We had a great day today with our partner church in Trinec (Church of the Brethren in Trinec - Lyzbice). All I can say is "Wow!" They have done an incredible job on the facility they purchased around 3 years ago. They have taken an old, run down former communist era preschool building and turned it into an amazing center for ministry. I will post pictures later when I get home.
The main worship area has been transformed. It can seat around 80 or 90. They have put in a small stage up front, a sound room in the back, and even put up a copy of the Botts print from our church.
Downstairs they are creating a youth area where they can have a Friday night celebration club meeting. On the main floor they have leased out one wing to a local doctor (general practioner) and the other is used for the Christian Kindergarden (ages 3-5). The Kindergarden is absolutely beautiful, a wonderful place for kids to come.
Upstairs they have an office for their new Pastor, Slavoj, and two small classrooms where Bronek and Lorisa can teach English. There is additional room where they hope to one day build a flat (apartment) for the pastor and more room for another small conference room.
The vision of the church is to reach out to their community. By offering a Christian school, a doctor's office, and English classes, they make the church facility a place where their neighbors will feel welcome and at home. The neighbors are very glad the church purchased the facility rather than it being turned into a pub or other general business.
This August the church will hold their first English Day Camp. It is aimed at the children in the many flats (apartments) that surround the church. International Messengers is sending four Americans and the church will also provide some staff.
The church is also involved with other area churches in holding a citywide festival in September. This outreach event will be particularly aimed at young people and will include music, drama, and other events.
It is so good to see what God is doing through our partner church. Please remember to pray for them as they seek to do "prayer, care, and share" in their own community.
We leave at 6:15 AM tomorrow to take the 7:28 train to Prague. And we will leave very early on Tuesday to fly back to the States. I am sure this is the last time I will get a chance to post until Wednesday, so until then, thanks so much for your prayers.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Final Day
The last two days have been a blur. But they have been very good.
Thursday we showed the short film Most (Czech for "Bridge"). It was a very powerful time. We had over half of the students attend, and the discussions about it were long and good. It is a powerful parable of the sacrifice God made to provide our salvation.
Today we concluded the camp with our Banquet, a time when we eat ice cream, watch skits by the English conversation classes, and give out their certificates and their presents from our team. Unfortunately, we experienced our fist real problem of the week: we were short 15 certificates. How embarassing! We will have to mail them as soon as we get back to the States.
We will spend time tomorrow cleaning up, debriefing, and visiting a local open air museum. We will also do a little shopping.
On Sunday we will attend services at our partner church in Trinec. I will preach, Paul will bring greetings, Pam will give the children's message, and Cathryn will give a testimony. After that, we will have coffee with the church and then have lunch. In the afternoon we will spend time with the elders of the church. If time allows, we may also stop by in nearby Cesky Tesin to see a Christian concert that is a part of a three day city celebration.
On Monday we will leave by train for Prague, and early on Tuesday morning we (except for Kent and Shannon) will begin our trip home by plane. We are scheduled to arrive at 2 PM in Cedar Rapids. Of course, with airplanes, everything is subject to change.
If I have time, I will post some pictures and stories about the week on Saturday. Otherwise, I will do so after I return to Cedar Rapids.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I have many stories to tell! This was a profitable year again and it was a real privilege to serve the students here at Malenovice.
Thursday we showed the short film Most (Czech for "Bridge"). It was a very powerful time. We had over half of the students attend, and the discussions about it were long and good. It is a powerful parable of the sacrifice God made to provide our salvation.
Today we concluded the camp with our Banquet, a time when we eat ice cream, watch skits by the English conversation classes, and give out their certificates and their presents from our team. Unfortunately, we experienced our fist real problem of the week: we were short 15 certificates. How embarassing! We will have to mail them as soon as we get back to the States.
We will spend time tomorrow cleaning up, debriefing, and visiting a local open air museum. We will also do a little shopping.
On Sunday we will attend services at our partner church in Trinec. I will preach, Paul will bring greetings, Pam will give the children's message, and Cathryn will give a testimony. After that, we will have coffee with the church and then have lunch. In the afternoon we will spend time with the elders of the church. If time allows, we may also stop by in nearby Cesky Tesin to see a Christian concert that is a part of a three day city celebration.
On Monday we will leave by train for Prague, and early on Tuesday morning we (except for Kent and Shannon) will begin our trip home by plane. We are scheduled to arrive at 2 PM in Cedar Rapids. Of course, with airplanes, everything is subject to change.
If I have time, I will post some pictures and stories about the week on Saturday. Otherwise, I will do so after I return to Cedar Rapids.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I have many stories to tell! This was a profitable year again and it was a real privilege to serve the students here at Malenovice.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lysa Hora
We had great weather today for the hike up to Lysa Hora. Many on the team participated in this five hour hike. It was a great time with the students.
This evening we did something new (at least for me). We put up lyrics to Christian songs (such as "In Christ Alone") , played the song, and explained the words. It was well attended for being an optional event after a very long day.
The next two days close out the official part of the camp. Continue to pray for strength and endurance. Pray for us to be servants to those who are here.
This evening we did something new (at least for me). We put up lyrics to Christian songs (such as "In Christ Alone") , played the song, and explained the words. It was well attended for being an optional event after a very long day.
The next two days close out the official part of the camp. Continue to pray for strength and endurance. Pray for us to be servants to those who are here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thanks for the Prayers
Paul said his presentation for a local company's board of directors went well. He had a lot of good questions. They will most likely get the book Good to Great now and read it. Thanks for your prayers. It was a very profitable experience.
My optional Bible study also went well overall. I think I stumped my translator a few times! But hopefully the message was clear.
Relationships are clearly beginning to form. So keep lifting us up and remembering our work here in the Czech Republic. We are continuing to pray for all of you and the recovery effort following the flooding.
My optional Bible study also went well overall. I think I stumped my translator a few times! But hopefully the message was clear.
Relationships are clearly beginning to form. So keep lifting us up and remembering our work here in the Czech Republic. We are continuing to pray for all of you and the recovery effort following the flooding.
Flexibility
There has been a change in plans. It is overcast and raining, so our hike up to Lysa Hora is postponed till Wednesday or Thursday. Paul's presentation will still happen, so we are adjusting the business workshops to compensate. Pray, too, for me as I now will be offering the optional Bible study, "Who are we and why are we here?," today instead of tomorrow as originally planned.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday Update
We are just finishing our first full day of camp. We have roughly 49 students (a few less than recent years) making the classes a little smaller -- which is not necessarily a bad thing!
Things have been going smoothly (though not too smoothly -- former teammates will understand what I mean!). As many as half of the students have been here before, which has allowed us to jump right back into some relationships we began in prior years. We already have had many great conversations with the students and the classes all seem to be going well.
Please pray for strength. Jet lag still is hindering a few of us, and spending time with the students hinders getting enough sleep! Pray too for boldness and the right words to say at just the right time.
Finally, pray for Paul. He has been offered a unique opportunity to give a workshop at a local company. One of the owners attended the camp twice before and has become a Christian. He wants Paul to do his "Good to Great" presentation to his board of directors to help them grasp the idea of servant leadership. While most of the students are climbing Lysa Hora tomorrow afternoon, he will be making his presentation.
That is all for now. I will try to post on Wednesday and perhaps even include some pictures.
Things have been going smoothly (though not too smoothly -- former teammates will understand what I mean!). As many as half of the students have been here before, which has allowed us to jump right back into some relationships we began in prior years. We already have had many great conversations with the students and the classes all seem to be going well.
Please pray for strength. Jet lag still is hindering a few of us, and spending time with the students hinders getting enough sleep! Pray too for boldness and the right words to say at just the right time.
Finally, pray for Paul. He has been offered a unique opportunity to give a workshop at a local company. One of the owners attended the camp twice before and has become a Christian. He wants Paul to do his "Good to Great" presentation to his board of directors to help them grasp the idea of servant leadership. While most of the students are climbing Lysa Hora tomorrow afternoon, he will be making his presentation.
That is all for now. I will try to post on Wednesday and perhaps even include some pictures.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Week Ahead
We just finished a great day planning for the week ahead. Here is what we have planned (subject to change, of course!):
Sunday -- Students arrive, are tested, and we have our first meeting with all of the students. Oh, and don't forget the mandatory watching of the Czech vs. Turkey football (that's soccer for you Americans) match.
Monday to Friday
- 7:00 AM -- Team Meeting
- 8:00 AM -- Breakfast
- 9:00 AM -- English Grammar Class
- 11:30 AM -- English Bible Reading Class
- 12:30 PM -- Lunch
- 3:00 PM -- Optional Bible Studies (except Tuesday)
- 4:30 PM -- Business Workshops -- two offered simultaneously (except Tuesday)
- 6:00 PM -- Dinner
- 7:00 PM -- Conversation Class
- 8:00 PM -- Evening Activites
On Tuesday afternoon, many will hike to Lysa Hora, the top of the highest mountain in this region.
Friday evening will be our closing award ceremony and skits by the Conversation Classes.
Saturday morning the students leave to go home. We will spend the afternoon visiting a local outdoor "open air" museum of Czech buildings from over 100 years ago (similar to Usher's Ferry in Cedar Rapids -- if it still exists after the flooding!).
Sunday we will attend church in Trinec. We will give a testimony, the children's message, and I will give the sermon. We will then spend time with the church members and in the afternoon with the new pastor and the elders.
Monday we leave by train for Prague.
Early Tuesday morning we begin our flights back to Cedar Rapids, with our arrival currently scheduled for 2 PM.
Thanks for your prayers! I will post again most likely on Monday.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Safe in Czech Republic
Our Czech Business Camp Team made it safely to Malenovice. We are excited to be here and are looking forward to meeting the students on Sunday and getting things started.
However, our hearts and prayers are with those back in Cedar Rapids. We have seen online the extensive flooding and know that in various ways our families have been impacted. Please remember our families as they deal with things in our absence.
I will be posting updates throughout the week, so check back for more stories about this year's Business Camp.
However, our hearts and prayers are with those back in Cedar Rapids. We have seen online the extensive flooding and know that in various ways our families have been impacted. Please remember our families as they deal with things in our absence.
I will be posting updates throughout the week, so check back for more stories about this year's Business Camp.
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