I can't believe that our last day in Chotebor has arrived and passed.
Before coming on the trip I tried my best to have no expectations. Besides minor briefings from people who went last year, I had no idea what God was going to do in the lives of the Czech, with the team and in my own life. The only thing I really expected Him to do was to work and to do something, whatever that something was.
During the trip there were ups and downs. Moments of excitement and moments of confusion and slight disappointment. At times it seemed impossible to communicate the love of Christ through the language barrier; yet at other times, there was no doubt in my mind that Jesus was shining through! I expected that there would be several Czech that I really got close with, but I didn't expect the goodbye to be as hard as it was.
Today we hosted an Enchilada dinner and about 65 people, including the team, showed up and heard the gospel and ate some good ole' Mexican American food. It was exciting because many students who we have been building relationships with through the English classes ended up coming. It was quite the mix, Christian and non Christian, Czech, and American. As we left the dinner, we said goodbye to many of the students who have come to have a special place in our hearts.
Today could have been a much more difficult day. If our team had walked away from those we had invested in thinking that we were their only hope for salvation, we would feel awful. But because we are confident that the same God who is relentlessly pursuing our hearts is relentlessly pursuing theirs as well, we can rest. Our purpose for coming to the Czech Republic was not to see 'x' amount of people saved. Our purpose was to come and use whatever means available (English and the fact that we are American) to exemplify Christ love and to provide Caleb's Heart and the Christians here with opportunities to further the relationships we have formed.
In such a dark and agnostic country, I have come to see how much of a process salvation is. As Lauren said a couple of posts ago, it is a fight for every inch. It's a fight for the inches before salvation and a fight for those after.
We have done what we came to do. We saw God move in innumerable ways on our team, with logistics for events, in the hearts of fellow Czech believers, in the Gypsies, in kids from classes and kids' homes. Although the number of salvations might not seem extravagant, two kids have now begun the life long journey of getting to know Jesus! As Ron said, "The angels are singing praises because of their decisions!". I am confident that, in addition to these two kids, inches of progression have been made in many lives. Not of our doing, but because of the Holy Spirit flowing through us. God's working is what made a day of goodbyes hard but not unbearable. When we leave, He doesn't. His presence continues to work in hearts and lives.
Who knows what we will see in heaven... what lives have been unexpectedly touched!?! I can speak for the team when I say that we feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to be used by God. Thank you so much for all of you who have been right here with us, not physically, but through your partnership and support in prayer and funds. Know that you are appreciated!
Chow from the Czech one last time!
Abby
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Klub Lavina
We (Dustin, Judy, Keri, and Megan), have been teaching English to first through fifth graders in three small villages in the area. On Friday night, we have been going to the local church kids club called Klub Lavina. The word "Lavina" means avalanche in Czech. The word broken down is what makes it even more unique. "La" is the first two letters of the Czech word for love, "vi" is for faith, and "na" is for hope. Tonight we shared the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6). We represented the wall, and the children marched around us for each day that the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho. On the seventh day, when the trumpets sounded, the wall (us) fell down. Following the story, we handed out gospel bracelets and explained what each of the colors represent. Judy prayed the prayer of salvation and two children (11-year-old Filip and 13-year-old Aneta) indicated that they had prayed along with us for the first time! We gave them New Testaments and the local pastor will be in contact with them. After they left, Pastor Roman told the story that Aneta only came because her family's car got stuck in the snow and she couldn't get home. Earlier in the evening, she had noticed Keri's cross necklace, so on her way out, Keri gave it to her. Aneta told Pastor Roman that she was so excited because it was the first cross she has received. Our team was able to come back and report this great news to the rest of the team.
We have also gotten to know an 11-year-old student named Honza who comes to all of our events and speaks English very well. Last year's team told us about him and challenged us to get to know him. He asked Dustin to draw in a book for him this morning at school, so this evening when Dustin gave the book back to him, Honza's response was that Dustin is his best friend. In addition, Honza will be coming to church on Sunday to see us one last time before we leave. Please be praying that he will continue to become involved and more curious about the church.
Overall, this experience has really opened our eyes to how God is working in such an atheistic and dark part of the world. We are grateful and have seen the impact of previous Taylor lighthouse teams and many others who have invested in this community. Our prayer is that we too will be another building block for future teams to build upon.
Through Christ's strength,
Horni Krupa Group :)
We have also gotten to know an 11-year-old student named Honza who comes to all of our events and speaks English very well. Last year's team told us about him and challenged us to get to know him. He asked Dustin to draw in a book for him this morning at school, so this evening when Dustin gave the book back to him, Honza's response was that Dustin is his best friend. In addition, Honza will be coming to church on Sunday to see us one last time before we leave. Please be praying that he will continue to become involved and more curious about the church.
Overall, this experience has really opened our eyes to how God is working in such an atheistic and dark part of the world. We are grateful and have seen the impact of previous Taylor lighthouse teams and many others who have invested in this community. Our prayer is that we too will be another building block for future teams to build upon.
Through Christ's strength,
Horni Krupa Group :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21
It's hard to believe we have less than a week left here. Of course we'll be happy to return to "normal life" (though, what is that really?). But I think we'll all miss those to whom we're saying goodbye.
We've made so many friends and connections here. The Czech believers with whom we've connected are so wonderful--Ondra, Eda, Irena, Eva, Nela are such beautiful believers. Already, after only 2.5 weeks here, we have learned so much from them.
We've learned what it means to be a believer when you're a minority.
We've learned what it means to recognize the true, eternal priorities in life. When you're fighting for the souls of your friends, life has more weight.
We've learned what it means to invest and hope, even when the fruit seems buried deep down with the root.
I think Ron has said it best: "Here, your fighting for every inch." That doesn't mean God isn't at work here. Today, when I saw a Gypsy girl smile, I saw a world of hope and joy. But it does mean that a spiritual battle is being waged here. This country is full of wonderful people, but so many are people who need God. What a beautiful compliment, what a wonderful gift, that Jesus Christ would entrust us with His people here. In that alone, we are encouraged.
We're making those connections. We're having those conversations. We're bringing that joy with which only Christ can fills us. This has been a marvelous adventure, and we still have 6 wonderful days left.
We're leaning into God, knowing He will make it count.
--Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic Team
We've made so many friends and connections here. The Czech believers with whom we've connected are so wonderful--Ondra, Eda, Irena, Eva, Nela are such beautiful believers. Already, after only 2.5 weeks here, we have learned so much from them.
We've learned what it means to be a believer when you're a minority.
We've learned what it means to recognize the true, eternal priorities in life. When you're fighting for the souls of your friends, life has more weight.
We've learned what it means to invest and hope, even when the fruit seems buried deep down with the root.
I think Ron has said it best: "Here, your fighting for every inch." That doesn't mean God isn't at work here. Today, when I saw a Gypsy girl smile, I saw a world of hope and joy. But it does mean that a spiritual battle is being waged here. This country is full of wonderful people, but so many are people who need God. What a beautiful compliment, what a wonderful gift, that Jesus Christ would entrust us with His people here. In that alone, we are encouraged.
We're making those connections. We're having those conversations. We're bringing that joy with which only Christ can fills us. This has been a marvelous adventure, and we still have 6 wonderful days left.
We're leaning into God, knowing He will make it count.
--Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic Team
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
One Week Left! YIKES!
Only one week left! Wow.
The desire for our team is to not lose any steam this next week. We want to leave the Czech knowing that we made the most of every opportunity. No regrets. We are getting to the point where we will be seeing some of the people for the last time.
Pray that we continue to give it all that we have, not in our own strength by any means but fully letting God do whatever He wants through us.
Through several conversations and interactions, it's obvious that there are a couple of Czech students who are really close to accepting Christ.
Pray that their hearts will continue to be softened and for opportunities to have conversations.
The desire for our team is to not lose any steam this next week. We want to leave the Czech knowing that we made the most of every opportunity. No regrets. We are getting to the point where we will be seeing some of the people for the last time.
Pray that we continue to give it all that we have, not in our own strength by any means but fully letting God do whatever He wants through us.
Through several conversations and interactions, it's obvious that there are a couple of Czech students who are really close to accepting Christ.
Pray that their hearts will continue to be softened and for opportunities to have conversations.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Home Stays
After a long overnight on Friday, the team had a few options to choose from on Saturday. Some of us did home stays with a native Czech family and some went to Vienna to tour the city. The group that went to Vienna took off at 4am and arrived safely back in the dorm around 10pm. It sounds like they were able to see a lot of old and beautiful buildings and breath taking scenery, and that it was worth the 10 hours of travel.
As for the home stays, we were split into groups of 2 or 3 and spent the afternoon and night with a few families from the area. Megan, Dustin, and I spent the night at a home in Horni Krupa. We had met the families a few times through church and church related activities. We went to their house for dinner around 9pm after a 2 hour question and answer session at the church in Horni Krupa about America (specifically our school system). Dinner was phenomenal, as always, but the conversation is what made the night a blast. We showed the family where we lived on a globe and talked about our homes and home churches. Our conversation also included a confusing explanation of their names/nicknames, a man who walked from the Czech to Alaska, and what a marriage proposal entails here.
This morning we walked 5 minutes to church with them this morning. Pastor Roman had prefaced today by saying that every 3rd Sunday of the month, is a day when they specifically want their congregation to invite guests and the service will include topics about daily life and only lightly touch on how faith plays into it. They do this so that the guests will not feel overwhelmed with the gospel. For example, this morning was about health and taking care of your body. The speaker was a doctor that related health to where it says in the Bible that our body is a temple and all of the times that someone was healed by God.
This afternoon and this evening are fairly low key. It is a great time to catch up on our journaling and relax from the long week. We are also preparing our hearts and minds as we will be leaving for Poland to visit Auschwitz at 1am this morning. We will be taking a tour of the camp in the morning, potentially touring another city in Poland, and then returning home around midnight Monday night/Tuesday morning.
There have been a few stomach bugs and head colds going around our team, so please be praying for our physical strength. The tour of Auschwitz is something that we are looking forward to, but will be a challenge emotionally and mentally so we also ask for prayer for that. Lastly, we pray for safety as we travel on snow covered roads.
We live through Him and for Him,
~Keri Harbold
As for the home stays, we were split into groups of 2 or 3 and spent the afternoon and night with a few families from the area. Megan, Dustin, and I spent the night at a home in Horni Krupa. We had met the families a few times through church and church related activities. We went to their house for dinner around 9pm after a 2 hour question and answer session at the church in Horni Krupa about America (specifically our school system). Dinner was phenomenal, as always, but the conversation is what made the night a blast. We showed the family where we lived on a globe and talked about our homes and home churches. Our conversation also included a confusing explanation of their names/nicknames, a man who walked from the Czech to Alaska, and what a marriage proposal entails here.
This morning we walked 5 minutes to church with them this morning. Pastor Roman had prefaced today by saying that every 3rd Sunday of the month, is a day when they specifically want their congregation to invite guests and the service will include topics about daily life and only lightly touch on how faith plays into it. They do this so that the guests will not feel overwhelmed with the gospel. For example, this morning was about health and taking care of your body. The speaker was a doctor that related health to where it says in the Bible that our body is a temple and all of the times that someone was healed by God.
This afternoon and this evening are fairly low key. It is a great time to catch up on our journaling and relax from the long week. We are also preparing our hearts and minds as we will be leaving for Poland to visit Auschwitz at 1am this morning. We will be taking a tour of the camp in the morning, potentially touring another city in Poland, and then returning home around midnight Monday night/Tuesday morning.
There have been a few stomach bugs and head colds going around our team, so please be praying for our physical strength. The tour of Auschwitz is something that we are looking forward to, but will be a challenge emotionally and mentally so we also ask for prayer for that. Lastly, we pray for safety as we travel on snow covered roads.
We live through Him and for Him,
~Keri Harbold
Friday, January 15, 2010
Story from the Train
This morning we taught upper level classes for for about 5 hours. It was fun to have conversations and make connections with students who can actually converse. Our hope is that these connections will bring them back to the night events so they can hear our testimonies and the gospel.
Tonight we have an overnighter at the school across the street. So we are currently preparing for a night full of games, fun, testimonies and little sleep.
There isn't much to update, but I wanted to share a cool story that happened yesterday on the way to the children's homes. Joanie and I hopped in a train car with a Czech woman who had a dog and a girl about 17. I started petting the dog and asked the women one of the only phrases I knew in Czech, "Jak se menuash?" (What is your name?). They smiled and told me. The older woman started asking why I was here and through Joanie's translation I told her that we were here teaching English in schools ect. and Joanie got the opportunity to share that she is a missionary here and is probably going to go to church with the woman. We were also able to give the two women tracks and new testaments.
Situations like these make me reevaluate the way I live back home. God is constantly placing opportunities in front of us to connect with people who don't know Him, whether that's in schools, stores, trains or airplanes. As Christians it should be our desire to tell others about the love of Christ. On a missions trip it is easier to make the most of these opportunities that He places in front of us because our mind is more focused on it. But shouldn't this be the way I live and act back home? Shouldn't we all take advantage of the many different opportunities that God gives us to connect with people who don't know Him. Maybe it's just inviting the random people we come across to church or other events where we can continue to build that relationship or maybe it's fully sharing the good news of Christ with them right then and there. Whatever the situation, if we step out in boldness the Holy Spirit will guide us in the right direction, but being here has reminded me that I do need to step out more.
Pray for the older woman, Marie, that she will have a desire to go to the church with Joanie.
Also, pray for the students who come to the overnighter.
Thanks for reading and praying.
Abby --- and the rest of the team!
Tonight we have an overnighter at the school across the street. So we are currently preparing for a night full of games, fun, testimonies and little sleep.
There isn't much to update, but I wanted to share a cool story that happened yesterday on the way to the children's homes. Joanie and I hopped in a train car with a Czech woman who had a dog and a girl about 17. I started petting the dog and asked the women one of the only phrases I knew in Czech, "Jak se menuash?" (What is your name?). They smiled and told me. The older woman started asking why I was here and through Joanie's translation I told her that we were here teaching English in schools ect. and Joanie got the opportunity to share that she is a missionary here and is probably going to go to church with the woman. We were also able to give the two women tracks and new testaments.
Situations like these make me reevaluate the way I live back home. God is constantly placing opportunities in front of us to connect with people who don't know Him, whether that's in schools, stores, trains or airplanes. As Christians it should be our desire to tell others about the love of Christ. On a missions trip it is easier to make the most of these opportunities that He places in front of us because our mind is more focused on it. But shouldn't this be the way I live and act back home? Shouldn't we all take advantage of the many different opportunities that God gives us to connect with people who don't know Him. Maybe it's just inviting the random people we come across to church or other events where we can continue to build that relationship or maybe it's fully sharing the good news of Christ with them right then and there. Whatever the situation, if we step out in boldness the Holy Spirit will guide us in the right direction, but being here has reminded me that I do need to step out more.
Pray for the older woman, Marie, that she will have a desire to go to the church with Joanie.
Also, pray for the students who come to the overnighter.
Thanks for reading and praying.
Abby --- and the rest of the team!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Children's Home
Today was one of our easier days for the Horni Krupa group. We taught the same 3-5 grade class for 3 periods in a row. (This is the third day that we have seen this group of students. It has been quite a blessing to get to know the students on a slightly deeper level. They are starting to try to ask us questions in English, hold our hands, or give us hugs.) Two of the classes were English and 1 was gym. We taught our English lesson on the basic body parts. The students were very eager to learn and as "Simon Says" proved, great listeners and quick learners.
After eating lunch (meat and a side of potatoes of course!), we headed to the train station to meet the rest of the team to go to the "Children's Homes." Joanie explained that children's homes are where children live if their parents don't want them or the government takes them away from their parents. It is similar to an orphanage, but the children still have parents and are not up for adoption. Joanie also told us that most of the children (especially the young females) in the home end up in dark places when they leave the home because they are not prepared for the real world. Please pray for these children as they grow older that they will be able to see God's love and find it sufficient. While we were at the children's home, I read the book "The Mitten," we made a craft, and then I became a "tickle bug" as I like to call it. There was a lot of squirming and laughter to say the least. Czech children also enjoy a good pillow fight! They were very loveable bundles of joy and I am so thankful to have spent the evening with them.
One smile can make the world of difference. Our God is an awesome God.
Keri Harbold...and the rest of the gang
After eating lunch (meat and a side of potatoes of course!), we headed to the train station to meet the rest of the team to go to the "Children's Homes." Joanie explained that children's homes are where children live if their parents don't want them or the government takes them away from their parents. It is similar to an orphanage, but the children still have parents and are not up for adoption. Joanie also told us that most of the children (especially the young females) in the home end up in dark places when they leave the home because they are not prepared for the real world. Please pray for these children as they grow older that they will be able to see God's love and find it sufficient. While we were at the children's home, I read the book "The Mitten," we made a craft, and then I became a "tickle bug" as I like to call it. There was a lot of squirming and laughter to say the least. Czech children also enjoy a good pillow fight! They were very loveable bundles of joy and I am so thankful to have spent the evening with them.
One smile can make the world of difference. Our God is an awesome God.
Keri Harbold...and the rest of the gang
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Holding onto Hope
Our God is an incredibly mysterious God...so much more so than we could ever understand. He works in invisible, untouchable, intangible ways...and sometimes that can be hard.
Our team came here with enthusiastic hearts and ready minds. Those two elements very much remain a part of our team. But we have also had to struggle with discouragement and weariness. As a once communist country, the Czech Republic is, in many ways, very closed off to God. We have met some amazing believers Czech believers here and our host missionary is a woman whose very countenance communicates God's love and grace. But some of us have struggled to understand how our daily tasks of teaching English and gym, and leading game nights are bringing God's Kingdom closer to the Czech and Roma (Gypsy) people. In the classes we teach, we are not allowed to speak of God. All we can do is build relationships and advertise Christian events, hoping that the students' desire to see us again will draw them to a place where they might hear the Gospel.
But today a group of us went bowling with Joanie and some of the Roma teens. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed our time in a unique, Czech bowling alley that was combination casino, pub, and video game parlor. Most importantly, however, was a story Joanie shared of a young Czech man who came to Christ unexpectedly after a series of interactions with American Christians. Some led basketball groups. Others led English camps. Some came across as too pushy. Others were more relational. But however insignificant any of the events might have seemed to human eyes, they made an eternal impact. A week after stating that he really did not feel the need for God, the young man quietly prayed on his own to receive Christ. Undetected by any human eye, God had done an eternal, miraculous, and wonderful thing. And He used in part English camp.
One of our translators shared a similar story. His faith journey, too, began with an English camp, though it was some time before the seeds planted there blossomed in his life.
Knowing that lives can be, and are being, changed by the kinds of things our team is doing gives us the strength and encouragement we need to keep going. We can refocus, knowing our efforts toward the Kingdom are not fruitless, but are part of a sowing that will have eternal results.The young man mentioned before is becoming an increasing source of light, strength, and growth in his own small community. He is serving as a beacon of Christ. If we can make one difference here (and I have faith we will) however small, it will be more than worth every moment here.
Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic Team
Our team came here with enthusiastic hearts and ready minds. Those two elements very much remain a part of our team. But we have also had to struggle with discouragement and weariness. As a once communist country, the Czech Republic is, in many ways, very closed off to God. We have met some amazing believers Czech believers here and our host missionary is a woman whose very countenance communicates God's love and grace. But some of us have struggled to understand how our daily tasks of teaching English and gym, and leading game nights are bringing God's Kingdom closer to the Czech and Roma (Gypsy) people. In the classes we teach, we are not allowed to speak of God. All we can do is build relationships and advertise Christian events, hoping that the students' desire to see us again will draw them to a place where they might hear the Gospel.
But today a group of us went bowling with Joanie and some of the Roma teens. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed our time in a unique, Czech bowling alley that was combination casino, pub, and video game parlor. Most importantly, however, was a story Joanie shared of a young Czech man who came to Christ unexpectedly after a series of interactions with American Christians. Some led basketball groups. Others led English camps. Some came across as too pushy. Others were more relational. But however insignificant any of the events might have seemed to human eyes, they made an eternal impact. A week after stating that he really did not feel the need for God, the young man quietly prayed on his own to receive Christ. Undetected by any human eye, God had done an eternal, miraculous, and wonderful thing. And He used in part English camp.
One of our translators shared a similar story. His faith journey, too, began with an English camp, though it was some time before the seeds planted there blossomed in his life.
Knowing that lives can be, and are being, changed by the kinds of things our team is doing gives us the strength and encouragement we need to keep going. We can refocus, knowing our efforts toward the Kingdom are not fruitless, but are part of a sowing that will have eternal results.The young man mentioned before is becoming an increasing source of light, strength, and growth in his own small community. He is serving as a beacon of Christ. If we can make one difference here (and I have faith we will) however small, it will be more than worth every moment here.
Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic Team
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Beat-Boxing Lessons
These events occured last weekend, but this still stands out in my mind as my favorite moment in the Czech so far.
Our original plan was to have a soccer tournament with some children from kid's homes (a sort-of orphanage) and a few gypsy boys, but the harsh effects of winter kept many of the out-of-area children home.
Our next plan was to split our team into two groups-- one with go sledding with some youth group children; the other would play pool with the gypsy boys. I was in the second group. As it turned out, the place where we were supposed to play pool was closed that afternoon, so instead we went to Joanie's house as plan C.
The gypsy boys were not what I expected. As 13-14 year old adolesents, they were far more outgoing and grown than their age suggested. During introductions, they explained that they loved sports and music; especially hip-hop and rap.
It was at this time that one of the boys pulled out a guitar and sang a gypsy song in his own language. I wish you could have heard it. To say that it was moving and beautiful would not do it justice.
But what really caught me off guard was their true passion-- beatboxing. Yes, their voices acted as perfect percussion instruments as one or two rapped along. It was a truly unique and hilarious experience.
My hope is that you will pray for these boys. They are so energetic, positive, and full of life. My hope is that they will follow after good role models instead of the mainstream American rap atrists they follow. Please pray that these boys will continue to open up their hearts to God and allow for His influence over a more worldly one.
Please also continue to pray for these divinely-set meetings-- our "Plan C" was not just a coincidence or a back-up plan on God's part, and I know that now. God's first choice for us is not always ours, and I am so glad for that.
Samantha Stevens (for my Czech-mates)
Our original plan was to have a soccer tournament with some children from kid's homes (a sort-of orphanage) and a few gypsy boys, but the harsh effects of winter kept many of the out-of-area children home.
Our next plan was to split our team into two groups-- one with go sledding with some youth group children; the other would play pool with the gypsy boys. I was in the second group. As it turned out, the place where we were supposed to play pool was closed that afternoon, so instead we went to Joanie's house as plan C.
The gypsy boys were not what I expected. As 13-14 year old adolesents, they were far more outgoing and grown than their age suggested. During introductions, they explained that they loved sports and music; especially hip-hop and rap.
It was at this time that one of the boys pulled out a guitar and sang a gypsy song in his own language. I wish you could have heard it. To say that it was moving and beautiful would not do it justice.
But what really caught me off guard was their true passion-- beatboxing. Yes, their voices acted as perfect percussion instruments as one or two rapped along. It was a truly unique and hilarious experience.
My hope is that you will pray for these boys. They are so energetic, positive, and full of life. My hope is that they will follow after good role models instead of the mainstream American rap atrists they follow. Please pray that these boys will continue to open up their hearts to God and allow for His influence over a more worldly one.
Please also continue to pray for these divinely-set meetings-- our "Plan C" was not just a coincidence or a back-up plan on God's part, and I know that now. God's first choice for us is not always ours, and I am so glad for that.
Samantha Stevens (for my Czech-mates)
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11
It has been another typical day in the Czech Republic. Teaching English classes in the morning, passing out flyers for several upcoming events, running gym classes in the afternoon and shoveling the ice off several homes so the roofs don't collapse are just a few of the day's events.
By far the highlight of my day was the opportunity to visit with an elderly Czech woman just down the sidewalk. The boys had shoveled off her roof earlier today and Joanie had mentioned that a couple of us might stop by later on. Even though she uses walking sticks, she walked on the snow covered sidewalks to the store to buy fresh bread just for the three of us who visited. She was one of the most precious women ever. Just this woman alone was not what made me pick this as the day's highlights. What sealed the deal was watching the way Joanie interacted with her and loves her. Joanie had only met the woman this past November and "randomly" at that. Needing a place to store games and youth supplies, Joanie had been looking for a garage to rent because her apartment didn't have room for everything. She had been looking for awhile and then saw an ad for this woman's garage. A month and a half later and we are in her little bedroom/living room sitting at a card table that had a feast on it. Elizabeth and I talked with her through Joanie's translating for quite a while. But out of the conversation tonight and Joanie's previous interactions, the woman excitedly told us she would be coming to an 'Enchalada' night we will be having right across the street from her apartment. At this night the local Czech pastor will be presenting the gospel. What an opportunity! It's all about the little everyday opportunities that God puts in front of us, steadfast love and soaking things in prayer. Joanie didn't have to use words to illustrate this, she is living it out.
Please be praying that we can follow in the same pattern... making the most of opportunities, love and prayer.
Pray for the woman's heart to be softened.
Pray for team unity.
Pray that our hearts would be opened to what God is trying to show us.
Abby Haverdink- for the Czech team
By far the highlight of my day was the opportunity to visit with an elderly Czech woman just down the sidewalk. The boys had shoveled off her roof earlier today and Joanie had mentioned that a couple of us might stop by later on. Even though she uses walking sticks, she walked on the snow covered sidewalks to the store to buy fresh bread just for the three of us who visited. She was one of the most precious women ever. Just this woman alone was not what made me pick this as the day's highlights. What sealed the deal was watching the way Joanie interacted with her and loves her. Joanie had only met the woman this past November and "randomly" at that. Needing a place to store games and youth supplies, Joanie had been looking for a garage to rent because her apartment didn't have room for everything. She had been looking for awhile and then saw an ad for this woman's garage. A month and a half later and we are in her little bedroom/living room sitting at a card table that had a feast on it. Elizabeth and I talked with her through Joanie's translating for quite a while. But out of the conversation tonight and Joanie's previous interactions, the woman excitedly told us she would be coming to an 'Enchalada' night we will be having right across the street from her apartment. At this night the local Czech pastor will be presenting the gospel. What an opportunity! It's all about the little everyday opportunities that God puts in front of us, steadfast love and soaking things in prayer. Joanie didn't have to use words to illustrate this, she is living it out.
Please be praying that we can follow in the same pattern... making the most of opportunities, love and prayer.
Pray for the woman's heart to be softened.
Pray for team unity.
Pray that our hearts would be opened to what God is trying to show us.
Abby Haverdink- for the Czech team
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Hidden Talents
For our first Sunday we split up into a few groups to go to church. I was in Horni Krupa with several others from our group. We were introduced to a congregation of about 60-70 people, and then Jared got to preach. The service had a relatively similar format to most church service in the states, but a little shorter. After some singing and praying, Jared preached, and then we had a long time to talk and fellowship with the people in the church. An older woman who spoke no English took a group of us to the basement of the church and showed us several rooms that we think are Sunday school and youth rooms. In one of them we saw a picture of some Taylor students from last year's trip. We stayed for about an hour and got to talk to some of the youth that we have seen a few times already and get to know them better. In two other churches Dan and Dustin also were able to preach this morning.
We have had several great meals in the last few days. Tonight's main course was a GIANT mozzarella square with a lot of potatoes. Many of you know how much I love potatoes, but they seem to adorn every meal.
This afternoon we had some down time and were able to find a few hidden talents among our Czechmates. For example, Lauren is able to cry and giggle like an infant, Dustin can squack like a terradactyl, and Drew is living up to his name with his crane call.
Most of tonight was spent preparing for a full week ahead of teaching. Almost everyone will be teaching in Chotebor tomorrow, and 3 of us will be back in Horni Krupa for a few classes. We are all very eager to begin teaching tomorrow and get a somewhat more regular schedule going. Everyone's spirits are up and we are excited to see what God has for us this week. Tonight we were reminded by Drew's devotional to give our burdens to the Lord and trust in His power to sustain us. Blessings to all back home.
--Megan Sutherland (for my Czechmates)
We have had several great meals in the last few days. Tonight's main course was a GIANT mozzarella square with a lot of potatoes. Many of you know how much I love potatoes, but they seem to adorn every meal.
This afternoon we had some down time and were able to find a few hidden talents among our Czechmates. For example, Lauren is able to cry and giggle like an infant, Dustin can squack like a terradactyl, and Drew is living up to his name with his crane call.
Most of tonight was spent preparing for a full week ahead of teaching. Almost everyone will be teaching in Chotebor tomorrow, and 3 of us will be back in Horni Krupa for a few classes. We are all very eager to begin teaching tomorrow and get a somewhat more regular schedule going. Everyone's spirits are up and we are excited to see what God has for us this week. Tonight we were reminded by Drew's devotional to give our burdens to the Lord and trust in His power to sustain us. Blessings to all back home.
--Megan Sutherland (for my Czechmates)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dobre noc everybody!
Thank you so much everyone who is taking time to read this blog. There are such exciting things happening these days and we really want to share it with everyone!
Well, the soccer tournament did end up getting canceled because of the weather and road conditions which would hamper some teams from traveling here to Chotebor. Shame really, especially for those who put work into planning everything out logistic-wyse. Oh well you have to roll with the punches and are hopefully just scheduling the tournament to next week. Because of this slight change in plans the day started later than usual for everyone, providing a greatly needed respite to rest our already worn bodies. Who'da thought teaching 2-4th graders and running games/wrestling with youth groups would be such tiring work?
Anyways after the morning off our group split into two. One group of ten or so people went outdoors into the snowy tundra sledding with a handful of Gypsy kids, zooming down hills and flying through the snow, even though it is still powdery after just falling all day yesterday. The rest of the group (myself and seven others) were waiting in the town square to go play pool with some Gypsy youth who were disappointed that the tournament was canceled. After being there a few minutes a group of seven boys come up to us and tell us to follow them to Joanie's house. Plans changed because of the pool house being closed. We were able to spend over an hour with them, getting to know each other, being introduced, practicing some English phrases and comprehension. The most fun came though when they began to sing some songs and do music for us. All of the boys really like hip hop and rap and beatboxing. They beatboxed and sang some songs for us. They are really very good, the best that I have ever heard. We were able to share some songs with them, God of Wonders and Hallelujah (the song from Shrek :) ). It was very interesting to see our different musical styles. Joanie is friends with these six kids and she teaches them English and Bible stories.
We had been preparing for a worship service tonight with different Czech youth groups from around the area (Chotebor, Havlikov Brod and Horni Krupa). Some of us went over early to prepare the order of service and practice with the band. The rest of the team then came and got ready for the youth groups to come. It was really fun. Our two groups got familiar with each other through icebreaker games (elbow tag to be exact), and pizza. There were around 30-40 Czechs there in addition to us. All of us together we blessed by the chance to take time to pray for Czech and American youth, to hear testimonies from our group members as well as Czech youth, and to sing songs in Czech and English. One thing is true and it's that it is incredible how great God is, bringing so many things together, people from such different backgrounds and with different stories because we have common ground built on our faith through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jared reminded us tonight during devotions that as we have been reconciled to God, having a saving faith through his son, we are Christ's ambassadors, as if God was making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5: 16-21). This so often feels like such a challenge and a huge work to do, especially when when feel unequipped for it. However later on in chapter 12 Paul speaks about how God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. What a fantastic reassurance and resting place. Already having faced many of our personal as well as collective weaknesses we are challenged to let God be who he is: perfectly strong.
Goodnight, thank you for praying.
God Bless,
Ben Wright - for the Czech team
Thank you so much everyone who is taking time to read this blog. There are such exciting things happening these days and we really want to share it with everyone!
Well, the soccer tournament did end up getting canceled because of the weather and road conditions which would hamper some teams from traveling here to Chotebor. Shame really, especially for those who put work into planning everything out logistic-wyse. Oh well you have to roll with the punches and are hopefully just scheduling the tournament to next week. Because of this slight change in plans the day started later than usual for everyone, providing a greatly needed respite to rest our already worn bodies. Who'da thought teaching 2-4th graders and running games/wrestling with youth groups would be such tiring work?
Anyways after the morning off our group split into two. One group of ten or so people went outdoors into the snowy tundra sledding with a handful of Gypsy kids, zooming down hills and flying through the snow, even though it is still powdery after just falling all day yesterday. The rest of the group (myself and seven others) were waiting in the town square to go play pool with some Gypsy youth who were disappointed that the tournament was canceled. After being there a few minutes a group of seven boys come up to us and tell us to follow them to Joanie's house. Plans changed because of the pool house being closed. We were able to spend over an hour with them, getting to know each other, being introduced, practicing some English phrases and comprehension. The most fun came though when they began to sing some songs and do music for us. All of the boys really like hip hop and rap and beatboxing. They beatboxed and sang some songs for us. They are really very good, the best that I have ever heard. We were able to share some songs with them, God of Wonders and Hallelujah (the song from Shrek :) ). It was very interesting to see our different musical styles. Joanie is friends with these six kids and she teaches them English and Bible stories.
We had been preparing for a worship service tonight with different Czech youth groups from around the area (Chotebor, Havlikov Brod and Horni Krupa). Some of us went over early to prepare the order of service and practice with the band. The rest of the team then came and got ready for the youth groups to come. It was really fun. Our two groups got familiar with each other through icebreaker games (elbow tag to be exact), and pizza. There were around 30-40 Czechs there in addition to us. All of us together we blessed by the chance to take time to pray for Czech and American youth, to hear testimonies from our group members as well as Czech youth, and to sing songs in Czech and English. One thing is true and it's that it is incredible how great God is, bringing so many things together, people from such different backgrounds and with different stories because we have common ground built on our faith through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jared reminded us tonight during devotions that as we have been reconciled to God, having a saving faith through his son, we are Christ's ambassadors, as if God was making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5: 16-21). This so often feels like such a challenge and a huge work to do, especially when when feel unequipped for it. However later on in chapter 12 Paul speaks about how God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. What a fantastic reassurance and resting place. Already having faced many of our personal as well as collective weaknesses we are challenged to let God be who he is: perfectly strong.
Goodnight, thank you for praying.
God Bless,
Ben Wright - for the Czech team
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8
Ahoj!
We officially have our first day of ministry under our belts. After not knowing what to expect in the English classes, it feels a little more peaceful on this side of things. Today most of our teams taught the same class of 2nd-4th graders for about 3 hours. What an experience! The language barrier was a concern of mine, so it was good to see that many of the Czech children were enthusiastic about learning the language. It was exciting to see the kids connecting to us as well. We were hounded by our class for 'autographs' (because we are SO famous), and at one point in time Ben had about 8 kids fighting over him.
We walked from the school to the cafeteria which was about a 5-10 minute walk. (It's amazing how much they walk here and how much you can fall if you are wearing boots without traction!) The school fed us a meal of pork, potatoe dumplings and spinach. We had several afternoon hours free with which some went to a coffee shop, other planned for an event we are having tomorrow night and a group went shopping for our weekend meals.
This evening we split up into two groups. One group had a game night with younger students at the church and was able to do a skit for them. The group that I was in walked to a gym and played more active games with kids around Jr. High age. Several members of our team were able to give testimonies with them and the kids seemed attentitive; however, I think we are discovering that the language barrier is going to take more effort and thoughtfulness to overcome than we expected.
We had the later half of the night to have team devotions and spend some time just having a little fun. Tomorrow we were suppose to have a soccer tournament with several kids' homes from various Czech locations, but because of the snow it is cancelled. Although we will be having a night of worship and testimonies with several youth groups from the area tomorrow night !
Thanks for all of your prayers and support back home. It means a lot to all of us to know that you are lifting the Czech people and ourselves up before God. Some specific things you could be praying for right now are:
A boldness to put ourselves out there and not let the language barrier hinder ministry.
Soft and humble hearts: both for the Czech and our team.
Tomorrow's night of worhip and sharing.
For kids to truly connect with us during English classes so that they have a desire to come visit with us after school during youth group.
For health (against colds) and warm bodies.
Thanks so much for reading. If there are specific things you want to hear more about, leave us comments and we'll try to keep you as informed as possible. Updates will come about every day.
--Abby Haverdink for the Czech team
We officially have our first day of ministry under our belts. After not knowing what to expect in the English classes, it feels a little more peaceful on this side of things. Today most of our teams taught the same class of 2nd-4th graders for about 3 hours. What an experience! The language barrier was a concern of mine, so it was good to see that many of the Czech children were enthusiastic about learning the language. It was exciting to see the kids connecting to us as well. We were hounded by our class for 'autographs' (because we are SO famous), and at one point in time Ben had about 8 kids fighting over him.
We walked from the school to the cafeteria which was about a 5-10 minute walk. (It's amazing how much they walk here and how much you can fall if you are wearing boots without traction!) The school fed us a meal of pork, potatoe dumplings and spinach. We had several afternoon hours free with which some went to a coffee shop, other planned for an event we are having tomorrow night and a group went shopping for our weekend meals.
This evening we split up into two groups. One group had a game night with younger students at the church and was able to do a skit for them. The group that I was in walked to a gym and played more active games with kids around Jr. High age. Several members of our team were able to give testimonies with them and the kids seemed attentitive; however, I think we are discovering that the language barrier is going to take more effort and thoughtfulness to overcome than we expected.
We had the later half of the night to have team devotions and spend some time just having a little fun. Tomorrow we were suppose to have a soccer tournament with several kids' homes from various Czech locations, but because of the snow it is cancelled. Although we will be having a night of worship and testimonies with several youth groups from the area tomorrow night !
Thanks for all of your prayers and support back home. It means a lot to all of us to know that you are lifting the Czech people and ourselves up before God. Some specific things you could be praying for right now are:
A boldness to put ourselves out there and not let the language barrier hinder ministry.
Soft and humble hearts: both for the Czech and our team.
Tomorrow's night of worhip and sharing.
For kids to truly connect with us during English classes so that they have a desire to come visit with us after school during youth group.
For health (against colds) and warm bodies.
Thanks so much for reading. If there are specific things you want to hear more about, leave us comments and we'll try to keep you as informed as possible. Updates will come about every day.
--Abby Haverdink for the Czech team
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 6
So, we're finally here! Its hard to believe this day has actually come, but come it has. Yesterday and today, our main objective has been to defeat jet-lag. But we're winning that battle (kind-of)and will begin our first teaching session tomorrow. The group is fizzing with anticipation, excitement and nervousness as we anticipate doing what we have spent so long preparing to do.
In order to reach Chotebor (read: Hoshebosh), we had to take a bush, several planes, a bus, a metro, another metro, a train, another train, a bus, and finally our own feet as we walked the final 2 miles. Its hard to describe how giddy a group of 19 can get after being up for over 24 hours....Not a pretty sight.
The country, however, is. Outside of Prague, the was mostly flat and, of course, snowy. But tall pine tree reached up to brush the sky, catching snow in their embrace. Further out, however, hills began to swell out of the countryside. Rivers, spotted with cold-resistant ducks, criss-cross the land. And here and there, throughout the country, colorful homes with steaming chimneys dotted the land. Inside the cities, the colors of the buildings show themselves even more brilliantly in pinks, yellows, greens, and blues. The money is beautiful, too, with detailed art portraying famous Czechs. The country bears a charming quaintness, a whiff of antiquity. How obvious it becomes that this is an old country, so much older than our young one of only 200 years.
We're finding, however, that last minute changes, spills down escalators (see Ron Sutherland for details), and abandoned back-packs actually draw out the best in our team. We're drawing closer, getting to know each other better, and are learning how to maneuver in the Czech. After a review of the language and cultural do's and don'ts, we becoming more prepared to minister. We can't wait to meet the kids and launch into our ministry here.
Its a great encouragement to know that God was here before us, laying the foundation and softening the hearts. Its an even greater encouragement to know He will continue to go with and before us. Praying together as a team and knowing that our loved ones in the States and around the world are praying for us, as well, as been a source of great comfort. God has given us the skills, the gifts, and the opportunity necessary to minister. We can't wait to see what they yield.
--Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic team
In order to reach Chotebor (read: Hoshebosh), we had to take a bush, several planes, a bus, a metro, another metro, a train, another train, a bus, and finally our own feet as we walked the final 2 miles. Its hard to describe how giddy a group of 19 can get after being up for over 24 hours....Not a pretty sight.
The country, however, is. Outside of Prague, the was mostly flat and, of course, snowy. But tall pine tree reached up to brush the sky, catching snow in their embrace. Further out, however, hills began to swell out of the countryside. Rivers, spotted with cold-resistant ducks, criss-cross the land. And here and there, throughout the country, colorful homes with steaming chimneys dotted the land. Inside the cities, the colors of the buildings show themselves even more brilliantly in pinks, yellows, greens, and blues. The money is beautiful, too, with detailed art portraying famous Czechs. The country bears a charming quaintness, a whiff of antiquity. How obvious it becomes that this is an old country, so much older than our young one of only 200 years.
We're finding, however, that last minute changes, spills down escalators (see Ron Sutherland for details), and abandoned back-packs actually draw out the best in our team. We're drawing closer, getting to know each other better, and are learning how to maneuver in the Czech. After a review of the language and cultural do's and don'ts, we becoming more prepared to minister. We can't wait to meet the kids and launch into our ministry here.
Its a great encouragement to know that God was here before us, laying the foundation and softening the hearts. Its an even greater encouragement to know He will continue to go with and before us. Praying together as a team and knowing that our loved ones in the States and around the world are praying for us, as well, as been a source of great comfort. God has given us the skills, the gifts, and the opportunity necessary to minister. We can't wait to see what they yield.
--Lauren M. Peltier for the Czech Republic team
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