Our time here in Slavonski Brod has been full to the brim! I'll review some of the awesome things we've gotten to do with Garret here in Croatia. Ready-set-go!
We arrived in Zagreb on an overcast Saturday with a van full of excited teens and adults, ranging from 15 to 35 years old. We had come to the capitol city to film a game between Garrett's Slavonski Brod Baseball Klub and the home team from Zagreb. "I never thought I would be able to combine my passion for baseball with an amazing outreach ministry, but here I am," said Garrett as he equipped his catcher's gear. Indeed, the opportunity was unique: what had started as a summer baseball camp for the local Slavonski Brod community had transformed into a full-fledged baseball program.
One of the kids looks awfully familiar. He finally turns around to face me and who am I to see standing clad in the blue and gold colors of Slavonski Brod but our very own Derek Knight! It turns out that one of Garrett's players had dropped out for the game; they needed nine to play. "So, which one of you plays baseball?" Garrett asked us. Derek replied that he hadn't played since high school but that he'd be willing to give it a shot. Stepping up to the plate for the first time, Derek knocks the ball between first and second base, getting onto base without a problem and setting up the score for the first run of the game.
As we entered the church, "I Will Worship" translated into Croatian was being sung. About 25 people filled the small room used for service in Slavonski Brod, most of them older men and women. Croatia, like many of its Western European neighbors, is mostly a Catholic nation. In fact, as one churchgoer put it, "To be Croat is to be Catholic and to be Catholic is to be Croat." Those attending the Baptist church plant in Slavonski Brod risk being ostracized by their peers as one who has abandoned their culture and sense of nationalism. In fact, Protestant churches are normally viewed as odd sects and are regarded with caution and skepticism. Garrett mentioned that it took a couple of years for the people of Slavonski Brod to grow to accept the church and its people as something positive in their town.
People spilled out of the small country church building, out into the cold misty air. Inside, the entire sanctuary and lobby was packed; a place meant to hold maybe 50 people accommodating at least double its normal capacity. Yet, though many were unable to even enter the church, they remained, pressed together, with a joyful demeanor. About four to five churches within a 200 kilometer radius had come together to worship and fellowship in an event that only happens at least once a year. Croatian Christians are few and far between; to be with so many more of their brethren was cause for celebration. Praise bands from each church had their chance to lead worship; pastors from each place also each gave a short homily. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a time of feasting and fellowship, catching up with friends old and new. Together, these people represent almost a fourth of all Christians living in Croatia. They represent just the beginnings of a growing and vibrant community, one that hopes to grow greatly in coming years.
Kids packed in alongside each other at the rows of computers. Laughing and good-natured taunting rang out up and down the line. This internet cafe (or iClub as it's called there) is run by the church plant in Slavonski Brod. Their vision is to reach out to young people who regularly attend by offering Bible study and other outreach programs. It also offers a sort of safe-haven for recreation, a place where many parents feel confident about leaving their children. Judging from the amount of kids present, its clear that many opportunities for outreach are being fostered.
That's just some of what we've experienced during our time in Croatia. I'll be posting more about our time there once we've landed in the States. See you all soon!
Derek & Patrick
What event was it that drew 4-5 churches together? An annual conference?
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