Nontraditional Believers Recover Christian Community
The WTM missionaries pray and fast for God to bring about his purposes through the church in Croatia. Both WTM and the Borongajci believe Croatia is well situated to bring spiritual renewal to the region.
The Borongajci's evangelistic vision cannot be separated from their call to facilitate unity in the body of Christ. Jovanović said, "How often do people make the decision for Christ by looking at us and how we live together?" Perhaps the story of the Borongajci—a community defined by their love and transparent humility—provides a good example.
A few years ago, a friend of the Borongajci shared a vision she had of three flames. Each flame represented a different kind of love. The first love was God, the second was the family of God, and the third was those who did not yet know Christ.
The elders understood the three loves as the source from which all activities should flow. "When we find ourselves moving in this direction," said Biočina, "we are like fish in water."
Melody J. Wachsmuth, who blogs at balkanvoices.wordpress.com, is a writer based in Croatia.
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editor UNITYINCHRIST.COM
WOW! A work of the Holy Spirit operating outside the so often human-devised structure of church government and leadership. Reminds me of Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire." The Spirit's guiding them into genuine Christian transparency is also refreshing, as scary as the idea may sound, as we often walk into our fellowships or churches with masks on. Hope someone passes this article on to Pastor Joe Focht, Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, as he'd probably really love it.
Oun Kwon
Can non tongue-speakers be in unity with tongue-speakers? I'm worried. Spirituality is one thing, but those so-called Pentecostalism (the practices of which have nothing to the with the Pentecost event of Acts 2) and those so-called Charismatism (recognizable by their snugness) are another. I earnestly look for them to stand on the biblical faith, not tainted ecclesial traditions of Catholicism, divisive Protestantism, Charismatism, Legalism, or whatever keeps the persons of Christ bound in their own bondage. Let them enjoy freedom in Christ alone, with Cross alone and Scripture alone, not man-made religiosity under the name of Christ.
Keith Head
Good article. We pray that the Holy Spirit will move in our lives in as powerful a way as He did with these folks!