English Camp - Tuesday

Day 2 was fantastic. Each day is filled with a morning devotional, discussion groups, games, crafts, English class, difficult tasks, and of course English camp would not be complete without strange characters, as you can see the man in the white coat. This year's theme involves scientific research lab - a "protein" that prolongs life, but then an experiment was reversed and the protein shortened everyone's life. The kids are competing to find a cure for the disease. They found out that there is a cure on a distant planet and they must travel through space to find the cure.

From Jennifer: Being back here in the Czech Republic and seeing all that God has done has been amazing. Just like we read in Ephesians, God has done more than we imagined or thought would happen in 2015 when we first stepped off that first plane to begin our time here in the Czech Republic.  God is at work and it is so exciting to see!  God took dreams and turned them into something beautiful.  As I listened to the language again, I have been reminded that as Christians, we are a family no matter where we are from, whether that is here in the Czech Republic, America, or any other place.  in the Czech language they use formal or informal language, depending on who they are speaking with.  When they pray and talk with God, they use informal, familiar language, and that is a reminder that He is our Father.  He has created us to serve together as a family, and we are so thrilled to be able to do that this week with our Czech brothers and sisters.  

From Albert: God has been reminding me of Matthew 9 and Acts 17 this week—both a call to labor in the harvest and a picture of sharing Christ in a place where He is not yet known. Seeing Czech believers faithfully serve in a nation where decades of Nazism and Communism erased Christian memory has deeply humbled me and reshaped how I view missions. Like Paul in Athens, we are sharing Christ with people who have no background in the Gospel, and this has taught me how to communicate Him clearly in a truly foreign context. Our team has gone “down into the well” this week, and soon we’ll return home to keep holding the rope for those who labor here long‑term.

From Catherine: One thing God has been showing me over the last few days is how easy it is to admire the incredible beauty, rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture of the Czech Republic, while also recognizing the deep spiritual need that exists beneath the surface. The people are wonderfully creative, hardworking, and committed to excellence. Yet many are also deeply self-sufficient and take pride in not needing anyone—including God—which can make conversations about Christ more challenging.
I'm also realizing that many people here have little or no understanding of the Bible or the foundations of the Christian faith. God is teaching me to slow down, start with the basics, and trust Him to prepare hearts. It's a reminder that sharing the gospel isn't about having the perfect words but about faithfully planting seeds and allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work only He can do.

From Evelyn: We have to think deeper in our faith and be prepared to answer hard questions. The people here in Czech and the kids I’ve talked to don’t want to know Christ because they don’t understand why they should choose Christ. They ask the hard questions that I feel we in America are afraid to ask. They want to know why things happen? Why does choosing God make it better? And If I can be nice to people why do I need God to help me? Knowing their culture is so important to understanding how to minister to them. It’s also been so fun to form meaningful relationships with them. I’ve gotten to know so many of the kids and play games with them, even if they don’t know English very well I can still throw a frisbee with them.

From Mickey Ann: The last few days have been a wonderful experience connecting with past Czech team members and students from the 2023 summer mission trip, as well as new team members and students.  All have grown and changed.  The Czech Republic is such a beautiful country full of history and culture, but so void of faith.  Overwhelmed by the beauty of medieval churches and cathedrals and knowing that those who built those beautiful structures did so as a testament to the Lord that I know and love, yet He is unknown by the vast majority of people in this beautiful country.  To say that the work being done here by missionaries and members of the congregation is important to the kingdom is an understatement.  I’m so blessed to be a part of this team and I pray that I have planted a few seeds for the Kingdom!