Stories from Croatia 2025

We want to share with our supporters the stories and testimonies that show how God is at work in unexpected ways and how the Biblical Institute is making a lasting impact in local churches.

DECEMBER

The Biblical Institute has continued its long-standing focus on the biblical–Jewish roots of the Christian faith, a field of study that has been central to the work of our director Ervin Budiselić for several years. This focus emerged from his growing awareness of the importance of understanding Jesus within his historical and Jewish context, which led to a deeper appreciation of Israel’s role in salvation history. In 2022, this theological emphasis contributed to the establishment of a fellowship (Havurah), initiated by a small prayer group concerned for the salvation of Jews in Croatia and worldwide. The fellowship meets once or twice a year to discuss the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, as well as the church and Israel. Its most recent gathering took place in November 2025, when plans for 2026 were discussed.

One significant outcome of this work was the completion of the book written by Ervin Budiselić The Cultivated Olive Tree dedicated to the biblical–Jewish roots of the Christian faith and intended for evangelical Christians. The book was written intensively over several days, drawing on his existing lecture notes, blog material, unpublished articles, and ongoing research. Its central theme is based on Romans 11, presenting salvation history as one cultivated olive tree in which Gentiles are grafted, while Israel remains integral to God’s redemptive purposes. The book addresses the historical identity of Jesus’ followers, the unity of the biblical narrative, the gospel’s connection to Israel, key Pauline texts (Romans and Ephesians), and the practical implications for evangelicals today. In light of rising global antisemitism and the increasing return of Jews to Israel, future plans emphasize the urgency of sharing the gospel with Jewish communities in anticipation of the fulfillment of biblical promises concerning the Messiah’s return.

NOVEMBER

Celebrating Worship and Creativity in Croatia
This November, the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, together with the Biblical Institute, hosted the first conference on worship in Osijek — featuring a contest for Croatian authors to submit their worship songs. Out of 115 submissions, a jury selected 15 for the concert “Hear a New Song.”

The event highlighted the richness and abundance of evangelical worship in Croatia, reminding us of the potential within the local Body of Christ when its members come together. Beyond showcasing domestic talent, the conference sparked conversations about the theology of worship, challenges with multiple song translations, and ways to strengthen worship in churches.

This won’t be a one-time event; the plan is to make it annual, continue developing new Croatian worship songs, raise the quality of worship, educate leaders, and inspire a new generation of worship leaders. God’s generosity and creativity in the hearts of His people were truly on display this weekend!

OCTOBER

A Renewed Hunger for the Word in Eastern Croatia
Last fall a pastor asked for video material for his church’s Bible study. We sent a recording of The World of Jesus of Nazareth. After watching it, the pastor called, excited — his people wanted more.
Since March, we have been teaching a program there with about 20 participants from two churches, some joining online. This region struggles with economic decline and the loss of young people, so churches often have few new workers. Please pray that God uses this program to rekindle a passion for ministry.

A Coffee Conversation That Opened the Door to Istria
At the youth festival Srcokret, a simple coffee meeting led to something unexpected. Our colleague Goran spoke with Darko from Istria and mentioned our church-based educational programs. Darko said, “This is exactly what our churches need.”
He contacted several churches, and by September we met with their leaders. In October, we launched a program with 30–40 participants from multiple Istrian churches — something we never planned, but God clearly prepared.

We are grateful for these surprising opportunities to support local churches and help believers grow in biblical understanding. It is a joy to see God at work — and to imagine what He will do through ordinary people who surrender to Him.