Outreach: Bosnia
Sarajevo, Bosnia--
It's hard to know how to start this post because there is just so much I can say about this city and my experiences there. First a bit of history, Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia. About 25 years ago there was a war in Bosnia from 1992 to 1995 this was part of the break-up of Yugoslavia. During this war there was a battle called the Siege of Sarajevo, this is the longest Siege in modern day warfare. 11,541 people were killed during this battle (in this city alone). The marks of war are still seen all around the city, partially collapsed buildings, bullet holes, and graffiti with a call to remember those who were lost. (More information about the Siege of Sarajevo can be found here: https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Siege-of-Sarajevo )
Despite the many reminders of death and destruction, the city was actually filled with so much life. It has become quite a hub for refugees as they seek to migrate north (usually to Germany). However many refugees are stuck in Bosnia because surrounding countries are not receptive to them (when they are caught trying to enter, they are sent back to Bosnia). Also, the system for integration in Bosnia requires that the refugees speak Bosnian to receive a yellow card (a form of identification), however, in order to go to classes to learn Bosnian, you must have a yellow card. So, the refugees that do want to integrate into Sarajevo face an impossible situation. Because of these two main struggles, there is a lot of hopelessness among the refugee community.
While in Sarajevo, we did all of our work with a refugee house. This was a privately owned house for people and families who were wanting to move on from Bosnia, but needed a place to stay before they left. Here they had places to sleep, they were provided meals and the children received education. We went to the house 6 days a week for 2 weeks and built relationship with the people there.
The people living in the house were mostly from Iran, and Kurdistan, but some were from Afghanistan and Syria as well. I was surprised at the number of Christians within the house, as well as the amount of people who were interested in Christianity.
Because the house was not "Christian-run" there were many limitations as to what we could do there as far as teaching and evangelism. We were able to gather a group of people for a Bible study at one of the local churches and we presented the gospel to them. Three of the refugees decided to follow Jesus that day and they had plans to meet again the next week. One of the men we met there was from Iran and he had become a Christian several months before and was on fire for Jesus! He offered to have Bible studies in his house and help teach more people about Jesus. It was so cool to see how God is working in the hearts of these people and transforming lives.
Spa Night
One thing we are really good at is putting on a Spa night! We have done them in Australia, Croatia, and Bosnia and it is always such an amazing way to serve the women in the community. We were able to do this with the women in the refugee house and they went nuts! We probably served close to 30 women
over the course of about 5 hours. For each spa night we offer facials, massages, and manicures and I think most of the women got all 3! We were absolutely, totally, completely, exhausted afterwards, but it was one of the most amazing things I have experienced so far. Being able to serve these sweet women in such a close and intimate way was so incredible. Once we finished, a few of the women stayed behind and gave us massages! These ladies were such a delight to know, and I will not quickly forget my
experiences with them.
Food
Bosnia had some of my favorite food so far! We got to try traditional Bosnia food as well as Turkish food, and Iranian food. So many delicious things!!
This is a traditional Iranian breakfast. One of the Christian families invited a few of us over for breakfast and they served flat bread with cream cheese and different fruit spreads.
This is called "pita" it is a Bosnian food made with pastry crust. The inside is stuffed with cheese, spinach, meat, or potatoes.
This is Turkish coffee and a Turkish delight. The coffee is unfiltered and the bottom half is mostly coffee grounds, so once you stir in the sugar, you have to let it sit before pouring it (a lesson you learn very quickly).
Bosnia and its people stole my heart. I loved the city and the house where we worked and seeing the greatness of God in every single situation. I am so thankful for my time there. Thank you everyone who has been praying for me! I will be home so soon and can't wait to see you all! God bless :)