The Reason For The Season

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

December 2016

The Advent Season

The season of Advent is one of the most beautiful seasons in the city of Zagreb. As you exit Central Station you can hear the squeals of delight floating from the near by ice skating rink improvised by the city each year in Tomislav Square. As you draw closer to Zrinjevac you begin to hear live Christmas music playing in the bandstand. Each tree trunk that lines both sides of the park is decorated in white lights, and little white kiosks offer their various Christmas wears, hot mulled wine, and roasted sausages. If you walk further you will arrive at the main square which is decorated in millions of lights, a massive Christmas tree, and other Christmas finery. A large stage has been set up in the center of the square where various bands entertain as people walk by, stop and listen a little, and head on up to the many other attractions that await them in the upper city. Although many of these traditions have nothing to do with Christ and his birth in Bethlehem, it is still a beauty in which we revel. Last year Zagreb was voted the best European Christmas destination and this year she out did herself once again to hold on to that title. This is the eighth year in a row that our worship band, Bez Kompromisa, has had the privilege of lifting up the name of Jesus and proclaiming his glory and goodness on that big stage in the middle of the main square during Advent season and we hope to continue this tradition for many more years to come!

Christmas Concert

We hosted our first movie night in the new facilities on Saturday, November 26th premiering the powerful movie, War Room. In addition to the people that we normally invite to these events, we campaigned the new neighborhood in which our church is located in an attempt to invite as many from the area as possible. We were delighted to notice that there were more strange faces than familiar in attendance. As usual, we handed out free popcorn and organized a time of food and fellowship after the movie. We are also planning a special Christmas concert on Sunday, December 18th. As the Croatian people tend to be more open to God and the Gospel message during this time of year, we hope and pray that the true message of God's gift to humanity, His Son, will reach hearts and stir souls and that they will find the true joy and peace of which everyone talks about during Christmastime.

Matching Donation

As you are probably already aware, we are still in the process of finishing all the needed construction work and furnishing of our premises. Finances have been a struggle, but God has been so faithful and as always has acted in miraculous ways in providing for our needs. One of the greatest needs we've had has been doors for each room in the facility. Sound and heating issues (because we heat with radiators here in Croatia) presented a problem. We were in urgent need of funds and, in perfect timing, Skyway Church from Goodyear, Arizona, decided to cover those costs. Furthermore, Senior Pastor Greg Brown promised us a matching donation for all the funds we receive during the month of December so that we would be able to fully furnish our premises and enter the New Year with a fully furnished church. We want to thank all of you who have already aided us in our church building project and encourage you to join us in the last leg of our fund raising campaign- each dollar given is worth double!

Christmas Break

Bonnie and the children are on Christmas break. The girls are enjoying their time off by baking up a storm and the boys by playing games and exploring the nearby forest.

We want to thank each and every one of you for your faithfulness throughout this year. We are so grateful for your prayers and consistent support. As you take a look at this little promotional video we've put together https://youtu.be/K9o9-1pbRc4 know that through those prayers and financial support, you are apart of all that God is doing here in Croatia!

We wish you a merry Christimas and a happy New Year!

Mario and Bonnie Ducic

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