ZAGREB CONTINUING CONNECTIONS

          The Groton /New London church has been building a special relationship with the church in Zagreb, Croatia. Damir and Andrea Jandricek, the leaders of the Zagreb church at the time, came to visit Groton in the winter of 2006 and spent about a week with the church here. We got to know them and love them quickly! In May of 2006, Gary Sciascia and I were sent by the church to spend a week in Zagreb in an attempt to continue to build on the connections that had begun and to encourage the church there. What a privilege that was for us! We spent great time with members of the leadership team and many others, enjoying every minute of the feeling of family that comes when hearts are sold out for our Lord Jesus. We were able to encourage the leaders in numerous meetings and be encouraged by the love and commitment of the saints in Zagreb.

          Some months ago, the Groton New London church sent a “care” package to the church in Zagreb. We took a Wednesday night and wrote out cards to our brothers and sisters, sharing Bible passages and trying to share our love and our desire to build a long-term relationship with them. On a more recent Wednesday night, it was our turn to enjoy a package that the Zagreb church sent to us! They sent cards, letters, post cards, chocolate (really good stuff!!), board games, and other things that conveyed their love and appreciation to the church here for reaching out to them. Especially touching was one sister who sent her favorite earrings as a special gift from her heart to a sister here! We read some of the letters out loud, filling many eyes with tears of joy at the gratitude and love poured out. They all expressed their deep appreciation for the connection they feel with the disciples here in Groton/New London. The Zagreb church also sent pictures of the disciples and families in the church which we were able to see in a slideshow. Finally, we raffled off the very special gifts from the Croatia church. It was a super encouraging night that left us all with the feeling that we want to pray more and find more ways to continue to connect with our precious brothers and sisters overseas.