There seems to be an attitude among many people that they have to be out for themselves, because others won't look out for them. We prayed that God would break through this attitude, showing people that he cares and that with him they are able to look out for others like he does.

Arriving in Skopje in mid July, the team were met at the airpot by a member of the local macadonian church that they would be working with. The first few days were spent getting to know the church guys in Skopje, whilst staying in the little apartment they used as an office. It was an important time of building relationships with the 15 macadonians that were to traval to Ohrid (the object of the mission) with the group. It was also a good chance to ‘play’ - a key part of 24-7 mission!

 

Ohrid grew into a spiritual centre for uniting and sharing various cultures, traditions, and customs from all meridians worldwide.

The town of Ohrid lies on the southern shore of lake Ohrid (aparently europe’s oldest lake?!!) near the Albanian border. Ohrid itself has a colourful history and spiritual inheritance having been a cultural melting pot in the 20^th century. With numerous orthadox churches, 4 practicing monestries and 10 mosques – Religion is very evident but perhaps not so fruitful.

 

The mission fell into an intentional rhythm of prayer. Praying in the morning with the macadonians, in the afternoon at the prayer room and in the evening as a team. Time was also spent hanging out and meeting folk, both on the beach of this resort town and in the coffee bars at night. 'The vibe is really chilled out and friendly - yesterday we were hanging out in the evening around the centre of town and just chatting to people, everyone's really open to talk. A few of us went to coffee with some guys that we'd met earlier at the beach. Apparently it's quite normal for Macedonians to just go for coffee with someone they've met for 5 minutes on the beach.'

 

 

There have been some great stories from people having really good conversations - lots of people genuinely interested in God and the whole deal.

The macadonian christians were intrumental in forming relationships with the people they met. While the british team were praying in a new spiritual climate the macadoinians were on the streets and getting into all sorts of interesting and surprisingly open conversations. One of the macadonian team met up with some people he had met the previous year. They laughed at him for believing in God, but one of them came up to him later to talk more and ended up being prayed for, vomiting and suddenly feeling completely free from the drugs and alcohol he'd been involved with. 

 

Some missions can be really really tough times. But believe it or not our father in heaven does not want us to be always miserable in living out the great commision. The team had a good time - and that in itself is a victory of life over death!  Enjoyable times of play, friendship and good food can be very real parts of blessing the land in prayer, christian community and missional outreach.