Last Video Post (Most Likely)

Hello everybody, I hope that this isn't too late but this will most likely be the last video post for the Serbia Xperience 2009 and what a project it was. Make sure that you ask who you are supporting or who you know that went on this project how it went, you will hear some cool stories. Other than that, that you all again for supporting us and joining with us in this effort. We couldn't have done it without you.

In Faith, Hope and Love,

Michael

Photo Op!

Below are just a few pictures from Serbia 2009! Hope you enjoy!

Apoteka translates to pharmacy...it was one of the places we had to find during our scavenger hunt in Belgrade, Serbia. The group pictured was my group, consisting of two Americans (one of which was a Stinter in Slovakia) a North Koren, two Slovackians, and a Russian! It was an incredible experience to be able to spend so much time with other believers from all around the world.

This was one of the outreach groups that did ministry in the mall as well as right outside the althletes village in Belgrade. All the flags in the background represent all the country's participating in the University Games!

Outreach on the university campus in Novi Sad...great campus and great enviorment to start up conversations with students, many students enjoyed hanging outside.

Four thumbs up for Novi Sad!

Novi Sad, Serbia! Town center was crazy every night during the wine fest! The city is as you can see beautiful at night!

New video! This video contains both Amanda and I talking about our experiences in Belgrade. Quick disclaimer: apparently, I should not have used the word "Olympics," meaning that when I say "Olympics" or "Olympians" I am referring to the University Games. Also, while Mike was recording us, he turned on the light to the camera. See if you can find my shocked look in the video when he does that.

So, here's the video, again created by the amazing Michael Webb (who told to me to apologize to all of you for the darkness of the video):

Let the Nations Praise the Lord

"How great is our God! Sing with me how great is our God! And all will see how great....how great is our God!" I'm not sure that I've ever been in a room where God's people have shouted that so loud! The team that we have here in Belgrade is so diverse but the atmosphere has proved that although there is diversity, there is unity as believers in Christ. We speak not of the same tongue but we all worship with hearts that cry out to God. Located in the back of the room is a prayer team consisting mostly of students just waiting to pray and support anyone who needs it. We also open up the mic to anyone who wishes to tell of the experiences during outreach. The testimonies we've heard from the first day alone are incredible! I am reminded of Psalm 96:1-3,

"Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."

This time we have here in Belgrade during the University Games is unbelievable, divinely arranged by God, as there are 160+ countries represented. Worship enables us to start off the day with an attitude that God is reaching the nations right here, right now and he is allowing us to take part in it!

Thanks for all your prayers and I hope you realize what a great privilege it is to worship!

Shannon Ernst

You stay classy Novi Sad

Entering Novi Sad for the first time one and a half weeks ago was a culture shock. As I write to you today, it has become a home away from home. The atmosphere of this town is quiet and simple. The food is tasty, and I feel comfortable. During our time here, our team was stretched physcially, spiritually, and emotionally. We went through a three day fasts while being surrounded by the sweet, sweet aroma of fornetti. We saw spiritual growth as we tried to outreach to the students of Novi Sad while kicking the occasional pigeon for good luck. We grew emotionally by sharing our life stories with one another, and from that created powerful bonds as team members. All of this crammed into two weeks can change a person forever, for the better of course.

Tomorrow we move into Belgrade with the STINT team, leading a larger team of 70 students from all across the world to outreach at the college olympic games. We enter this outreach event with some concerns, some uncertainties. Belgrade sounds to be a different type of place than Novi Sad, but it promises to stretch us individually and grow us closer together as team. It will be interesting to see what God has in store for us in Belgrade. I look forward to writing to you all again.

Stephen Jackson, Serbia Summer Project

Of Strength and Courage

Hey, there! I'm Joshua Cozadd, and this is my first post here on the SX09 Blog. Periodically, the team will be sharing different stories from the summer. I have been asked to write the first post, so here you go (and be sure to watch our first video, recorded and edited by the wonderful Michael Webb!).

Presently, I could share with you a number of different stories of what God has already done in the past week alone. However, one thing specifically that God has pointed out to me greatly affects this summer, and my life in general. During evangelism on the Novi Sad campus I was confronted with an old insecurity, and that being a lack of confidence in what I do. This directly affected my ability to approach people on the University and begin conversations with the students. I began praying for this and that God would reveal to me a way around this. That's when he directed me to the book of Joshua (ironically...). Joshua 1:9 had been pointed out to
me several times by a number of different friends and leaders, but reading it now finally drove the point home. This is what the verse says: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

Be strong and courageous in the Lord... Of course! Something that seems so simple, and yet something I have found so difficult to implement into my own life. But that's just it, we have been commanded by the Lord our God, so be strong and courageous in what His plans are for us. After all, just as Paul told Timothy, God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. This has helped me have strength and courage in God's plan for Serbia and trust in His plan for the six short weeks that we have here.

So, quick reminder for all of you out there: Trust in God's plans and be strong and courageous in Him!

Video Update Numero Uno

Here is a welcome video from the team. We will periodically be inserting these in the midst of our blogs so continue to check for them and I hope you enjoy!

In Faith, Hope and Love,

The SX09 Team