Many refugees and migrants pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina on their way to western Europe, because across the border is Croatia, which is part of the EU and Schengen region. As much as they would like to arrive at their destination quickly, the reality is that many people stay here for weeks, months, even years.
Some people are believers; some of them have been persecuted. Others are looking for a better future, and on the journey, they find Christ. People arrive from many different countries such as Syria, Pakistan, Morocco and Cuba.
For over five years we dreamt of opening an outreach centre just a short distance from the refugee camps. Two years ago, the dream became reality. It would not have been possible without the partnerships and support of the coworkers God sent us. We have worked with organisations from the USA, the Netherlands and Germany. A Brazilian couple came and helped us and OM also got involved. All of them
worship with us at the Kairos Centre, where our Baptist church is.
The Hope Centre is full of life. Refugees come to eat and drink together. We run ministries for men, women and children, such as sports, activities, crafts and art programmes. The highlight of the week is our Wednesday worship time in English, Farsi, Arabic, Spanish, French, Russian and other languages.
God has given us fruit. Some of the people have given their lives to Christ and been baptised. We even baptised persecuted believers who previously had to worship in hidden house churches in their home countries and were not able to be baptised there.
It is a huge blessing and there is so much joy in being a part of what God is doing and allowing us to do among the refugees and migrants who come to our Hope Centre.
By Tomislav Dobutović, Pastor of Sarajevo Baptist Church, Bosnia and Herzegovina
