Stories from Croatia

We want to share with our supporters the stories and testimonies that show how God is at work in unexpected ways and how the Biblical Institute is making a lasting impact in local churches.

NOVEMBER

Celebrating Worship and Creativity in Croatia
This November, the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, together with the Biblical Institute, hosted the first conference on worship in Osijek — featuring a contest for Croatian authors to submit their worship songs. Out of 115 submissions, a jury selected 15 for the concert “Hear a New Song.”

The event highlighted the richness and abundance of evangelical worship in Croatia, reminding us of the potential within the local Body of Christ when its members come together. Beyond showcasing domestic talent, the conference sparked conversations about the theology of worship, challenges with multiple song translations, and ways to strengthen worship in churches.

This won’t be a one-time event; the plan is to make it annual, continue developing new Croatian worship songs, raise the quality of worship, educate leaders, and inspire a new generation of worship leaders. God’s generosity and creativity in the hearts of His people were truly on display this weekend!

OCTOBER

A Renewed Hunger for the Word in Eastern Croatia
Last fall a pastor asked for video material for his church’s Bible study. We sent a recording of The World of Jesus of Nazareth. After watching it, the pastor called, excited — his people wanted more.
Since March, we have been teaching a program there with about 20 participants from two churches, some joining online. This region struggles with economic decline and the loss of young people, so churches often have few new workers. Please pray that God uses this program to rekindle a passion for ministry.

A Coffee Conversation That Opened the Door to Istria
At the youth festival Srcokret, a simple coffee meeting led to something unexpected. Our colleague Goran spoke with Darko from Istria and mentioned our church-based educational programs. Darko said, “This is exactly what our churches need.”
He contacted several churches, and by September we met with their leaders. In October, we launched a program with 30–40 participants from multiple Istrian churches — something we never planned, but God clearly prepared.

We are grateful for these surprising opportunities to support local churches and help believers grow in biblical understanding. It is a joy to see God at work — and to imagine what He will do through ordinary people who surrender to Him.