Well, it's hard to describe all the ways God has shown His faithfulness this summer.  We have been abundantly blessed, first of all, with a wonderful English-Outreach Camp.  For those of you who don't know, it is an opportunity we have to spend one week intensely focussed on relationships and the gospel, while teaching english.  A few interesting and encouraging facts about our english camp are, that we didn't advertise this year, which means that most of all of our campers have been to the camp before, or were referred by friends.  We had over 80 people, (100 including teachers), so it is a real testimony to God's faithfulness.  During the week of camp we focus every day on english classes, (which consume about 3 hours), relationship building activities like workshops, hikes and trips, and at the end of the day we have an evening program.  The evening program consists of songs, short games, testimonies by the teachers, and gospel-centered preaching.  At the very end we have discussion groups where people are encouraged to stay and discuss their views with the teachers, and missionaries.  When I first came to CZ about 10 years ago, the evening programs, (although really good), were the most uncomfortable part of the whole camp, understandably.  It's always awkward even when ever- so- gently confronting different world, and religious views.  In the past, we would see many stay during the preaching in the evening, but many would also leave.  We praise God because He has been softening hearts in the past 10 years.  This year, during the evening program, not only did everyone stay, many strong atheists said that the evening program was their favorite part!  This, as well as many encouraging conversations we all had with our friends who are not yet saved, leads us to really see the usefulness of this english camp as a tool to share the gospel, and show us that the Spirit is slowly, but powerfully working.

   After the camp our family really enjoyed some blessed times with both campers, and our dear friend from COHBC, and CBC.  It's so encouraging to spend time with these dear brothers and sisters and such and encouragement to our faith as we watched them tirelessly serve our friends at camp, our church, and our family.  Well, the time came for our friends to leave, and although we were sad we had about 3 weeks to rest and recover from our awesome but, completely crazy weeks leading up to the camp, as well as the constant, on the go time we had with the teams.  

   On August 10th Marcus' family arrived to see what this Czech republic was all about!  We had an absolute blast showing them all around this beautiful country.  I think the most encouraging parts of their trip was watching them with their grandkids- such important relationships that we take for granted when we live closer, and seeing their love for our ministry here.  It's such a blessing to be supported by both sides of our families.  We are ever thankful for the love, support, and most of all prayers we receive from our families.  We are truly blessed.

   Well, that leads us to today, it's a Monday.  Marcus preached a wonderful message on prayer yesterday.  His heart and vision for the church here has definitely grown in depth, and I'm so excited to see what God will do this year.  Our church is small, but we don't see that as a weakness.  But, as of late, we have been seeing weak faith in many of our church members.  Marcus yesterday wanted to encourage their faith by sharing how we pray, using the text of Eph 1:15-23....Paul's prayer for the Ephesians.  It was powerful to realize the walking with God, with faith, and in the power of the Spirit, isn't a magical switch that Christians need to learn how to turn on, (ie...spiritually jumping through hoops, trying to be "so Godly"), but rather faith, and power, is given at salvation.  We already have everything we need for life and Godliness.  We really don't need to ask for more, only to realize what we already have in Christ.  It's enough, but do we see it, and even better yet, do we believe and live it!  Marcus has also decided to lead the church in weekly prayer meetings.  By God's grace the people in our church are really prioritizing it!  We will be meeting every Friday for prayer, having a common dinner one night a month where we can just spend time together as a church.  Please be praying for these times, that God would use these meetings to open our eyes to the riches of the power of His grace toward His children, and that the hope of our church as a whole would be rooted in Christ, His love, and truth.

-Well, thanks for reading this long update.   We appreciate your interest for our little ministry, and more that that seek your prayers.  I'd love to close by asking for your prayers for me, and our family.  Lydia starts school this Wednesday.  I appreciate your prayers for her adjustment there.  Her new school is really close, which is such a blessing of convenience.  I will also be home-schooling both girls this year.  Please pray for the organization of my time.  That I wouldn't overwhelm them, zealously, or rigidly trying to "home-school", but that I would be graciously listing to the Spirit in my, organization, and leading of their schooling.  

-I will be teaching a english class to young children in our village once a month.  It won't be anything complicated, just english phonetics, and simple english words, with games and crafts.  Please pray that I would get to know some people here, (the goal of my teaching), and that I would be able to put together a quality class.

-Pray for the women of our church.  That we would continue to grow strong in faith- going to the Word for food, and being refreshed there, able to encourage one another in Christ.

-Please pray for Marcus, for strength, wisdom, in leadership.  Pray that I would be a helper suitable for him!  Pray also for our children that every day would be a day closer to the salvation of their little hearts.  Pray that Marcus and I would love our children by sharing God's truth in all of life, humbly, and faithfully.  

 

Thank you for standing with us!  We love and miss you all!

We had a lot of fun with a garden this year....it was a great way to spend time as a family!  Here you see marigolds, and sunflowers, raspberries, and tomatoes! 

We also planted corn, cucumbers, more tomatoes, an pumpkin.  (Radishes, but we ate them at the beginning of the summer)

Next year I want to learn how to can, so I can store our crop through the year!  I was able to paint the little play-house you seehere, with paint that the Smith's already had stored for various projects! 

Lydia at her ballet recital- we're taking a break from this, this year.  Perhaps we can put Lyd and Soph in ballet next year.

Next pic is with dad, Lyd and grandpa Denny.

Time with the Denny's...

 

kids at our church.... We sure miss our family, but living apart sure makes time together even more special!

 

 

 

Thought I'd write another little update, as I've noticed that the time has gotten away from me a bit! Last Friday marked the one year anniversary of our life here in CZ. Ever since we got off the plane, April 30th, 2009, we have been on the move. Life keeps on truckin', as it seems there always is something that MUST be done- and quickly! I'd be lying if I said that we have never felt stress, or overwhelmed, or perhaps at times quite weak. But by the grace of God I can truly say that those words don't define our transition, and subsequent life here. I think a word that defines our lives completely is "grace". God is showing us just how much we need Him. Sure, doctrinally we have known that for quite some time, but never before has that truth been tested as in this past year. In pride and arrogance I would love to have my list of tasks, crossing out each accomplishment as I set out to complete the list, admiring my work as I look back at a job excellently done. The tasks here are simply too difficult to accomplish excellently in my own strength, and constant need for strength, wisdom, and abilities far greater than my own keep me on my knees. As I have come in prayer to my Lord I have found that this opportunity isn't just for accomplishing what is before me, but a treasure of sweet communion, where I can pour out my heart before Him, and find peace for my soul, a reward sweeter than any completed list. Psalm 16:11 has long been a favorite verse of mine, "In your presence is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures forever."

The girls continue to grow and mature in so many ways. Lydia has really found her nitch in school. She is speaking the language much better, and enjoying friends and her teachers. They have had some fun outings to the theater, fire-station, and to a really neat, old monastery, where they now teach kids art. She maintains her rather "Marcus-like", adventurous spirit, and a complete zest for life. At home she has really matured and has been a great help for me, leading and helping her sisters. She also has recently developed quite a soft heart toward the gospel. Your prayers for her salvation are greatly appreciated. Sophia, is our little, imp. She knows just how to make us laugh, and is a lot more of a timid soul. I love how she likes to be always with me. Lately she has really become quite girly, loving dress-up, and anything princessy, and pretty. We hope to have her in school next year, but it depends on whether there will be an opening. Sophia is maturing in her ability to comprehend bible stories, and the principles we are teaching her. Chloe has been my surprise child, in that, as an infant, I couldn't have asked for an easier baby. She slept well, ate well, and was so affectionate. She still does all those things well, but we have noticed a very strong stubborn streak in her. She is all girl in so many of the difficult ways, as well as the sweet ways. I have been, in the past few months, so surprised to see her try to manipulate with her emotions, even to the point of controlling her sisters! In sweetness, she is totally affectionate, and is learning to obey her parents in the Lord. She can already say a few phrases. Her favorites are: "ahoj", (hello, in czech), "Daddy home", "Daddy gone", "MOMMYYYYYY", "get down", "uh-oh", and, "di-di", (her name for her blankie).

Marcus and I recently celebrated our 7th year anniversary. Time has flown! I think that in our 7 years we have moved about 6 times! Marcus surprised me with a date night in Prague, for the occasion. We enjoyed a yummy dinner at a place Joe and Elaine Jhung took us to. It's a restaurant right by Prague Castle, (Hradčany), that overlooks the old city. The weather was so nice that we ate outdoors on the patio. Then we took a romantic walk all over Prague, seeing new places and revisiting our favorites. Ice cream in Old Town Square, ("Stareměsko Naměsti"), and a final view from the Castle over the city, totally capped off our time there. I have to say that it probably doesn't get much better than that!

We continue to make progress in the language. It does feel slow. I can speak a bit- sure it's awkward, as the grammar keeps my head working. It could be easy to get discouraged, but I try to remember that only a year ago, I know almost nothing about the Czech language. This is another area where we ask for prayer. Marcus and I know that we are not brilliant people but, God's power is limitless! So we petition His help constantly, and are striving to work hard for His glory.

Summer camp is coming! We are excited to see God work this year! In the past few years, we have definitely been seeing softer hearts. Please be praying for the campers, and for all who are preparing for this outreach!

Lastly, I would like to ask for prayer for the church, specifically for the women. They are such dear sisters in Christ! We have decided on a study in the book of Philippians. It is a great book to work together on our skills of bible-study. One of the challenges that I have found here is that often, and doctrinally-speaking, the members of the church are on different pages. Sure, the most essential doctrines are, the same, and undebatable, but the other doctrines can sometimes make bible-study, and subsequent, biblical fellowship a bit difficult. We sometimes can spend much of our time explaining all of our differences, rather than fellow-shipping on the encouraging truths, that are so vital to our growth as a Body of christian women. My prayer is that as we learn to study the Bible, thinking Biblically, perhaps some of the less-vital topics of conversation will fade away. Please pray for us, and our study, that the Word would be central, and that all of us will be deeply impacted by our time together, in the book of Philippians. Please pray that our hearts would be softened, and the the Holy Spirit would be working to grow us as God-honoring, biblical daughters, wives, mothers, and evangelists.

In closing, I want to thank you all for a blessed year of prayer! Thank you all for being such dear friends! I say this in earnest, that we love you, dear churches, and friends who support us, and we would truly love to know how to pray for you as well!

Warning!!! Lots of pics posted!

The girls, in April, with their daddy in Lidice, (Chloe is in her pajamas, hat and coat!)





Alglicky Klub Kladna- our english club outreach

Anniversary in Prague


Our village bonfire, and buřst roast




Our neighbors who attend a bible study at our home= Jirka and Michaela

Dear sister in Christ, Eva, (who also watched the kids while we went out on our anniversary)

After the party with Eva and neighbor

Hasenburk castle ruins.....this was a fun hike with our neighbor up a hill, where on the top lay some old castle ruins. I tried to look up some history on-line without much luck. I'll post more information as I get it!









on the way home....

It's a beautiful, Saturday here in the Czech Republic. The sun is shining, gloriously, and the snow continues to melt making everyone start to feel a tinge of anticipation for spring. Just now, Marcus, Lydia and Sophia are outside gathering the snow in our yard, packing it into buckets and then emptying the brick-like result in an ordered fashion, creating a wall of sorts. It's fun to watch them outside our front window. Bucket after bucket, until a type of "snow-fort" starts to take shape! The neighbors are all out-side too, stopping by to chat a bit before continuing on their walks, dog's in tow. Today has been a special day. Marcus doesn't have work, so we've enjoyed spending every minute of it together- no business, just fun. Tomorrow, for our Sunday service, our church members will all caravan to Roudnice where 3 churches enjoy a "Bohu Služba"- or "God Service". An elder from the Usti church will preach. It happens about 4 times a year that BKSS, (our church), Usti Church, and the Roudnice church, combine efforts to spend this time worshipping together, and it is well worth the effort. The last Bohu Služba we hosted here in Kladno in August. After our service, there is always a lunch, and then, as is customary every week for the Roudnice group, they rent a gym for a game of "ultimate frisbee". We were able to join them about 3 weeks ago, and we had a total blast!


This week has been a blessing. The warmer temperatures are only partially to blame. On Wednesday, (our english outreach), Marcus invited the pastor from the Roundice church to come and give his testimony, (svědectvi), for the students. He spoke, almost non-stop, in English, and then translated his own words to Czech, for about an hour. All eyes and ears were fixated. It was a powerful testimony of God's power and complete sovereignty in a persons life. You see, he was born in Czech, and grew up under communism. At the age of 19, he desired to leave the regime, and due to some anti-communist actions, wound-up on the regime's "black list", a list of suspicious names, entitling the person extra attention, scrutiny, and less freedom from the police. Such consequences only grew his desire to escape, so after months of secret planning, and various attempts he finally was able to cross into Austria, by foot, after tracked across the mountain range. After some time, and planning he then made it to Germany, and then finally to America, where He became a citizen and enlisted in the US Army. In the Army he enjoyed the type of lifestyle that was familiar to him. Pride, drinking, and women was the passion of his life. He received his university education through the army in electronics, and continued to work as a soldier in electronics. His life, however, started to take a turn, as God wanted to humble him. In a short amount of time, this man lost his long-time girlfriend, broke his leg, and then got a new boss who was determined to make his life miserable. After thinking through possible solutions, this prideful, young man decided that the only thing he could do was kill himself. He planned the date. As the date arrived he went about his day normally, and in the evening went to the cafeteria for a last meal. As he sat down, a lower-ranking officer sat by him and began to share the gospel with him. The young Christian shared for about 3 hours, and at the end M prayed that the Lord would forgive Him, and save his soul. After that nothing was the same. His life was completely pulled from the tangles of sin, and reformed to the joy of living for God. He continued to live in America for about 20 years, and had a job that gave him a 6-figure salary. Over time, and the fall of communism, this Man felt a nagging urge to reach his own people back here in the Czech-Republic. A church in the US shared his desire, and supported his transition back, in order to start a church. He gave up so much materially to spread the gospel, what a great example! Any of you coming next summer to the camp may have the opportunity to here the more-complete version of this amazing story.

Many of our english students stood around, asking him questions after he shared, and many looked troubled, as they could not deny the powerful example of God working in someone's life to give to him the grace He purchased on the cross!

Well that's about all I'll be sharing this time around. In closing, I would love to share some prayer requests, and humbly ask that you could support us in prayer as we continue to work, hoping to give God the glory in our lives, family, and ministry.

1.) Praise God! We were able to get Lydia and Sophia registered in the Lidice school next year. Lydia is currently attending školka in Kladno. It's been a blessing, but also a bit difficult as we try to learn the differences between Czech and American schools. The style of teaching, can be a bit rough around here, kinda, "school-marm" like, where humiliation and yelling can be common in classes. We haven't had it terrible, given Lydia's language disadvantage. By God's grace, she is speaking fairly well for the time we've been here, hopefully giving her a good start in the new school next year.

2.) Please pray for our marriage, and family, that we would continue to grow, being a holy example here. We are more isolated. It's so humbling to know that we are one of only a few devoted, Christian families, in this area. Please pray that we would be a solid, real, and non-hypocritical example- that Christ could really use us here to show the power of the gospel in the lives of normal people. Marcus and I are currently reading, "Gospel -Powered Parenting" by William Farley. It has been a true blessing, and source of challenge to our faith in the area of marriage and family.

3.) Please continue to pray for our church here. Sometimes it's so easy to see God's power in the lives of our brothers and sisters, as they grow in faith and love for God. Other times it can feel like this church is barely holding together. I know that the difference in perspective depends more on our faith, and our trust in God's power and ability to glorify Himself. We need to remember that He simply doesn't need us, but allows us to be a part of the process- a privilege. We also need to remember that BSKK is His church, and He loves her dearly.

4.) Please pray for the lost. There are so many people that hear the truths of the gospel over and over again. Please pray that God would open their hearts to believe, give them eyes to see their need. Please pray for our neighbors, our language instructors, and unbelieving family members of our church members.

5.) Please pray for Marcus and myself, but especially for Marcus. He truly is balancing so much work. 3 mornings/week he wakes before 6am. On Tuesdays it is actually before 5am. 3 nights/week he ministers in the evenings. This includes prep for 2 of those nights- english class on Wednesdays, and the study of biblical Men's and Women's roles for Friday nights. Marcus works everyday from the moment he wakes until about 5pm- except on the nights that he works in the evenings too. Each day he studies Czech, prepares some for Sunday's preaching, works on preparation for the ministries I've already mentioned, including the Men of Faith meeting where most of the men come, at 5:30am-every week, for additional shepherding. Of course, there are many administrative details that always need tending. God granted some wisdom in having us purposefully carve out time on Thursday nights where we can be together- either at home, while the kids are in bed, or out while a baby sitter comes. These nights have been a true relief to our busy schedules. Saturdays, have been dedicated to "family time", where, despite the pressure of the next day's preaching, we take time to just hang out with the kids, and have fun together. We are definitely stretched to our max, but see that the Lord is using this time to grow us up. We pray that we will be sanctified, and dependent as a result, not little, anxious balls of distrust. Please pray that Godliness would be the result.

Thank you for standing with us. We love you all!

Just a brief synopsis of what we have been up to here...

November flew by for us as we welcomed some wonderful visitors.  My parents came for a little over 2 weeks.  This was their 12th visit to the Czech Republic.  Their visits are unique here has they have, for years, enjoyed spending time with many people they have maintained friendships with.  It's fair to say that a bulk of their time is spent ministering rather than sight-seeing!  We were also able to spend Thanksgiving with them, which was a real joy for us all, but especially the children.  Our dear friend Vera Knezu and her beautiful daughter were also able to join us, (we've known her for about 10 years now, and first met her at English Camp!).

December started in a flurry of snow- just in time for Christmas!  The kids, Marcus and I enjoyed, several outings to the park here where they have a particularly good sledding hill.  Sophia and Lydia showed no fear as they flew down, with Sofie-dog,(the Smith's dog), chasing them all the way to the bottom of the hill.  Lidice has a couple of village activities in December.  Their is a tree-lighting service, where all gather just after dusk to sing koledy, drink svareny vino, and caj, (hot, mulled wine, and tea).  On the 5th of December the Czech's celebrate "den Mikulas", or "Mikulash Day".  Mikulas is the Czech equivelent of Santa Cause.  He wears a red, priest-like costume, has a long, white beard and asks children if they have been good all year.  He also is accompanied by the devil, (čert), and an angel.  Our kids thought this no more than a silly tradition, and were able to tell him that they have been mostly good!  It was great for our family to see many people in Lidice and for them to get to know us a bit, as in the winter, we are all indoors so much more, making it difficult to meet people.

Our english club also had a sweet, little party, where the kids and I were able to come.  We played some games listened to Marcus play his sax, (always a favorite for Czechs who love when someone has talent in art or music), and ate some great food that the ladies prepared.  The next week Kladno Bible Church had it's Christmas Outreach.  7 new people came, including a dear sister's parents, and grandfather, Vera Knezu, her daughter, and Marcus' Czech teacher and his girlfriend.  The gospel was preached, and the sweet truth of freedom from slavery to sin went forth.

God has been so good to us!  I know that there is no way for all of this to, (as the Czech's say), "go", without His constant strength and grace.  We are so desperate for it.  I find that here I have much more urgency to pray.  Perhaps it's because the reality of my weakness is much more apparant here.  There is so much more pressure felt by Marcus and I.  We know that we succeed only in the strength God provides.  A great place to be, and yet, sometimes a bit tiring.  In His grace He as provided a couple weeks for us to take a breather, sleep a bit more, and spend some time together, (Marcus and I), and then with the children, without a rush of things that need to be done.  I thank Him for it!

-Please continue to pray for our family- Marcus and I- that our marraige would remain strong and Christ-centered.  For the children, that we would consistently prioritize their salvation above the salvation of the Czech people. 

-Please pray for our church.  I'm learning how fragile EVERY church is.  How can it not be?  It's run by sinners, and contains sinners!  Such a miricle that God uses the church to proclaim His amazing grace.  Please pray that our church would do just that.  That they would be a growing, thriving, body that loves Christ more and more, daily, and is eager to put sin to death.

-Please pray for our language abilities.  We continue to work hard, but it is indeed a long road.  The reward of being able to share the truth, and our lives with those we know is our motivation, and keeps us ever working.

-Lastly, please pray for the lost here.  Hearts are so hard and decisions for Christ quite infrequent.  We mustn't give up on the gospel here based on what we see.  I'm remined of missionaries who also experienced much waiting and fruitlessness, as they faithfully tilled a hard soil.  Later, they or other were able to reap large harvests from their faithful efforts- all by the grace of God.

Thanksgiving!

Our Special visitors...

Our home with snow!

Lidice...

English Club party...

"yup, that's my dad!"

Lydia's school recital- she sang and performed poems in Czech!

Sophia is playing with her 'pretend' food, that she received at Christmas- yes, our love for food has definately rubbed-off!

 

Lydia's special gift from papa Ken...

Chloe's special gift from Grandma and Papa Denny- This Fisher-Price toy speaks Czech!

Girls playing dress-up!

 

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

 

Hello all of you dear friends!  It's been a while, so I thought that I would post a small update about how the year has started up for us here in CZ.  Perhaps you would get a clearer picture of our lives if I give to you a glimpse of what a typical week looks like for our family and for our church. 

Sunday is of course worship at 10:30.  Before the Smith's left, the church went through a foundations class led by one of the men here.  About 1/2 of the church attended.  We were thinking of perhaps starting up another equipping class, maybe something on hermeneutics?  Perhaps later though.  Marcus has just begun teaching through the book of Colossians.  We typically end our service around 12pm.  People fellowship after untill about 1:30 or 2pm and then we either have a common lunch somewhere or go home. 

Monday is a free day for Lydia.  Her school teaches swimming on that day, and because of various reasons, including she already can swim, we decided to keep her home.  Marcus and I both study our czech, and He has a lesson in the morning.  Lydia has ballet in the afternoon, at 1pm and  I have my czech lesson at 3:30. Then it's home, dinner and kids to bed.  Afterwards I try to spend some time reviewing what I learned.

Tuesday is our Lidice, neighborhood outreach. Daniel, (our brother and neighbor) is leading the time.  So far, we are not sure how everyone will take to the time change, (it used to be on Fridays).  We will see.  People usually come around 6-6:30.  We put the kids to bed and listen to the all-czech study. 

Wednesday mornings Marcus meets with the men of the church at 5:30 for prayer and study.  He then comes home and takes Lydia to school in route to his czech lesson.  At noon he picks Lyd up, brings her home and studies the rest of the day at home.  Every day is quite similar for me.  I try to read my bible first, and pray- usually with Sophia by my side reading hers ;0).  Then I shower, feed Sophia, and Chloe, and play with them until Chloe goes down for a nap- around 10.  Then I put on an educational, or entertaining film for Sophie while I study, for about an hour.  I then prepare lunch for us and for Marcus.  Lyd eats at school.  Afterwards I like to spend some time with all the kids- either a walk around Lidice with Lydia walking the dog, Sophia pushing her little, baby stroller, and me pushing Chloe.  I think we must be quite a sight!  Sometimes we also stay inside or play in the yard.  At 3pm, I put Chloe down and we do some reading, crafts, coloring etc. until dinner.  After dinner we usually have a bible story/worship time with the family, bath, and then bed.  When I have the time, I love to walk the dog around the neighborhood after the kids have gone to bed.  It's my favorite way to pray.  Then I try to either exercise or study for at least an hour before bed.  Marcus has the english club course from 7pm- 9, and sometimes he spends a little extra time with some of the students who love to go out for a quick bite at the cafe nextdoor.

Thursdays are pretty quite, only school for Lydia, and in the afternoon I have my czech lesson.  

Fridays is school for Lyd, czech lesson for Marcus, normal routine that I already mentioned and then, after dinner we have mladesh, or youthgroup.  We are still waiting to see if it will take off.  Certainly there is a need, everyone agrees, only we can't and don't want to force it.  If the Lord wants it, it will be.  We will start our ladies meeting soon.  This past Friday I invited some of the ladies over for tea, and some informal time to just hang out.  Next week I hope to have some kind of program- probably prayer and a reading a short passage from scripture.  Eventually we will be reading "The Excellent Wife" together.

Saturdays, we hope to make our family day.

So, this is life, thus far.  We still need to exercise flexability as we don't know what ministries will work, what times are perfect, what needs we should prioritize etc....but this is what church planting is like.  It's a bit exciting, a bit tireing, but totally in God's hands, we only want to serve Him and do his will.  To Him be the glory.

I hope that gave you all a small picture of what it's like here.  Perhaps it helps you know how to pray for us, and for our dear church.  Thank you so much for standing with us!

Lydia's "mommy" photo

 

 

   So it's has been about 4 weeks since our last update, and it would be impossible to write every event that has taken place in that time.  I believe that just after my previous entry the short term missions teams from Michigan, California, and Washington arrived, and we all prepared to teach english and impart the gospel, "there", at a Czech chateaux a couple hours away.  After the camp our family moved into the Lidice house, and we spent 1.5 weeks alternating follow-up meetings, day trips to Kutna Hora, Prague, Karstejn Castle, and a dinner, river cruise down the Vltava river. 

Camp was great, and we were so blessed by God for sweet times with the campers, many opportunities to have deep discussions about life, and God.  God used every member from the church in Kladno, and from the  teams to exemplify His grace- each manifested different than the next.  It is always such a blessing to watch God work through people, every person devoted, and every job important.  All in all, great friendships were made, and we all came away from camp so encouraged- and maybe a bit tired, (o.k., I was exhausted!).

Other highlights include 2 date nights.  One with only Marcus and I, and the other in Prague with the Jhung's.  Both were great times of letting our hair down, and just enjoying each other and our dear brother and sister in Christ.  We were also very blessed to have been served by both teams as they helped us move-in and set up our new home and graciously helped us with our children so we could get some housework, and shopping accomplished.  We were truly the recipients of abundant grace.

Now, with the teams gone we are settling down, loving our church, and getting to know our sweet neighbors here in Lidice.  It has been a blessed transition, ( I say it with all honesty).  There has been, and is now grace around every corner- not the atherial, romantic kind where you dream about living in a foreign country like the missionaries in biographies, but the real, concrete, kind of grace.  The kind of grace you must write down for fear that someday you might forget all the amazing ways God has directed you and answered your prayers.

Please pray that we would live our lives exemplifying that grace to those we come across.  Please pray that we would exemplify the gospel, and never keep it to ourselves. 

Please pray for wisdom from above with time, talents, and treasure.  There is much responsibility here with our family, the church, english class, language study, new friendships, etc....  Please pray that we would balance these needs as God would have us. 

Lastly, please pray for Lydia's school which starts in a few weeks, (she will attend 1/2 day).  I'm trying to keep my anxieties at bay!  It's hard to send your first baby out, especially in a new country.  Pray for my trust in the Lord, for our wisdom as parents, and relationships with teachers and other parents at the school.

Thank you all again for your role as prayer warriors in the Czech Republic.  It is a true ministry, and we know that His work is greatly advanced because of you!

Nectiny!

Awesome camp translator, and awesome brother in Christ!

Camp administrator, and baby- holder extrordinaire! (note phone in hand)

Children LOVE english camp!

...as do babies!

Sweet Eva with her parents...

Marcus, on Jan Hus' pulpit

Kutna Hora- and 96 degree weather!

brothers!

 

flying buttresses of Kutna Hora

Beautiful ladies!

a nice song from the Spokane team...

Thank you, dear sisters for your love and service!

 

 

 

 

 

This is just a short update for you all...  We have truly seen God's faithfulness as we continue to become more and more established here in Kladno.  Marcus and Daniel A. were able to get our van into the port in Germany, and then through the customs here in Kladno- free of tax!!!!  (A HUGE praise!).  The next step in the "van saga", is to get it registered here in CZ.  I don't want to bore you all with the practical details, but it could be a rather complicated process.  A good reminder to our hearts is that these details which seem so complex to us are really nothing to our amazing, great, powerful, and loving Father.  We are learning to trust Him through the process.  This means that our prayers may certainly be answered, but in steps where we can see the outworkings of His grace and providence.  I'm thankful as this keeps our hearts dependent and prayerful. 

We are learning the language, and yet we see that it will take much time.  No more lofty expectations, but rather, through diligence and God's strength, there will be an appropriate goal of learning of time.  It took Peter and Sonyia over 2years to become fluent. 

Lydia is now signed up for skolka, (shkolka)- like kindergarten, and for ballet in the fall.  She is very excited!  Sophia is maturing and enjoying her new surroundings, (she says that she especially likes the Smith's and the snacks!).  Chloe just began waving and is almost crawling!

It a few, short weeks, our dear friends on the Czech teams will join us here for summer camp.  (For those who don't know...our English Club here in Kladno hosts a camp for conversational english.  Many friends come from the states and design a program that teaches quality english and preaches the gospel to many.  It truly is an amazing time where we are all challenged to live in light of the gospel and proclaim with boldness Christ's amazing work for our behalf.)  We are really excited to see all of our friends and to fellowship!  We are also really excited to see God work this year in bringing the Gospel to many at the camp.  Please pray as we prepare for this event, and please pray that many would hear the good news, and that many might believe!

Lastly, a happy and sad occasion as we move into our new home- the Smith's home in Lidice, (small, neighboring village, near Kladno).  We are so excited to be in a real house!  We are also quite sad because it means that the Smith's are moving away.  It's hard to imagine Lidice without the Smith's!!!  Please pray for them as they make a rather large transition to Michigan, and pray that we would adorn the gospel of Christ with our lives just as they so faithfully have.

I will write of the story of Lidice in my next entry, but I am posting a picture of our new home!

Naschledanou!  Thank yo for standing with us!

   In addition to yesterday's blog, I thought I'd write de-brief some of our prayer warriors on the Czech mentality when it comes to Christianity.   Czech republic was part of the former communist block from the end of WWII until the Velvet Revolution in 1989.  As a result true faith in Christ became an anomaly.  People see those of true faith in the Word, and a lifestyle reflecting Biblical convictions as wierd.  The believers here in Kladno Bible Church are few in number, and certainly have many obstacles, mostly with their families who reject and are embarassed by them.  Many young people are told that they cannot read their Bibles at home.  In an earthly sense, people here in Czech Republic certainly have a lot to lose for believing in Christ.

   Oddly enough one of the first reformers John Huss, (Jan Hus), came from Prague (1300s).  He fought the tyranny of the Catholic church here in Prague by preaching the true Gospel in the native Czech language.  Consequently he was burned at the stake, but the Czech's still see him as a hero, yet, only in a political sense.  There is a large, famous statue erected to him in the Old Town Square in Prague, and his church has been preserved, holding some old manuscripts, and items from the original building.

   This brief update is to give some of you who may want to know a small insight as to what we are up against.  Perhaps I should refrase- God IS, and WILL accomplish His good work, in His timing and His way.  We are merely accessory- a means to show that truly only God can do anything whether here or back in the US.  The work and the glory are only His.  May we all have the faith and grace to proclaim Him with our words and lives.

Thank you for standing with us!

Karluv Most  (Charles Bridge)

Master Jan Hus

View from the Charles Bridge of Hradcany, or Prague Castle

Famous Astrological Clock

Marcus in Prague with "Marcus"  hehe!

 

 

It's been a crazy, blessed, joyful, doubt-revealing couple of months!  As I wrote earlier, we had the opportunity to travel to Sedona, Arizona to visit the Master's Church.  Many of you may know the new age spiritualism that is heavily present in the area.  This church has survived years in the midst of this anti-Christ culture, and continues to seek to be a strong light in such a difficult climate.  We were graciously embrace by our hosts, (one of the church's elders), and learned so much from their maturity and transparency.

Just today we received the call that our visas are "in".  It looks like all this hubbub is indeed the Lord's will- not that we were doubting, but now there is a sense of reality in all of this.  We are REALLY moving to the Czech Republic!  We haven't purchased our tickets overseas yet, but I believe that we will try to leave in 2 weeks.  Vefore we leave there are still a few things to accomplish.  Next week Marcus will preach for Christ Our Hope, we have to finish processing our health/life insurance, and we are shipping our van, most likely from Oakland, overseas. By God's grace the application fees on the visas were reduced, so we are able to claim an addtional $500 to offset the cost for the van.  God has indeed been very gracious!

Here are some photos from Arizona and Easter, ( so sorry about the abundance of photos!  I couldn't help myself!)

 

Well here's an update for you all.  We have just spent the past 5+ weeks in Vancouver, Wa.  It was a slower time for us...not much for agenda, just time with friends and family.  Marcus was able to meet up with some of his older friends.  One such friend even attended church with us- "Christ our Redeemer" is a Sovereign Grace church plant...a wonderful, little, but growing church close to Marcus' parent's home.  The pastor is a truly gracious man, like a father-figure, who looks forward to spending time with Marcus whenever we are in town.  We don't really know why he does this, and yet it's a blessed encouragent to glean from this older man.

Last night we drove over to my parents home in Spokane...about a 5 hour drive.  Two-fold reason:  One that we can house-sit for them while they take a trip to the coast.  It is crucial that someone is here to guard the mail box just in case our visas come.  The second reason is so that we can give our dear Vancouver grandparents a well-deserved break from the chaos a young family of five can bring.  We will drive back the the Portland/Vancouver area next Tuesday.

A new opportunity has been presented to us.  Master's Church of Sedona, Arizona has contacted us to inquire that we come down to meet them next week.  It is a true blessing that yet another church desires to continue support of Czech ministry.  Our family will fly down next Thursday to stay with one of the elder's and get to know this congregation.  We will stay the weekend, leaving the following Tuesday after a trip to the Grand Canyon- Marcus' first time! 

All this traveling and staying with others!  I know that God is stretching me.  Please pray for my faith and trust in Him as we continue to "wait upon the Lord".  Please pray for my heart as it still can be tempted to walking in the flesh when I'm tired or weary from not being able to "close our doors", so to speak, and have privacy within our own family.  I truly see that this is a good stretch of my faith muscle and even better accountability.  Thank you ever so much for your prayers.  I see and know that if any good comes from our family here or in the mission field it will be due to the grace and strength God provides, and through the prayers of our dear brothers and sisters!

The girls with Marcus' mom...

Marcus' sister with her daughter Savannah...Lydia loves her cousin!

Proof that our girls do indeed have large heads...    At Chloe's 6 month appoint she measured:  Height: 40th percentile, weight: 35th percentile,  head circumfrence: 70th percentile!

Time at Cannon Beach..

Tradition:  Big lollipops at Bruce's Candy Kitchen