‘Riding the Wave’

Stephen McCartney

Stephen McCartney, student at Edgehill College, Belfast, reflects on his experience of a peace-building initiative in Tuzla, Bosnia.

In January, three of us from Edgehill College set out on an adventure to Bosnia. Scott Boldt, who works for the Reconciliation Programme that is based in Edgehill College, took Pauline Whan and me (Stephen) to the city of Tuzla in the North East of Bosnia.

 Bosnia is a beautiful country, which has been deeply affected by war and is now facing economic hardships without the help of the EU. The aim of our trip was to meet the local church in Tuzla and work alongside them as they do mission. The church in Tuzla has an ingenious outreach called ‘Wave’, which is an organic approach whereby the church reaches out in love and service to the community. This ‘Wave’ is invisible as the church asks for no return from those it serves, but it is powerful as many lives are impacted. ‘Wave’ is also moving, as similar projects are being set up in 18 other countries! (See http:wavecommunity.blogspot.co.uk/)

The church in Tuzla is small: about 20 Christians gather twice weekly in an upstairs apartment. Ti’s not an old church and it’s not a big church, but it is certainly a church on the move. All the activities that the Christians engage in are covered in prayer and the volunteers who come to help are welcomed with open arms. Bosnia is a predominantly Muslim country but people there are quite relaxed in their faith and open to hearing the good news of Jesus. The vision that this small church has for reaching people is vast and there’s such a need for hope in Bosnia.

Wave Intensive Course

We helped teach English to over 100 people who came daily to the ‘Wave Intensive English Course’, which runs for two weeks. This was done in three small rooms where the church meets, rotating rooms in between classes. It was quite a task to get that many people into the small space that we had, while serving them tea and coffee and correcting homework! While we were there we had great times of fellowship – building friendships and sharing food together. The sense of community that we experienced in Bosnia was amazing. The people care for each other deeply. When you enter a home it’s mandatory to take off your shoes and greet everyone with a handshake or a hug. This welcome really breaks the ice and strengthens bonds between folks.

Scott, Sanija, Pauline and Stephen

We also had the opportunity to help with the church’s orphanage ministry. The need for mentors to act like big brothers and sisters to the children in the orphanage is huge. In the orphanage the children are given clean clothes, and warm beds to sleep in, but it’s impossible for the small number of staff there to care for all their emotional and physical needs. When the children are too old to remain in the orphanage many of them slip off the rails, drifting into crime or prostitution. The intervention and help that the ‘Wave’ volunteers are giving is really changing lives. The mentors work one-to-one with the children, helping them with their homework, talking through issues, building friendships. The time that the volunteers give is huge; they meet with the children twice a week, all coming together as a group beforehand for training and prayer.

The three of us took precious experiences away with us. Bosnia has certainly remained in our hearts. As we reflect on all that happened, we value the friendships that we made there and hope to see our new friends again soon. It is truly encouraging to see what God is doing among our European neighbours.