Days 6–7: A Warm Welcome in Serbia – Mark Bennett & Rick Mandigo
Arriving in Serbia, the welcome was immediate. The stark contrast of severe-looking architecture was softened by stunning colors and the warm smiles of new friends. Our hosts shared deeply from their hearts and their mission for Christ, making us feel instantly at home.
Our first stop was a sister town where we met with a new but thriving church. There, we were introduced to three pastors who each serve different communities in the surrounding area. Their love for the people and their steadfast commitment to the gospel were evident in every story they told.
A great need lies among the Roma people, a diasporic community whose origins are not entirely clear. Often marginalized and facing barriers to full integration into Serbian culture, the Roma face significant social and economic challenges. Yet, in the midst of this hardship, the pastors here labor tirelessly, meeting physical needs while bringing the hope of Christ to their Mahalas (neighborhoods).
The Church is alive and on fire for God both in Vranje, the first town we visited, and in Leskovac, where we have been based for this part of the journey. We attended an evening service at a Roma church that has been faithfully serving its community for over 30 years. The atmosphere was electric, joyful music, passionate preaching, and heartfelt worship filled the room. We shared in communion with them and joined in singing praises in Serbian (as best we couldnever have we been so thankful for worship slides!).
Later, we visited a Roma village in the Mahala where our host, Snezana, first began her ministry. She guided us through the narrow streets, sharing stories of transformation through community health evangelism. Where once piles of trash filled the area, small home gardens now grow. Where open sewage once ran, children now walk freely, and a group of local youth marched by with brass instruments, playing lively tunes under a soft evening rain. It was a vivid picture of hope and renewal.
Nearby, we saw the playground and basketball court, the only designated, safe recreation space for Roma children in the entire country. Elsewhere, they often face discrimination, threats, or worse when they try to play in public spaces. This playground stands as both a refuge and a testimony to God’s redeeming work in the community. The brightly colored shipping container beside it once carried the playground equipment, and now serves as part of the ministry site itself. Nothing here is wasted; everything is redeemed and repurposed for good.
We concluded our visit by joining a women’s group meeting in their local church. The ladies greeted us with warmth and hospitality, and we listened, through translation, to a heartfelt message about keeping God’s heart at the center of all we do.
As our time in Serbia draws to a close, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. The faith, resilience, and joy of the believers here have left a deep mark on our hearts. One more day remains before we travel home, carrying with us stories of transformation, fellowship, and God’s unstoppable grace.
Reflection
These days have reminded us that the gospel shines brightest in places where the world sees only hardship. From the concrete streets of Leskovac to the humble homes of the Roma villages, the light of Christ is transforming lives one person, one act of love at a time. Even something as simple as a playground becomes a sacred space, a living symbol of hope, safety, and belonging for children long overlooked. God truly wastes nothing; He redeems it all.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
Blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers and support.
