Thrive in Christ

A Little About Montenegro

Montenegro is a beautiful country full of mountains and coastline.  They received their independence from Serbia in 2006, making them one of the youngest and smallest nations in Europe with a population of about 620,000. But Montenegro is also one of the least evangelized nations in the world. 

Since the fall of Yugoslavia in the early 1990’s and the subsequent Yugoslav wars for independence that were fueled by ethnic and religious conflicts, Montenegro faced difficult times in post-communism.  But the beacon of hope came by the open doors to the Gospel in the early 1990s, which led to the first missionaries and Evangelical churches planted in Montenegro.  Since then, there have been less than a dozen churches planted in these past three decades, with only about 100 locals professing as Evangelical believers in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Our Call to the Mission Field

Kay and I were first called to the mission field in Swaziland (Eswatini), Africa from 2007-2017 to work with children, youth, and young adults in making disciples, raising up leaders, and planting churches.  Before then, I (Mark) was involved with Athletes in Action as a student-athlete and Kay was involved with Youth With A Mission (YWAM).  We both had a heart for fulfilling the Great Commission. 

We were called to move to Montenegro in 2017 to make an eternal impact in this small nation.  My parent’s were both born in Montenegro when it was still Yugoslavia.  Returning to Montenegro was a God-idea that was fueled by a desire to see God’s Kingdom advance.  Evangelizing, making disciples, and serving through the local church is of utmost importance.  Engaging in activities that build bridges into the communities such as English conversation clubs and group fitness exercise classes allow us to build relationships with locals, invite them into a discovery Bible study, and watch God grow a disciple making movement.

Fitness Business as Mission

Since being a college football player and a personal trainer before moving to the mission field, health and fitness have always been a part of my life.  And throughout the years, the Lord has been able to use this passion of mine to help invest into others, earning the right to be heard for the Gospel.

In 2020, with the pandemic growing and the heightened concern for personal health and well-being, we started a Fitness in the Forest club.  It began as a free weekly group fitness class that met in the park.  Dozens of people came and wanted to meet more frequently.  In 2021, we felt that helping people with their health and fitness was an excellent opportunity to reach people for Christ.  So we ramped up our efforts to six days a week and saw our numbers double.  In late 2021, I received my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer certificate, CrossFit Kids Trainer certificate, and Nutrition certificate and set out to launch a new gym for the purpose of business as mission. 

I’ve witnessed this model of fitness business as mission being a part of a disciple making movement along with Discovery Bible Studies.  And we’re excited to see what the Lord will do through us as we train the body, mind, and spirit through coaching and discipleship. When you invest into our ministry work here in Montenegro, you are helping us reach more people for the Gospel in practical and effective ways.  Thank you!