“Where are you from? You speak the language very well, but you have an interesting accent.”

Viktor smiled. “I grew up in a nearby country, but I am originally from America.”

The Balkan farmer’s eyes lit up. “America?! I love Americans! Do you know I met an American once? Two years ago, right here in my stall. He came to buy a pumpkin. He was former United States Air Force.”

As the man described his American visitor, we realized he was painting a familiar picture. “Did he have silver hair and drive a gray station wagon?” Viktor asked. Our new friend nodded wide-eyed. “That man is my father-in-law!”

Two years earlier, my Dad was visiting a friend in a nearby country. It’s hard to find pumpkins in the nation where Viktor and I grew up as missionary kids, and Dad was surprised to find them abundantly available just a few hours away in this neighboring Balkan country. The short conversation he had with the farmer apparently made quite an impression!

Now, years later as we were researching our potential new AFM project, we just happened to stop and talk with the one man in the entire country with whom we had a connection. Talk about a divine appointment!

Illir, the farmer, was instantly our friend. He was so excited when we told him of our plans to come back to the city to live. He enthusiastically promised to help us find a house and plant a garden, and to take us to buy firewood. He even offered to let us stay with him until we could find a home.

Illir is waiting eagerly for our return. Please pray that we will soon be able to launch to the field and share Jesus’ love with Illir and the rest of the Balkan Muslim people. —Sara Basha

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