As we pray and plan for a new church plant here in S. Bohemia, we are also aware of the growing number of foreigners who have moved here to this town of 100,000 for work or study reasons. Along with a Czech leader who leads the local Christian youth center and a missionary couple, we are organizing a few events around food for foreigners who currently live here to guage interest in a group/fellowship for them as well.
The first event was two weeks ago, a barbecue. Our friend Lenka, who my wife and I have known for about 7-8 years, works at the local brewery. Quite a number of students from India also work there, and Lenka brought twelve of them with her to the barbecue! The Czech leader shared a short message from the story of the Prodigal Son, and we had a fun evening sharing together about our various cultures. It’s wonderful to be able to share with Hindus and Muslims in such a friendly environment. When a couple of the Hindus were sharing with me about good deeds and the cycles of reincarnation, I was especially grateful to later be able to return to that concept when I mentioned our Savior who died for us so that we could have all of our sins forgiven and know for sure that we have been accepted by Him and will receive eternal life.
One of the young men seems to be a true believer, and in speaking with my wife as they were leaving, he said that he had a good, long talk with the Czech leader about Jesus and that this is ”close to my heart.“ Another young man expressed these words: ”Thank you for tonight – it was just like being at home, and I miss my home.“ Please pray that these precious folks from India will return to the next event tomorrow evening (Italian night!), and that we would have further opportunities to have spiritual discussions with them.
Please pray also for God to raise up youth workers who can help with the Christian youth center ministry. Pray for the planning and cooperation as we develop our partnership with the youth center in the future, especially as we consider going forward with the Czech group that will hopefully lead to a new church, but also for wisdom regarding an emerging group of foreigners who are much more transient.
That is a great report, Tychicus. So thankful for your impact and their interest. Will pray that God will draw them to seek Jesus and that numbers will increase with each event. May they be hungry for God’s righteousness and freedom from works based religion.
Something has come to light today and my little sister and I are being betrayed by older sister in matters concerning my Mom. My niece will be contacting Mom’s attorney. We feel as though we have lost a sister. 😢.
NJ, so sorry to hear you are dealing with such an unnecessary burden. I pray God will make an equitable way forward that will bring peace and loving feelings to take hold. May all bitterness, resentment and strife be buried and never get a peep out of that grave. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen
Many of the same folks from India were at the dinner again last night, plus a few others, including a young man from Peru. Good conversations. The next event will be a Thanksgiving dinner in two weeks.
This could be the beginning of a possible multilingual church plant – thanks for your ongoing prayers!
Wandering Views 
As we pray and plan for a new church plant here in S. Bohemia, we are also aware of the growing number of foreigners who have moved here to this town of 100,000 for work or study reasons. Along with a Czech leader who leads the local Christian youth center and a missionary couple, we are organizing a few events around food for foreigners who currently live here to guage interest in a group/fellowship for them as well.
The first event was two weeks ago, a barbecue. Our friend Lenka, who my wife and I have known for about 7-8 years, works at the local brewery. Quite a number of students from India also work there, and Lenka brought twelve of them with her to the barbecue! The Czech leader shared a short message from the story of the Prodigal Son, and we had a fun evening sharing together about our various cultures. It’s wonderful to be able to share with Hindus and Muslims in such a friendly environment. When a couple of the Hindus were sharing with me about good deeds and the cycles of reincarnation, I was especially grateful to later be able to return to that concept when I mentioned our Savior who died for us so that we could have all of our sins forgiven and know for sure that we have been accepted by Him and will receive eternal life.
One of the young men seems to be a true believer, and in speaking with my wife as they were leaving, he said that he had a good, long talk with the Czech leader about Jesus and that this is ”close to my heart.“ Another young man expressed these words: ”Thank you for tonight – it was just like being at home, and I miss my home.“ Please pray that these precious folks from India will return to the next event tomorrow evening (Italian night!), and that we would have further opportunities to have spiritual discussions with them.
Please pray also for God to raise up youth workers who can help with the Christian youth center ministry. Pray for the planning and cooperation as we develop our partnership with the youth center in the future, especially as we consider going forward with the Czech group that will hopefully lead to a new church, but also for wisdom regarding an emerging group of foreigners who are much more transient.
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Joining in prayer, Tychicus, thank you.
mumsee
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That is a great report, Tychicus. So thankful for your impact and their interest. Will pray that God will draw them to seek Jesus and that numbers will increase with each event. May they be hungry for God’s righteousness and freedom from works based religion.
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Something has come to light today and my little sister and I are being betrayed by older sister in matters concerning my Mom. My niece will be contacting Mom’s attorney. We feel as though we have lost a sister. 😢.
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Oh, NJ, I am so sorry to hear this. Been through a similar situation. Prayers for you to do what God wants you to do.
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Praying. It is so sad to see family disputes. Especially concerning the parents.
mumsee
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So sorry to hear that, NJ. Betrayal is a painful thing.
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Oh, NJ, I am sorry to hear that. Family division is devastating and sad.
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NJ, my heart breaks for you. Praying.
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NJ, I’m so sorry. Praying God’s peace for you as you work through this painful situation.
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NJ, so sorry to hear you are dealing with such an unnecessary burden. I pray God will make an equitable way forward that will bring peace and loving feelings to take hold. May all bitterness, resentment and strife be buried and never get a peep out of that grave. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen
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I think I meant to put a “very” in my previous comment. Betrayal is a very painful thing.
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Many of the same folks from India were at the dinner again last night, plus a few others, including a young man from Peru. Good conversations. The next event will be a Thanksgiving dinner in two weeks.
This could be the beginning of a possible multilingual church plant – thanks for your ongoing prayers!
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