The leaders at the center all agreed: If they and their group were to keep growing spiritually, they needed some help and training. They were eager to improve the depth of their teaching and to work towards doing things biblically, not merely pragmatically. Shortly after that introductory visit, Kris returned and taught the center’s first class on Bible-study methodology.
“It was overwhelming to think that every single person in this group was a former slave to addiction,” Kris says, “but now are truly enjoying their freedom in Christ, having experienced the life-changing grace of salvation.”
The most exciting thing about teaching these men and women? “Their hunger,” Kris says. Many churches in Croatia don’t value qualified pastoral leadership, and there’s not a widespread demand for expository preaching. In fact, the students who come to be trained at TBA have demonstrated a truly rare conviction. When these students choose to pursue biblical studies, they don’t just face mockery from the world—they often face resistance even from their churches and believing families. But in contrast to Croatia’s general apathy towards intensive Bible study, “These guys are hungry,” Kris says about the believers at the rehab center. “They’re listening to solid stuff online, and they’re really engaged. So for my Bible-study methodology class, I’m just trying to help them read the Bible more carefully, more effectively, and introducing them to the principles of interpretation.”
And the response has been enthusiastic, to say the least. Kris lectured for no less than four hours that first session. But within a day, Kris says, “the people who weren’t able to be there because they were babysitting or on duty with the new patients—they’d already listened to the recordings of the lectures.”
What an exciting opportunity for ongoing ministry! There is a hunger for biblical truth in Croatia, and by God’s grace, TBA is primed and ready to meet that need—both now and in the future as they equip the next generation of church leaders to rightly handle the word of truth. For those of you who help support TMAI, thank you. Through your prayers and gifts, you are a part of the Lord’s provision for His children in Croatia who are hungering for His Word.
