Why Croatia?

Our local congregation (www.manhattankschurch.org) has financially supported the Varazdin church since 2004. Our congregations were connected through Let's Start Talking (www.lst.org) in 2003 (Rod Howell, Lacey Wrigley, Cheri Byer). LST uses English conversation practice using text from the book of Luke. In 2004 we sent a second LST team (Rod Howell, Eric Freeze) and became better acquainted with the Varazdin church's people, needs, and mission.

In 2005 the Manhattan congregation sent a third mission team to Croatia (Morris Crisler, Kevin Johnston, Lacey & Shiloh Wrigley), this time with a new project. This "camp team" taught and led children's activities during a nation-wide camp for Churches of Christ in Croatia. Again in 2006 our congregation sent another camp team (David & Marie Wingate, Kate Gillespie) with the same mission. A third camp team (Matt & Felicia Carter, Rod Howell, Marie Wingate) was sent to Croatia in 2007.

In 2008 our congregation planned to send a fourth camp team (Morris & Michelle Crisler), but God had other plans. Due to the camp dates changing and plane tickets already purchased, the 2008 team worked directly and intimately with the Varazdin church. This team led VBS-style children's activities as well as taught lessons for adults during worship time.

This brings us to 2009. This year we plan to conduct similar children's activities, with a new theme: Walking With Jesus. We will also be involved in building a play structure in the church yard. This will give the children a place to play! Morris & Ray will also be speaking during worship times on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Ultimately, our goal is encouragement and ambassadorship between our congregations.