The Elijah Center – a place to encounter God
The Elijah Center will exist to offer an unhurried space to hear the still,
small voice of God in beautiful natural surroundings and an intimate,
transformative atmosphere.
As we have ministered with Greater Europe Mission in Croatia over the
last 15 years we have seen God grow his church here both in numbers
and maturity. Though still small, many more evangelical churches have
trained pastors than twenty years ago. There is much better access to
Croatian language Bible teaching, both intensive training for future leaders
and for those who simply want to know the Bible and their Savior better.
We have also seen cultural changes: influences from outside eroding
basic spiritual and Biblical awareness, an increased struggle for families to attain a normal standard of living, and the relentless busyness that is so dominant throughout the developed world.
We see a pressing need for deep, unhurried connection. For a safe space where people can slow down, think, talk, and explore the transformation that God is working in them. Where people can take time to contemplate how Biblical truth applies in their lives. Where they can seek and hear from the Living God without the distractions of daily life. With 16 double en-suite rooms, situated on the beautiful Pelješac Peninsula surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this facility is at the foot of Mount St. Elijah and just a few minutes’ walk from the Adriatic Sea. We have seen how Croatians connect with God through nature and are convinced that the setting here is particularly conducive to the gospel encounters we are longing to see.
Our vision is to offer weekend and week-long retreats for groups. We will
uniquely benefit the Christian community by having a Bible teacher in residence
who could provide teaching tailored to the groups’ needs and provide a much
needed break for church leaders on retreat with their congregations. We would
also focus on keeping the schedule light, to allow plenty of time for rest,
contemplation, and conversation with guided questions. We hope that every
person would experience the peace and transformation of the gospel every time
they visit.
While this region is popular as a tourist destination it is largely unreached with the gospel. Christians here lack fellowship and access to ministries available elsewhere in the country. There is no dedicated Christian retreat center within a few hundred miles of this location. We are connected to several Croatian ministries that are interested in using this facility to extend the reach of their programs. These include ministry to survivors of trauma, marriage building, spiritual formation and counseling services.
During the peak summer months when Croatians in the region are fully occupied working in the tourist industry we would open up the center to groups from other countries, further increasing the financial viability of the center in a time when it would otherwise be unused, and widening its impact. It is our desire to raise enough donations to buy and renovate the building to ensure that our primary focus is the core ministry of the center, rather than having pressure to simply fill beds and pay the mortgage each month. After covering our operating costs we would also like to be able to offer scholarships to people for whom attending a retreat would be beneficial but present a financial hardship.
First and foremost we believe that God will use this center to multiply fruit in the lives of believers in Croatia. As people have the space to take Scripture knowledge and seek God’s leading in applying it to their hearts and the challenges of daily life, the resulting transformation will speak volumes to their unbelieving family members and the people around them. We believe the Elijah Center can be a key part of the growth and multiplication of the Kingdom.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28
For more information contact
deb.coney@gemission.org
gemission.org
Elijah Center Project #50055
stephen.coney@gemission.org
+1 (706) 389 1102 Central Europe Time