The following was written by Rev. Dr. Ondrej Franka, president of the Union of Baptist Churches in Serbia.  Financial assistance to purchase building supplies for a major portion of the Bible School's renovation, was provided by American Baptists giving through International Ministries.

 

The historic day all of us have lived for has arrived on 22-23rd October 2010, when as people in Serbia say, “The School calls and opens its gates,” came true. The Bible School actually started some 70 years ago, but was now closed for 3 years. This time it was reopened and it is only one of its kind within the country with intention to fully train (four academic years) servants for the Kingdom of God in this part of the world. The past summer was busy as we all strived to make this happen. Five work teams which you sent, as partnering churches, to us have done great job on renovated attic dormitory. Many of you prayed and contributed financially for this vision to come true. Thus on the 22nd we had 20 plus students coming to learn in the first class to be held, Hermeneutics: The Principles for Interpreting the Scriptures. Brother Dr. Preston Pierce of IMB was teaching the first class based on the modular way of teaching. The next day we continued as students followed keenly the lectures. Then on the 24th we had Dedication service in the Baptist Church of Novi Sad. Many people attended as the Word was preached and the challenge given for studying the Word of God. Finally, the greatest of all was the Commissioning service for the Church planting couple – the Mission fully accomplished!

The attic renovated dorm has been busy and noisy that weekend not from saws and hammers but as new students occupied the premises. Some of the beautiful furniture has been given to us and bedding as well. Thus the whole renovation project is almost done as we need yet to do heating system and getting some light fixtures. Pray for this to happen soon as the next classes will be held on November weekend the 12-13th.

Our first generation of students is of various ages. Some are lay pastors or Church planters, others Sunday school teachers or young people who are called by the Lord to the full time ministry. Though this weekend there were altogether 12 hours of teaching, the hunger for the Word and knowing how to interpret it, gave students maximum of concentration. Pray as more students are interested so we may provide for them the notes and audio recorded teaching classes. If needed we will move to the larger classroom downstairs!

The highlight of the weekend was special service in the Novi Sad Church where the history and the mission statement of the Bible School was laid out and people rejoiced and committed themselves to pray for this needed ministry of Bible training in Serbia. Many were touched to tears seeing the Bible School ministry active and alive again, looking back with thankfulness and looking forward with the new hope.

 

Finally, on that same day, during the PM service in the town of Lalic a small Church had Commissioning service for their Church planting couple. Our current students Jovica and Kaca Gecan with their 3 children were sent out to the city of Kraljevo. This was greatest celebration of the whole weekend. It actually sums up and points to the right purpose of the School ministry and local Church as well as they sent out one of their own to the region south of Belgrade to plant the Church in that unreached part of Serbia. Hence the vision is coming true as the Bible School does not stand by itself and for itself, but serves the Church in Serbia and trains the effective workers for the Lord’s Harvest. Pray for many more to come.

 

This renovation Project is over, but now follows the teaching project and designing the new curriculum, accreditation and building the faculty. Pray with us as the Lord brings the students and His choicest servants to teach them. Pray for the financial need for each student which comes now to $25 per one weekend (one extended weekend for 20 students thus costs $500), including materials and Room & Board. We are asking the students to contribute at least one quarter of this need. We are thankful for the teachers who provide for their own expenses and interpreter needs. Pray for this need as the next Modular Sessions for this year will take place on November 12-13, and December 10-11, 2010.

 

Thank you again for your partnership through prayers, sharing and taking personal part in this Reopened Bible School ministry Project!

 

With thankful hearts for your partnership with us, in Christ Jesus we are (Philip 1:5-7),

 

Ondrej and Milina Franka in Serbia

To give DESIGNATED SUPPORT of the Bible School Project and receive tax free receipts please send to our stateside office:  

YES - Accounting Office - P.O. Box 316 - Nazareth, PA 18064