The Baptists in Serbia developed a new mission initiative which greatly encourages local Christians as the gospel is being spread in the nation.
Baptists in Serbia
The ministry of the Baptist churches in Serbia can be traced back to the second half of the 19th century. The oldest are congregations in Novi Sad (1875), Belgrade (1882) and Backi Petrovac (1897). The Baptist missionary efforts took place mainly in the Vojvodina region, north of the River Danube. The time between the two World Wars was very fruitful when most of the existing churches were established and the union itself was formed in Backi Petrovac (1922). After the 2nd WW, the Serbian churches were included in Yugoslavia until its disintegration in 1991.
Presently there are three Baptist unions in Serbia: one is in the North of this Balkan country, the 2nd in the South and the 3rd one is Slovak-speaking. The Baptists in Serbia are not numerous but dedicated and determined in their mission work. Altogether there are over 80 local congregations with a total membership of about 2600.
Church Planting in Dobrica
The EBF has facilitated a number of church planters in Serbia. Currently, we help the indigenous missionary Martin who works in Dobrica. He started by focusing on children and his goal is to also reach their parents. Below are some excerpts from the reports of this church planter.
2021
I am focusing my work on children in order to be able to reach them and their parents for Christ. My ultimate goal is to evangelize the whole family. There are three large families and the number is growing as new children join in. We do a lot of outdoor activities due to Covid restrictions. A great help is provided by a youth group from the mother church who lead games and songs with the children.
2022
I see the openness of the local people to the gospel. We organized evangelization and the response was quite good. Now we have conversations about the Bible and started regular gatherings in a rented hall. There are two new families who are interested in sending their children to summer camps. Another young family recently moved to Dobrica and joined our group. There are 17 adults and 40 kids for now.
2023
The mission work is progressing in Dobrica. I want to share them with you as a testimony. A few months ago, a new family invited me to their home. It is a family of seven. The man who contacted me had started to read the Bible and wanted to discuss in order to find answers to some questions. This family invited also their neighbours to their home. I have visited them several times since then and seen their desire to know God. Another family from a neighbouring village also wants to join our meetings. They were baptized in Switzerland a few years ago and now help me in my work in Dobrica. I’m grateful for the support from the mother church in Kikinda and its pastor Miroslav Vlajnic.
2024
I am pleased to report that the ministry in Dobrica is continued. People are open to the word of God, though it takes time for them to grow in faith. It is evident that God is transforming their hearts. Recently one family from our community faced the loss of their father which seriously impacted their life. Eventually, the single mother cares for eight children and tries to help them in this difficult situation. In addition, one other man from our community has shown personal interest in Christianity. His curiosity allowed me to share the gospel with him. I am praying that he will surrender his life to God.
Prayer Requests
That the people in Dobrica and neighbouring villages may be receptive to the gospel;
That the participants of gospel meetings may be ready to declare their faith publicly;
That the mother church and mission team may be faithful in supporting Martin.
Your intercessory prayers for the Baptist mission in Serbia are greatly valued!
In Christ,
Daniel Trusiewicz
EBF Mission Coordinator
Planting new churches together! For the glory of God!
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