Late last year, Croatia received the (rather dubious) honor of being named “the most corrupt country in Eastern Europe.”[1] From endless accusations of government bribery, to a grossly inefficient judicial system, even to school children cheating on tests,[2] fraud and duplicity seem to be deeply rooted problems in this beautiful Balkan country.
Maybe that’s one reason integrity is what stood out to David about his professors at The Master’s Academy International.
The rampant corruption the country has experienced isn’t rooted in Croatian soil or Croatian systems, but in Croatian hearts. David chose to study at TMAI’s school in Croatia partly because of its strong biblical convictions—but mostly because he witnessed a rich congruity between the faculty’s formal and functional theology. Rigorous academic work and theological study weren’t just intellectual exercises for them. The truth of God’s Word had evidently been sown deep in their hearts; its fruit was flourishing in every aspect of their lives.
“I know the professors, and I know they live what they believe and teach in the classroom,” he says. “Their personal testimonies were very important to me.”
Now, David is a careful student of these men of integrity—both in the classroom, and out. He’s grateful that his Greek and Bible-survey classes are preparing him for future ministry, but he’s also thankful for the ways his studies are transforming him right now. “My study has exposed a lot of pride in me that I didn’t know I had, and it’s shown me that I need to grow in Bible knowledge and in my understanding of good theology.… [Studying at TMAI] has been helpful for my current and future ministry, but also for my own character. As a young husband and father, it has been a great blessing.”
Please pray for David—and for the growing number of Croatian church leaders like him who shine as lights in a crooked and twisted generation,[3] proclaiming the truth and leading lives of godly integrity. Here’s David’s prayer request in his own words:
“Ever since I came to TMAI, my wish and prayer has been to grow in wisdom and maturity—to grow in Christlikeness. Our professors have ingrained in us the importance of growth and advancement, not just in the understanding of theology, but in maturity and character.”
Please remember to pray for Croatia too. The rampant corruption the country has experienced isn’t rooted in Croatian soil or Croatian systems, but in Croatian hearts.[4] And the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to transform those hearts. Pray that many would receive the truth of God’s Word, and that the influence of the father of lies would be supplanted by the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.[5]
- https://medium.com/@LeadersSummit/croatia-a-member-of-nato-and-the-eu-ranked-as-most-corrupt-country-in-eastern-europe-vladimir-df564ecd547f
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/13/croatian-corruption-starts-with-cheating-at-school-says-president
- Philippians 2:15
- Mark 7:21–23
- Philippians 1:11
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For more information on Croatia, please visit HERE.
