"im·pact [n. im-pakt]: a forcible contact between two things."

In two days, the Kosova Impact Team  from Autumn Ridge Church will embark on trip #10.  We've chose "impact team" rather than "mission team" because we will be in forcible contact with different social, political, spiritual and ideological beliefs than what we are used to.  This trip will be unique, in that our main focus is to encourage and equip local evangelical believers and impact new Christians in Kosova.  In Kosova, God is working in many different lives in many different ways.  While the window of opportunity is still open to share our hope in Christ and the Good News, we want to go, encourage and equip those who will continue on in this task long after we return home.  Some ways we have been asked to serve: 

*Perform vision clinics for pensioners and disadvantaged persons at the HandiKOS Centre, a social service agency in Vushtrri

*Equip and encourage the HandiKOS staff as they care for the patients and their families at the Centre;

*Deliver food parcels and health kits to disadvantaged families--the poorest of the poor;

*Participate in a medical conference to foster on-going relationships that could lead to potential areas of evangelism later;

*Hold public evangelistic meetings in Prizren;

*Lead a pastors' conference in Prishtina;

*Home visits with HandiKOS families.

As you can see, we believe God has a radical purpose for this team, and we want to be radically obedient.  We also know this won't be a church picnic.  It'll be trying.  It'll be tiring.  It'll be tedious.  It might even be painful, because this trip will be relational.  That is why we are enclosing a prayer guide for those of you who want to partner with us through prayer.  We know we will need all the help we can get!  

Kosova Impact Team Prayer Guide:

Wednesday, September 7	Leaving for Kosova.  Pray for safety for our team and that we will make all our connections.  Pray for protection over our families who remain at home during our absence.
Thursday, September 8	Arrive in Prishtina.  Pray that all our baggage and supplies arrive on time and that our team will have a clear purpose of God’s agenda (and not our own) as we impact those we serve in Kosova.
Friday, September 9	We begin working with New Generation Church in Prizren.  Pray for the evangelistic meetings that begin this evening.  Pray for Pastor Dan as he leads these meetings.
Saturday, September 10	As we conclude the evangelistic meetings tonight, pray that many would come to faith in Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, September 11	We will be worshipping with New Generation Church in Prizren.  Pray that this would be an awesome time of worshipping cross-culturally with our Kosovar brothers and sisters.
Monday, September 12	Today we will be leaving Prizren and travel to Prishtina for the remainder of our trip.  Pray for all the new Kosovar believers that they would grow and be encouraged in their new-found faith.
Tuesday, September 13	We will be doing home visits to handicapped children and their families through the HandiKOS Centre in Vushtrri.  We will deliver family health kits and Christian literature as part of these visits.  Pray that these “loaves and fishes” represent Christ as we minister to “the least of these.”
Wednesday, September 14	We will be doing vision clinics for the pensioners at the HandiKOS Centre.  Pray that physical and spiritual needs would be met through this ministry.
Thursday, September 15	We will take 10 children and the HandiKOS staff to a local park for a day trip.  As we show our appreciation to the staff for all their hard work, pray that “loving God and serving people” in this way would impact these relationships.
Friday, September 16	Pray for the nation of Kosova.  Pray for national stability and that the elected officials would allow religious liberties to continue.  Pray for local evangelical partners who labor in Kosova long-term.
Saturday, September 17	We will hold a pastors’ conference today in Prishtina.  As a first-time event, pray that those who attend would be encouraged and equipped as they impact their local churches. Pray for Pastor Dan as he leads the conference.
Sunday, September 18	Today we will worship in a house church in Prishtina.  Pray that God will continue to use this community of believers as salt and light to accomplish His kingdom’s purpose.
Monday, September 19	Leave for home.  Praise God for the work He accomplished through this team.  Pray that the Spirit would continue the work in Kosova long after we return home.

"Now, sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a faithful trip..."

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