A Life Changed

Orhan, now 20, said, “It’s always been interesting for me to observe how people in the Mission and the church are full of understanding and full of love.”

It was when he recently saw a friend of his, Vanja, getting baptised, that Orhan realised he wanted to be baptised as well. He felt that baptism was a corner stone of his relationship with God – that one piece that he was missing, to demonstrate his commitment to Jesus.

As soon as he found out that the next youth conference would take a place at Boracko Lake, at campsite called Emek Beraka (which means ‘valley of blessings’), he felt a calling and sense of perfect timing that this is where he should be baptised. Emek Beraka was where Orhan first went along to MWB’s summer camp – and first felt God’s presence in his life.

Drazan Jarak, the MWB staff member who supported Orhan’s family, said, “Orhan always had big eyes as a child, wide open to everything around him. He was eager to learn and to socialise, and I’m proud of the boy he is today.

“Orhan’s family was withdrawn from the programme 10 years ago, when he was 10, but I’m glad that we still have a connection with him, thanks to the way that MWB works closely with the local church.

“Orhan’s baptism is the proof that the seeds we sow in people’s hearts are being reaped years later, by God and by the church and his people.”

As Orhan shared his testimony at the baptism, he said, “I’ve been thinking about baptism over the last two or three years and I’m glad that I’m doing it right now. I decided to follow Jesus with my own will, and I want to share the good news with others. I decided to follow Christ because it makes the most sense and I finally understand it clearly.”