Novi Sad – Balkan Baptists have held their first joint conference since 1991. A “Living Water” conference sponsored by the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and held in Novi Sad (Serbia) from 5 to 8 November, counted some 100 participants. Among them were 60 delegates from Serbia’s two Baptist Unions, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania. The Baptist Unions of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania were not represented. Forty guests from Serb congregations also attended the event. In 1991, a violent, armed conflict had erupted in the former Yugoslavia which led in the end to the collapse of the federation and the creation of independent states. Consequently, many experienced communion in Novi Sad as a profound spiritual moment expressing the restoration of spiritual unity between brothers and sisters. This was also expressed by the President of the Macedonian Baptist Union, Dr. Ivan Grozdanov (Skopje): “I am enjoying every minute of this conference. I am deeply touched by the new unity we are experiencing through our common faith in Jesus Christ - after 18 years of separation.” Touched in a similar fashion was Ondrej Franka (Backi Petrovac), who had organised the conference in cooperation with the General-Secretary of the Serb Baptist Union, Dane Vidovic (Belgrade). Franka stated: “We have been greatly encouraged in our mission! My hope for the Balkan Unions is that we might meet regularly in the future." Other participants reported to the European Baptist Press Service (EBPS) that the entire gathering was marked by a spirit of reconciliation.

Speeches focused on the topic of mission in the Balkans. Congregations there are faced with various serious challenges: These post-communist countries are secular, Islamic, Catholic and Orthodox in orientation. Toma Magda (Osijek), President of the Croatian Baptist Union and former President of the European Baptist Union (EBF), alluded to this concern when he stated: “Stop politics and go into mission!” His successor in the EBF, Valeriu Ghiletchi (Chisinau/Moldova), reminded participants of the Great Commission and the admonition to preach God’s Word. Dr. Otniel Bunaciu (Bucharest), President of the Romanian Baptist Union, also called for mission. Referring to the conference’s name, he reminded listeners that Jesus Christ himself is the Living Water encouraging us to move forward in mission and regard the present challenges and problems as chances and opportunities. Michael Kisskalt (Elstal near Berlin), Chairman of the EBF’s Division of Theology and Education, underscored the requirement of delegates to be aware of their cultural identity and nevertheless to transcend it. Common faith in Jesus Christ is a stronger bond than culture.

“Living Water” conferences were initially proposed at the 2005 celebrations in Birmingham/England commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Baptist World Alliance. Twenty such events have already taken place globally; they always stress the missionary challenges confronting the hosting regions. The objective of these conferences is to motivate Baptist Unions to do mission and help their leaders choose a proper impetus. Coach for these events have been Fausto Vasconcalez (Falls Church near Washington/DC), Director of the BWA’s Division of Evangelism and Education, or his predecessor Tony Cupit (Glen Iris/Australia). Both of them were present in Novi Sad.