In June, Srcokret, a youth-led Christian organisation hosted a massive festival in Primošten, Croatia. TEN was privileged to financially support some of our partners who wanted to be part of it. We sent funds to the Evangelical Church of Macedonia, so they could provide transportation.
Srcokret means ‘turning the heart’ and the festival focused on looking to Jesus, despite the storms. Here are some testimonies about the event.
Ivan Petrov, Pastor of Štip Evangelical Church, North Macedonia
Srcokret Fest 2025 was unforgettable! I had the honour of serving as one of the ten MCs. I led four sessions—one morning and one evening session and two after-parties. Representing Macedonia were 145 people. It took two buses and several cars to get us there and it was powerful to see so many from our nation join with other young people from across the former Yugoslavia. Over 1,300 people worshipped, celebrated, and fellowshipped together. The atmosphere was electric—like a true House of Hope. Being part of this gathering was a deep encouragement and a reminder of unity, faith, and purpose.
Katerina Koleva, General Secretary of Student Evangelical Association of Macedonia (SEAM), North Macedonia
If our hope is to see how the Balkans is being changed for God and through God, then Srcokret Fest gave us all a glimpse of that. Srcokret gathered more than 1,000 young people from six Balkan countries. The festival tried to challenge the young people about different areas of their lives, through workshops and candid morning and evening talks; how to live sacred lives in a secular world, how to remain unshaken in a world that is fast-changing, and how to ‘step out of the boat’ when full of fears and doubts.
David Velkovski, Student & member of SEAM, North Macedonia
Srcokret was a whole new experience, having to camp for the first time. The quiet time by the sea and the chance to worship God helped me settle into it easier. The biggest outcome for me were the three workshops I went to and the main message of the festival—the storms are not going to drown us if Jesus is in the boat. I loved the worship nights; they were blessed, and I learned new praise songs to listen to afterwards. Celebrating my birthday among the Macedonian delegation made me feel special too.
Zoltan Vegel, Pastor of Protestant Christian Fellowship of Sombor, Serbia
When I heard about Srcokret Fest, a youth festival aiming to gather 1,000 young people, I doubted it was possible. In the Balkans, it is so easy to become pessimistic. I was invited to lead a workshop on the subject, ‘The Church Encountering LGBT’. I found myself not among 1,000, but among 1,300 young Christians from across the former Yugoslavia! Witnessing those numbers, the dedication of volunteers, the excitement in worship, and praying with young people there deeply moved me. I repent! God can do wonders even in the Balkans! This generation has incredible potential for God’s work here and I am truly encouraged and full of hope!
David’s quiet time; David (bottom-centre) with friends; the crowd at Srcokret Fest
