Four Mile Creek Teaches ESL in Macedonia
A group from Four Mile Creek Baptist Church traveled to Macedonia to teach ESL. Pastor Sam Grozdanov, a native of Macedonia, led the mission trip.
Some would say that Pastor Sam Grozdanov has a heart for the people of Macedonia--especially since that is his native country. But more than a love of
heritage drove Pastor Grozdanov to Macedonia--a love and passion for God and the Great Commission was the driving force. Macedonia is a beautiful country, but has some very deep scars, too.
As many mission trips go, the unexpected must be expected! Pastor Sam and his group had to improvise their ESL classes. Some university students came, and needed more advanced lessons in English. There was even one person who wanted to learn Japanese--and a member of Four Mile Creek who went on the mission trip just happened to know Japanese as well!! It is amazing what God does when we follow Him!
Many of the students were not Christians, and claim to be atheists. As a part of the Former Yugoslavia and former Soviet Union bloc, God was "removed" from the culture. Coupled with an atheist society, Macedonia was also Russian Orthodox; separation of church and state does not exits there. Therefore, a large percentage of the Macedonian population have not heard the Gospel, or accepted Christ. The group from Four Mile Creek was able to show the love of Christ to the Macedonians, and some accepted Christ. The mission trip was an enriching experience for all involved, and Pastor Sam hopes there will be another opportunity.
