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Make a difference in Croatia |
Introducing Croatia
As with many of the former Yugoslav republics, 
Croatia is deeply scarred by the recent Balkan wars. Economically, the country is just beginning to recover from the four year war and tourists are continuing to return to its very popular and prosperous coast, but in significant areas of the country the scars of war still remain.
Croatia has approximately 4 million inhabitants living in three distinct zones: to the north the capital city of Zagreb with its one million inhabitants. The city sprawls almost 35 kilometres across, boasting huge megastores and much technology as well as many apartment buildings with more often than not crammed housing. Zagreb is characterised by the fast speed of life and busyness.
To the south and west the whole Croatian coastline is famous for its 
tourist industry and breathtaking beauty. The beauty is eternal, whilst the tourists come and go. The third area is inland, which is characterised by being rural and sometimes less developed.
Language: Croatian Website: www.croatia.hr
Geography:
(Operation World)
Area: 56,438 sq.km.
Population: 4.4 million
Capital: Zagreb 1.06 million
Spiritual Climate
Croatia is not noted for its revivals, never really having enjoyed great spiritual growth. However there are now clear signs of growing unity amongst its approximately 8,000 evangelical Christians and there is a real need now for Christians worldwide to rise to the challenge of serious intercessory prayer. Number one on the list must be new conversions. Secondly, that the relatively small number of Christian leaders in Croatia be swelled by the Lord who calls workers into His harvest. In the past evangelicals have been pressured by society to remain in the evangelical enclaves, but in recent times have been encouraged to proclaim a dynamic witness. Let us support them in their endeavour. Currently there are 145 evangelical churches throughout Croatia and 16 in and around Zagreb.
It is generally understood that to be a "good Croatian" is to be Catholic. If you were to ask most Croatians what religion they belong to the answer would be, "I'm Catholic." This is not an indication that everyone in the country is religious, nor does it mean that a majority attends church regularly. But it does reveal Croatia's strong traditional ties to the Roman Catholic Church.
Religion: Bible Schools:
(Operation World 2001)
Catholic 87.2%
Orthodox 5.6%
Islam 3.0%
Protestant 0.9%
Evangelical Theological Seminary
http://www.evtos.hr
ECM in Croatia
Church-planting in Zagreb, Croatia's capital
There is a dynamic church-planting work developing in co-operation with the Croatian Baptists. In Summer 2004 an agreement was made with Radićeva Baptists (Zagreb) that they would act as a mother church to establish a daughter church in Dubrava (Eastern-Zagreb) The church started regular Sunday services February 20th 2005 and is now working towards further independence.
Much joy has been experience by the new «fledgling» church and also by those supporting from the mother-church. There is much openness to further growth as God leads. The new churchplant became independent in early 2007.
Evangelistic events from the Dubrava churchplant.
Mjuzikids and Women's Breakfast
Camp Ministries in Severin-na Kupi
We have been overjoyed lately to see Bert & Daliborka Uenk (ECM Holland) more than fill a crucial gap in the Christian Conference Centre staff with colleague missions SEND and Scripture Union at Severin na Kupi.
ECM in Croatia is committed to helping the Croatian Baptists plant new churches in and around the capital city of Zagreb.
Missionary Principles
Ø We are committed to full co-operation with the national church,
believing that this:
a) honours God and
b) is most effective in bringing lasting fruit.
We are looking to the Lord to initiate and continually modify our
vision.
Ø We believe in working through dynamic teams. We do not want to
work in isolation. Thus we are initially developing a church-planting
team in and around Zagreb.
Ø We are open to working elsewhere throughout Croatia, but only as new
teams and a modified vision from the Lord enable.
Ministry Opportunities
Church Planters
Men and women who can commit themselves to church planting in interdenominational teams, working together with the Croatian Baptists.
Qualities/Gifting
Primarily we are looking for people with a «heart after God», people who are:
Committed 100% to following the lord's leading in their lives and are decided on being flexible to the Lord's will.
a) Willing to learn by mistakes.
b) Willing to submit to the team leadership, team-culture and national
Croatian church..
c) Willing to commit themselves to learning Croatian over their first
two years. Most people will know zero Croatian at the beginning.
However, language is the number one «enabling factor» in effective
missionary service.
d) People who with God's help want to make a difference and help in
the Lord's Harvestfield.
e) Bible College is most helpful to provide a basic ability to minister.
f) Musical ability is always welcomed, though not required.
Tasks
- These will be varied according to needs arising. Forseeable are all local church ministries.
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We recognise that missionaries will also develop ministries and expertise on the field.
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Our strategy is to train and encourage Croatian believers into leadership, preaching, house-group leaders and all normal church ministries. Missionaries will have opportunity to participate in these ministries, hopefuly giving a leading example.
Contact
Please send your name, interest and country of origin to ecm.int@ecmi.org. Be sure to include Croatia on the subject line.
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Prayer |
- Serious intercessory prayer required for revival in Croatia.
- Encouragement for the 145 evangelical churches throughout Croatia and strength and vision for their leaders.
- Pray the Lord of the Harvest for new Croatian leaders and pastors and new missionaries from abroad.
- Thank God for the increasing unity amongst the Croatian believers. Continue to pray for joyous unity as God works in their midst.
For many additional prayer points, click on these links: