When most people think of European destinations, Croatia might conjure up images of beaches, castles, or historic cities. But for those with a heart for the gospel, missions in Croatia represent a vibrant and growing opportunity to spread the Good News. And few embody this calling more than our friend and fellow laborer in Christ, Sam Ward.
We at Consfords.com count it a privilege to know Sam personally and to support his ministry through the efforts of our home church, Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas—a church with a heart for missions around the world.
From West Texas to Eastern Europe
Missions in Croatia weren’t part of Sam Ward’s original life plan. Born and raised in West Texas, Sam came to Christ at the age of seven in a small Baptist church. As he grew, so did his heart for ministry. He taught Sunday School, ministered in prisons, worked with juvenile detainees, taught ESL to Chinese students, and became a passionate soul-winner on the streets and at the doors.
But it was a providential meeting during a prison ministry trip in 2005 that changed his path forever.
A Croatian Connection
That year, Sam met Johnny Leslie, at the time the only Independent Baptist missionary in all of Croatia. The spiritual needs in that part of Europe deeply stirred Sam’s heart. When he expressed his desire to help in Croatia, a co-worker—moved by Sam’s passion—bought him a plane ticket. That single act of generosity launched what would become a lifelong commitment to missions in Croatia.
Sam arrived in Croatia in 2006. On that very first trip, people got saved. The gospel broke through hardened hearts. The seed had found fertile soil.
Trials and Triumphs
No story of missions in Croatia—or anywhere—comes without trials. Sam has lived this truth firsthand. Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, he faced years of growing physical limitations. Eventually, he became nearly disabled.
But our God is a miracle-working God.
Through faith, prayer, and perseverance, Sam experienced a recovery so incredible it shocked doctors and friends alike. He regained mobility, strength, and energy—just in time for God to open even more doors in Croatia.
All In for the Gospel
Between 2006 and 2009, Sam made multiple mission trips to Croatia, each trip reinforcing his burden for the people and strengthening his calling. Eventually, his boss—of all people—stepped in again and offered to help fund Sam’s transition into full-time missionary work.
Sam didn’t hesitate.
He sold his house, gave away his belongings, and by March of 2009, had moved to Croatia to pursue full-time ministry. Few people walk away from the American Dream with such conviction—but for Sam, missions in Croatia meant far more than material comfort.
Why Croatia?
You might be wondering: why missions in Croatia? Isn’t it already a “Christian country”?
That’s the perception, but not the reality.
Croatia is predominantly Catholic by tradition, but very few people there have heard a clear presentation of the gospel. Many trust in religion, but not in Christ. Others have been hurt by religious institutions or have grown apathetic in a post-communist culture where spiritual life is often kept private and unspoken.
Sam’s work focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and local church planting—the very core of what the Great Commission commands.
What Makes Missions in Croatia Unique?
Unlike many mission fields, Croatia is a place where open hostility is rare, but apathy is common. People are kind, polite, and willing to talk—but genuinely born-again Christians are still a rarity.
Sam doesn’t just pass out tracts or preach from pulpits—he invests in relationships. He teaches English classes, builds friendships with locals, meets people in public parks, and uses everyday life as a platform to talk about Jesus.
This slow, intentional model of missions in Croatia is producing fruit that remains.
How You Can Help
You may never go to Croatia, but you can absolutely be part of what God is doing there. Sam Ward’s ministry is a living example of why missions matter. And your support—through prayer, giving, or even sharing his story—makes a difference.
We support Sam through our home church, Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas, which has a strong and growing heart for missions not only in Croatia but all around the world. Central Baptist is passionate about sending, supporting, and strengthening missionaries who are doing the hard work of gospel labor on foreign soil.
If you’re wondering how to get involved, visit our Missions Page to learn more about how we support missions across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
A Modern-Day Missionary Story
We live in a world that desperately needs hope. From the quiet streets of San Augustine to the cobblestone alleys of Zagreb, the need is the same: people need the Lord.
Sam Ward is one of the many faithful men laboring to bring that hope. His story isn’t just one of missions—it’s one of surrender, obedience, and perseverance.
And it’s not over yet.
As he continues the work of church planting and evangelism in Croatia, Sam’s testimony challenges us all to live with eternal purpose.
Final Thoughts
Missions in Croatia may seem like a faraway concept, but it’s closer than you think. It’s in your prayers, your giving, your church, and your witness. People like Sam Ward are on the front lines, but they can’t do it alone.
We at Consfords.com are honored to call Sam our friend and fellow servant in Christ. If his story has inspired you, don’t let it stop here. Pray for him. Share his ministry. Support Central Baptist Church as they continue to fuel missionaries across the globe.
Because whether in Texas or in Eastern Europe, the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation.