August 14, 2000
Texans found joy in volunteerism
___By Teresa Dickens
___Woman's Missionary Union
___SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina--Norman and Diane Crisp have seen many changes in Sarajevo and all of Bosnia-Herzegovina during the past two years. They have seen a city being rebuilt.
___In some instances the Texans helped with the rebuilding as they hosted and workedalongside Baptist volunteer construction teams. The Baptist efforts have been well received by the nationals, with one Bosnian man telling Crisp, "Muslims build mosques, and Baptists put roofs on our houses."
DIANE & NORMAN CRISP
___They have seen a mission family come together as Southern Baptist personnel in the country grew from fewer than 10 to more than 40.
___They also have seen the work move from a humanitarian aid base to a church planting base.
___Most importantly, they have seen Bosnians become believers in Jesus Christ.
___Crisp, a retired pastor of 40 years, baptized two young men last summer. Both have become strong leaders.
___The Crisps moved from Longview to serve as on-site volunteer coordinators for the two-year Woman's Missionary Union-International Mission Board partnership in Bosnia. The couple finished their assignment and returned to the States July 17.
___"I thank the Lord that he gave us this opportunity," Crisp said a few days before finishing his assignment in Sarajevo. "We've enjoyed it. It has been hectic at times, but anything worthwhile has it stress points. We have met people from all over the world through the volunteers and the United Nations personnel who have attended our Sunday morning worship services. I would do it over again."
___The couple strongly encourages others to consider volunteer opportunities.
___"I would encourage anyone who is retirement age and in good health to consider being a long-term missions volunteer," Mrs. Crisp said. "It will be an experience of a lifetime, one that is very stretching and enriching."
___"There is life after retirement," he concluded. "You can find purpose, meaning and satisfaction in the here and now. Too many people retire and let go of life. You have to plan to be useful."
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