The Good Seed Grows

“Back then, we had no student ministry, and I often felt unsure and afraid about pioneering it. But today, we have weekly meetings, campus outreach,and an annual camp. Now, we do everything with faith and prayer!”

Over the last two years, Blendona has seen the work she initiated in Kosovo become a flourishing ministry. They’ve named it “The Good Seed”. Locally, this not only speaks to the agricultural practice of choosing the best seed to sow but also describes a person with good values and character.

“So, it connects something familiar in our culture with Jesus’ Parable of the Sower.”

The Seed Germinates

The seed for this ministry germinated in Blendona’s heart after she was approached by a local pastor. He’d seen her potential as a pioneer staff worker and reached out to IFES Europe for guidance.

As she prayed about the suggestion, she remembered how the Lord had sustained her with Scripture through the pressures of her university studies. She envisaged how IFES ministry could offer students the same. And she saw the huge potential for evangelism among a population that’s less than 5% Christian.

Emerging Growth

A handful of students and graduate volunteers came alongside Blendona, inviting friends to various meetings in Pristina.

During Ramadan (widely observed in Kosovo), the group studied Matthew 6 and discussed what Jesus said about fasting. Through topical seminars, special events, and a Mission Week, many students have heard the gospel. In recent days, a fourth-year law student turned to Jesus as her Saviour.

For others, faith in Christ has been revived. A student invited to last August’s IFES European Student Festival was at first reluctant to attend – he’d grown up in a Christian family but had stopped going to church. Blendona encouraged him to go:

“He experienced God’s presence in a special way. I’ve seen a real change in his life. He’s now returned to church and comes to our student meetings. He’s growing in faith each day.”

More Seed to Sow

Besides the work in Pristina, sowing has also begun in the city of Gjilan. Earlier this year, students from UCCF Great Britain went to support Mission Weeks in both cities.

Blendona says Gjilan feels like “harder ground” – a smaller, more close-knit community in which students are cautious. “I’d like to come, but I’m afraid of what people will say if I attend a Christian event,” was a typical response. Nevertheless, some responded to the 400 widely-cast invitations.

“My goal is to share the gospel with as many students as possible!

“The biggest challenge is that I’m the only full-time staff worker. I thank God for our volunteers – they’ve been a great blessing. But their jobs, studies, or responsibilities mean they’re not always available. I’ve been praying that God will raise up people to serve full-time in The Good Seed.”

Pray

Praise God for the planting and growth of The Good Seed. Ask him to guide Blendona and the volunteers and to provide new workers to share the load.

Pray for the student who recently turned to Jesus and for opportunities to meet with her and help her grow.

Pray for a summer camp in the second week of July called “The Love of God” – that all 30 places will be filled and every heart touched. For Blendona: “that I will be filled with the joy of the Lord each day and show God’s love to all.”