Serbia Team Update #5
Camp is in full swing, and it’s hard to believe how quickly these full days fly by!
You may be curious what our camp days look like. Well, as a team each morning begins meeting to walk to the church for a quick breakfast [and much-needed coffee!] with the local team. We worship together, a devotional is shared, and we connect and pray over the day’s plans. As we finish, the students are already arriving, full of energy, smiles & hugs for us.
We begin making bracelets, playing card games, foursquare, and other activities until the program officially begins. It’s impossible not to smile and laugh as Christian and Maki lead us all in the camp dance with incredible enthusiasm! They taught it so well—and without fail, the students chant “one more time!” as the music quickly queues up for a second round.
After the dance, we worship together, and each day one of us shares a personal story of how we’ve seen God at work in our lives—tying into the theme of the day’s message. We then break into our four levels of English classes and lead the two sessions of the day with our group of students.
We enjoy lunch [the main meal of the day here]. Petra is not only keeping the entire camp well-fed, but she cares for our team in such thoughtful ways. The local team’s encouragement and care means so much to us!
Most afternoons follow a rhythm of craft, sport, and team-building activities that different pairs of our team lead. But Wednesday was Water Day! We walked to the splash fountain area, and on the hot afternoon, we enjoyed nearly three hours of water fun with games and relays and, of course, there was plenty of just water fighting! It was definitely a highlight for many.
We kicked off our evening program with another high-energy round of camp dance, followed by a strong message from the local team. Afterward, we gathered in small groups for discussion — primarily held in their heart languages rather than English — and they are asking incredible questions! It’s clear they’re engaging with what they’re hearing.
Later in the evening, we gathered around a campfire for one of the most anticipated activities of the week: s’mores! John played guitar fireside as marshmallows roasted — which is extra special since marshmallows that melt like ours aren’t found here. Watching the students greatly enjoy this experience added an extra layer of fun to the night.
It is such an encouragement to see how devoted to prayer this team is. There are prayer partners/circles that pop up all throughout the day- quick moments of constantly bringing everything to God.
Despite fast-paced, 13-hour long camp days, the heat and humidity, and some sickness on the team, we’re seeing God provide energy, patience, and connection beyond ourselves. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring to watch Him at work — guiding conversations, and giving us everything we need for the day.
Once the students head home, we clean up supplies, grab our English curriculum, and make the quick walk back to our lodging. After quick but refreshing showers, we come together for team time. These debrief times are gold! We share how we saw God move, process the hard parts of the day, pray together, give “shout-outs” to celebrate how we saw God at work/revealing something to us through each other and make plans for the next day. We always wish we had more time, but have to give a time limit to prioritize sleep too!
As one of the team leaders, I’m especially thankful for this group. The team dynamics have been such a gift — everyone is quick to serve and care for one another, quick to laugh, and genuinely enjoys being together. From the start, we prayed for unity, and God has been so faithful in answering that prayer. We continue to pray our team verse:
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
– Romans 15:5-7
Thank you for your prayers and support!
On behalf of the team,
Jenn Eisenzimmer
