded church. It has an outreach ministry in Zagreb that is bearing much fruit.
Italy
The Waldensian Evangelical Church (WEC) in Turin has been promoting group prayer for many years. One group consists of ten people from different countries. They meet together to pray in a style called “Listening, Meditation, and Prayer.” Those who meet listen to the word of God through Bible readings but also listen to one another. This is a special opportunity for brothers and sisters to find the right place for sharing their troubles and joys. It is not a theological debate but a way of reflecting together. Prayer consists of thanks, praise, and intercession. The participants sing songs of praise to the Lord, followed by silence. The time is closed with hands joined and a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Following the time together, they often visit those who are sick or shut-in.
Partners/Ministries (Croatia)
Reformed Christian Church in Croatia: Rev. Endre Langh, bishop
Evangelical Church of Croatia: Damir Spoljaric, pres.
Evangelical Theological Seminary: Dr. Peter Kuzmic, president
Christian Information Service: Boris Peterlin, director.
AGAPE: Antal Balog, director
Partners/Ministries (Italy)
Waldensian Evangelical Church: Rev. Maria Bonafede, moderator
Confronti: Dr. Paolo Naso, director
Waldensian Theological Faculty
Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy: Ms. Laura Casorio, general secretary, Ms. Bianca de Lecce, Refugee and Migrant Service
Casa Materna: Rosaria Vincenzi, administrator
Presbytery Partnerships: Presbytery of Beaver-Butler and Presbytery of Kiskiminetas with the Waldensian/ Methodist Church (Italy)
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Debbie Lambeth, FDN
Rev. Dr. John Langfitt, FDN
Faithful God, we rest on your unfailing grace and thank you for what you are doing through your church. We ask that you would bless and keep the RCCC and the WEC as you guide them along your path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ps. 54, 146 Ps. 28, 99
1 Sam. 11:1–15
Acts 8:1b–13; Luke 22:63–71
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