Summer MiLO Blog 2

 

Summer MiLO Blog 2 Keep Swinging, Even If You Think You May Miss Like most summers in the past and for most Missions around the world you are thrown curveballs that can throw you off your game and you’re not ready for, remember there are no surprises to God. That is why we constantly remind ourselves to write our plans in pencil and hand God the eraser, He owns the permanent marker! We have had a flurry of activities since the last blog and we seem to be coming or going with little time to slow down and take a deep breath. But every morning we have a blessed time of devotions and prayer on Welcome Porch, thanking God for what’s He’s done as well as what He knows is coming.

Welcome Porch

American Football Mike and Brandon have been extremely busy with camps and practices in Serbia with American football. They were able to put on a mini camp and a few practices together and what a blessing they had in showing the love of Jesus through the love of a sport. In fact at one of the practices they saw 5 school jerseys and helmets with Texas HS names that we had given them over the years.

Library Program Here in Croatia the team has been busy with children’s library, camp, visiting families in the area and carnival prep.  Our first day at the library was Monday and we returned Wednesday to another group of kids and what an absolute blessing that was. The children picked a book in English for them to read and then Judy was asked to read a book in Croatian. It was amazing to hear her read this book with almost perfect Croatian. The librarians couldn’t believe this was her first time and quite frankly I listened to her read with my mouth wide open in disbelief.

Then we did a fun activity and we taught them how to make paper airplanes. The mission team had a competition as well. We each built our planes and then we toed the line to see whose could go the farthest. Sam our engineer made it the farthest, of course. Teaching them this simple activity that costs very little was such a blast to watch them throw their creations.

Texas Carnival Preparations We spent Monday afternoon preparing our carnival games and separating the prizes so we could be ready for Saturday and the Texas Carnival. We have more to do but little by little we will get it accomplished. One step at a time! We also spent a few hours shopping for the items we take with us for the family visits in the area. These families are usually ones with disabilities or single parent homes.

On Tuesday morning I had a meeting with the deputy mayor concerning the carnival and getting all the approvals needed to have the carnival in the park downtown by the river. We have been blessed to have the city host it for the past 7 years. This year they agreed again to allow us to share God’s love through games, music and testimony to the families of Sisak.    Food Pantry & Prayer Visits The rest of the crew went to visit the families we did the shopping for. Giving of these items is always a blessing, but spending time with them to hear their stories and opportunity to share ours  is an even greater depth of joy than words can express. Much of our team were in tears by the experience and the smiles our visit created on the faces of those we visited, touched the cord our teams soul.

Baseball Camp Camp started on Tuesday and what a blessing and time we had with the twenty kids who came. Many faces we recognized from past years, but there was also some new faces. They were all eager to learn and we got after it.

We had 4 stations going with Ed Peters sharing the Bible and his testimony in one of the stations. Ed had said over the weekend to use him anywhere, so I asked him and I thought he was going to swallow his tongue. I told him he had to be careful around me when you say things like that, because I won’t hesitate to put him to use.  Actually reminded me of my Pop 18 years ago when he came with me that first year (2006) and had him read scripture to the campers.

Judy remained at the house during camp and transformed into Betty Crocker. She made so many dozens of chocolate chip cookies she lost count. We will use them at the camp and carnival as well as taste them ourselves.

All in all the MiLO is going very very well. I forgot to mention we have three visitors from Kosovo who are Albanian and play baseball. Through Zoom dear friend and ministry partner out of Austria the invitation was made and they took the 12 hour bus ride to Sisak and will be with us until Saturday. They are a true blessing and we are blessed beyond measure to have them.

Many blessings to you all and May the Lord keep you protected and comforted. Please keep us in your prayers that we continue to have that YES Jesus face and love people where they are and till they ask why!

HE DID IT! David