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HYC Zagreb: Impacting the Church and Community

Hope Worldwide • August 12, 2016

Noah Kreider (GSI) tells about how his experience in Croatia taught him about the beauty found in serving others.

What an amazing two weeks we had in Zagreb, Croatia, as we “Dared to Serve” on the first ever HOPE Youth Corps there! 25 brave teens, students, and singles came together to shine their lights on the city of Zagreb. God showed me the beauty in small acts of love and kindness. They are seeds that have the potential to grow as big as redwood trees!

Together as a HOPE Youth Corps, we served at an orphanage in the city where there were around 20 kids that quickly became our treasured friends. Each had their own different story, struggle and past that is not easy at such a young age. It was so amazing to interact with the kids there via sports, singing, games, and laughter. We watched many of them come out of their shells and open up to us as their friends.

The HOPE Youth Corps helped repair and paint the giant fence in front of the building in which we were working, having a blast as some of the kids from the orphanage would join in and help! At night, when we were done helping in the orphanage, we would go into the city to share our faith, spend time with the local church, and enjoy the beautiful culture that Croatia offers.

The Zagreb church, of around 60, welcomed us with so much warmth and love. We even managed to fill the church, in which the Croatian disciples meet, with our overjoyed HYC group! Everyone was elbow to elbow as we worshipped, shared our lives and fellowshipped together. We were inspired by the faithful disciples who pour out their lives for the city of Zagreb.

At the end of our two weeks, we closed with an inspiring Eastern European Missions Conference, where people from all over Eastern Europe came together to celebrate, learn and dream for the kingdom! I walked away filled with love and vision for God. Zagreb will always have a piece of my heart! I encourage you to check out HOPE Youth Corps and see what it’s all about! I will be leading the group to Manila in the Philippines in December!

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