One Trip, Two Ways to Serve

Two teams are being formed for this trip, giving you an opportunity to choose how to serve:

Travel Requirements

This trip is designed for members, leaders, pastors, and others associated with congregations of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region. Other interested persons will need to be approved to participate. Youth (ages 12-17) are welcome on this trip as long as they are accompanied by a parent or designated guardian. Participants must have a valid US Passport that does not expire prior to January 2027. This trip is in cooperation with International Ministries (IM) and, as such, every participant must submit to IM's pre-trip orientation and background screening.

Physical Considerations

Because of the rural and historic architecture of this destination, trip participants should be able to easily climb and descend stairs without assistance. There will be lots of walking, including on uneven ground. Participants should be able to comfortably walk 8,000 - 10,000 steps (4-5 miles) daily. Each participant will also be expected to handle their own luggage without assistance. Ramps and elevators are generally not available.

Group Size Restriction

This trip is limited to 8 persons on each of the two projects. Registration (see below) will be on a first-come basis. A wait list will be formed once we've reached our group size capacity.

Accommodations & Transportation

The trip will include two days in Belgrade: the largest city and capitol of Serbia. The city features numerous restaurants, markets, parks, and other attractions. While in Belgrade, lodging will be arranged in local hotels (double-occupency). While serving rural churches, lodging will be provided in dormitory-style rooms by local churches. Electricity and modern, indoor restrooms (including showers) will be available at each site.

Dietary Restrictions

Serbian food is fairly similar to American-Midwestern food: Lots of breads; meats including beef, pork, and poultry; and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives can be difficult to find in rural Serbia.

Weather / Climate

Serbia's climate is exceptionally comparable to the American Midwest. During the time of this trip, you can expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 80's and overnight lows in the low-to-mid 60's.

Pre-Trip Orientation Sessions & Post-Trip Debriefing

In order to adequately prepare for this trip, participation in pre-trip orientation/training is absolutely vital. Each of these orientation sessions will last about 90 minutes and will be conducted via Zoom:

• Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 PM

• Wednesday, June 17, 6:30 PM

• TBA: An additional training, provided by IM Staff

• Post-trip Debriefing, Sunday, July 19, 3:00 PM

More Information

Questions? 

Contact:

Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach, rob@abcgrr.org, (217) 726-7366 x13

Why Serbia? 

I traveled to Serbia in November 2024 to scout out possible mission trips for your region. International Ministries (IM) does not have any Global Servants anywhere in the Balkans. Larry Stanton (based in Hungary) occasionally makes trips to this region to support local pastors in their community outreach efforts. Many of these congregations are Hungarian, as the northern part of Serbia was once part of Hungary (prior to the Treaty of Versailles and the redrawing of Europe's map). The pastors and churches of this region provide many basic needs to their communities, including the distribution of firewood (used to heat many of the homes in the area), reconditioning and distribution of medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, collection and distribution of diapers and infant formula, and generally taking care of their elderly neighbors.

One church in the region has developed an English-language day camp for its town's children. They've specifically asked for help leading a VBS-type camp for kids in their region. This serves several purposes: It provides a safe place for kids to spend the day while their parents are working; it introduces the Gospel to children, sometimes for the first time; it provides children the opportunity to practice conversational English with native speakers; and it provides profound encouragement to the pastors and church members in the region.

Several churches in the region are in desperate need of help with basic building and rehab labor. Many of the smaller churches meet in old houses or small commercial buildings, most of which are in need of renovation. There's always need for plastering and painting, tilework, light carpentry, and other similar projects as these pastors work to transform these spaces into church facilities for their communities.

This is a worthwhile trip that will make a huge impact on these local communities. But more importantly, the Baptist churches in Serbia have reached out for help, inviting us to come alongside them in their vital mission and outreach work. I hope you'll consider how God might be able to use you on this trip.

Grace + peace,

Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach, 

Associate Executive Minister (American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region)