Lamentations 3 v 22-23
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning ; Great is your faithfulness.
God had graciously opened a door into new territory in Montenegro.
As our plane descended the scene before us was like a painting honed by a skilled artist, who had perfectly captured the iridescent beauty of the sea with it’s hues of azure, turquoise and deep blue. In the distance were the mountain ranges covered by lush green foliage and as far as the eye could see beyond that was green.
We were acutely aware of God’s providence and divine protection as our plane continued its descent. No more so, than when it failed its first attempted touchdown and had to circle the runway for several minutes before making a successful landing. We knew with certainty that we were being carried on the wings of prayer.
Pastor Dennis had sent a text message from Psalms 121, prior to the team leaving. The emphasis being on the God who keeps and helps. A song sung by travellers particularly relevant for the trust placed in God throughout the journey.
As the group disembarked from the aeroplane it soon became apparent that one member of the group was very unwell. He was unable to walk to the transportation provided. A local doctor at the airport was notified and an ambulance placed on standby. This however was declined as the person concerned chose instead to put his trust in Jesus.
The attending doctor was curious when she heard those around him calling on the name of Jesus for healing and questioned this. She was asked if she knew Jesus and replied that she did not. She was also asked if she would like prayer, she confirmed that she would. As prayer went forth asking God to show her His Salvation the doctor repeatedly said thank you.
On route to our destination God miraculously intervened and before we arrived our brother was completely healed. One of the driver’s was so moved by this that he asked the brother if he could give his testimony, to the church, after Sunday morning service.
On Saturday evening a concert was held in the town of Ulcinj, where we were staying. The town has approximately 20,000 inhabitants, mainly Albanian Muslims. We noted that there were a high number of mosques in close proximity to our accommodation. During the day and into the evening the sound of the muslim call to prayer could be heard.
The day before the concert we handed out leaflets with information about the event. These were readily received with many people confirming that they would attend.
The shops around where the concert was held were predominantly muslim. As customer’s came in and out, they were able to hear the Gospel message in Word and song. Some of these were Muslims who sat at the tables outside the shops, seemingly in no hurry to leave, as they listened to the music and a message delivered by Reverend Taylor under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
At the end of the concert three people, who didn’t know about the event stated that they had heard the singing from their home and just had to come. They stayed to the end and said they were grateful that the team had come to Montenegro. As a result, a member of the choir was able to share a testimony of salvation.
In addition, a group of young people on a mission trip from Liverpool were very excited to hear the choir and see the outreach that was taking place. One of these young men shared his personal testimony, at church the following day.
As Sunday morning dawned we awoke to the fragrant smell of baking from local shops, combined with the fresh smell of the sea and fragrance from local blossoms. We travelled from Ulcinj to Budva to a small church plant where we attended Sunday service with the believers there. This was just over an hour’s journey from where we were staying.
During the journey one of the drivers of the minibuses engaged in conversation with Elder Chris. The driver expressed his desire to receive the Holy Spirit, God had impressed on Elder Chris and Minister Jenny to travel in this minibus which provided the opportunity for the driver to hear the true message of Salvation and teaching on the Holy Spirit.
When we arrived at the church we were warmly greeted by the Pastor and his wife.
As the service begun Minister Jenny and the choir ministered powerfully in song. Hearts were touched as the words of “I just want to speak the name of Jesus,” and ‘Jehovah Rapha’ rang out.
Reverend Taylor, spoke a sobering Word in season, from John chapter 4 on the importance of being honest with ourselves before God. Getting rid of all religiousness that impedes us from true relationship with God.
Lives were touched as those present allowed the spotlight of God’s Holy Spirit to search and cleanse hearts and renew spirits.
After the service one of the men from the local church came over to a member of the team and introduced his wife. In conversation and reflection about his wife’s miraculous healing from cancer he asked for prayer for both of them. The Holy Spirit led this sister to pray very specifically about something she knew nothing about. They subsequently both started weeping. This sister didn’t know why.
At the end of the prayer the man shared that she had prayed into something that confirmed God’s direction for them. The sister informed them that it could only be God! They thanked and praised God together and marvelled at how precise The Holy Spirit is!
In Montenegro there is only a small number of believers who had become weary. God in His infinite mercy used Minister Jenny, Reverend Taylor, Elder Cris, and the team to bring life, encouragement, and hope.
We thank God for the opportunity to be the feet of those that bring the good news of the Gospel, a message of hope and deliverance.
To God be all the glory!
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