The Call to Serbia
We couldn’t have imagined that Serbia would be our home (again) after nearly 16 years of living in England.
Surely, New Life Church in North Walsham was now our home?
Yet, God spoke clearly, and we were ready to follow His call no matter the cost. We had been praying for a while, asking God to reveal where He wanted us and trusting His timing is always perfect. A restlessness had begun to awaken as God prepared our hearts for a new adventure.
While all this was happening, Vlada and Sonja at Good News Church in Niš, Serbia, unbeknown to us, were praying for a couple to join their team.
Called to Go Launch 2024: Identify and pursue your call to the nations
Preparing to Go
A year before we considered the move, Maurice and Rachel Nightingale invited us to meet with them during one of their rare stays back in Norfolk. Our conversation focused on discovering what God had in store for us and ensuring that, whatever it might be, we were well-prepared by participating in the Called to Go course.
During the course, we explored what the Bible says about the call to “go,” we also had the opportunity to hear from previous pioneers. There was a lot to learn, particularly about how to approach this new adventure, how to be sent well, and how to arrive well.
Eventually, we settled on a timeframe. We planned to leave England in July 2024.
UK to Serbia: Moving day
Getting Closer to Moving Day
You may think that having heard from God, we would be thrilled about the move. Well, that wasn’t entirely the case.
Irena, being Serbian, had already experienced a similar move, so she understood the challenges it would pose for our family. She knew how it would affect our work and the boys’ education. She knew it would be hard leaving everything we hold dear, all our friends and family, everything we’ve worked so hard for over the years.
After the initial excitement of the adventure had worn off, the “cost” shot into focus.
We had many moments of immense grief when we experienced a deep sense of loss, worry, and anxiety. Yet, God stayed faithful through it all. We received numerous unexpected messages from friends, carrying Scriptures that answered our prayers. God spoke so clearly, promising good as we prepared to leave in His name.
It felt important to leave well. We weren’t actually leaving New Life–we were BEING SENT. The elders and a small group of close friends prayed for us throughout our preparations, and they continue to do so as we stand on Serbian soil. Many different prophetic words were spoken over us, revealing God’s plans little by little. Leaving New Life and our friends and family was painful, but we know that the kingdom of God is expanding in Serbia and that we are needed here.
New beginnings: First day at school
We’ve Arrived
Our boys, Luka and Jasper, love church! Being surrounded by children in Sunday school was always a highlight of their week. However, the church in Serbia had no children—at least not their age. One of our biggest prayers was for the boys to settle well, enjoy school, and have new friends in church. You wouldn’t believe our surprise when nine children attended the first Sunday! What an answer to prayer. Since then, a few families have regularly come on Sundays, making it a vibrant, joyful time. More, Lord!
A new season at Good News Church has begun, full of God’s favour. We are seeing a growing number of people joining us—so much so that soon, we’ll need a bigger space to fit everyone in! God’s already got that covered. We are in the final stages of purchasing a building next door, which could become a hub for the people of Nis and beyond—a place to bless the community the way only God can.
New connections: The Fairchilds with Vlada and Sonia of Good News Church in Niš
This is an exciting time to be part of Good News Church. Whether it is working with students and young children, supporting other Churches in the area, or working with the poor, there is something for everyone, and we’re so glad God has called us to play our part.
So, if you’ve ever felt a call to the nations, whether short-term or longer-term, why not visit Serbia and stand alongside us as we bring the kingdom of God to a great city?
Prayer Points
Prayer works! And when lots of people pray, it really works! We invite you to pray for us, the church, and the city of Nis. Here are some prayer points that are on our hearts right now:
Pray for our boys to continue to settle well in their schools.
Pray that Martin, Luka, and Jasper overcome the language barrier.
Pray for the swift completion of the new church building purchase and for wisdom on how we best use it to serve the city.
Pray for us to sell our home in England and find a home here which we can use to build relationships and serve people.
Pray for families to continue to join the church, establishing the basis of thriving children’s work.
Pray for worship leaders and musicians to join us and support the worship team.
by Martin and Irena
Martin and Irena (along with their two boys, Luka and Jasper) attend Good News Church, Nis, where they serve alongside Vlada and Sonja Stojanovic.