October 20, 2009
Sarajevo Story 6
Zdravo, friends!!!
Sorry that it has taken so long to get another story up on the website, but we have been busy. Also, Billy got a cold or something for a couple of days. So, a couple of things have slowed us down from posting. Anyway, we have another encouraging story for you.
We have told you about our new friends Betsy and Dave. Well, we got the chance to go over to their home again. This time, though, Dave was not there. When we first got there we noticed that Betsy seemed down, and we started our time with small talk and learning some more language. What I have not told you yet, is that I brought my guitar and Bosnian worship book with us as well.
Eventually, Betsy asked about me playing the guitar. So, Jess and I attempted to sing a worship song in Bosnian. Before we knew it, Betsy and Dave’s kids (we will call them Nate and Samantha) were drawn into the room by the guitar and Betsy was singing along with us. We asked Betsy to help us translate the songs. Through doing this, we were able to talk to her about what the songs mean.
Soon enough, our time there took a divine turn into a conversation about Christianity and the Gospel. We have had some other friends here that have shared with Betsy and Dave before. She told us that she really likes what we say and how we live. However, she is afraid to add more commitments to her life. We were able to share with her that following Christ is not about giving more and more time, but about beginning to do and see everything differently (through the eyes of Christ).
We also got to present the Gospel to her again, sharing with her what it is like to be in relationship with Christ. I asked her if she believed that Christ died on the cross for her sins. It was hard to go much further due to language barriers. So, she eventually asked for us to find her a book in Bosnian that can help explain everything for her. At this point, I remembered that I had a New Testament in Bosnian in my backpack. We were able to give this to her and tell her that we would find her another book to help her understand more.
We were very encouraged through this time. Like I told you before, we noticed at the beginning that Betsy seemed down. Well, throughout our time there, we could definitely see a difference in her demeanor and tone of voice. Our time ended with her telling us that she hopes we can come back often. She also had Nate tell us to come back. Praise God for moments like this.
We feel that Betsy is on the verge and very close to trusting in Christ with her life. Hopefully, we will get opportunities to talk to Dave as well. Please pray for Betsy and her family. Pray that God puts a delight for Christ within their hearts and salvation to their home.
We love you all and are always thankful for your support.
So that all may know,
Billy and Jess.