Dave. Shena. Czech.: Our Past Trips

(For those that are curious, here's a final update on our 2011 trip to the Czech Republic...)

There and Back Again...

First of all, we must give thanks to our supporters. A HUGE round of applause goes to anyone who supported us through prayer, financial contributions, and encouragement! We needed it and you gave it. Thank you for blessing us! It was such a humbling experience to watch God provide.

We could probably write a book about our experiences in Czech. Here’s a snapshot of what really moved us:

From Shena’s heart...

I was deeply moved in a number of ways. I was reunited with several friends from the last time I went to Czech (in 2004). It was amazing to reignite those old friendships and to build new relationships as well... So many of the Czechs we talked to, both Christian and non-Christian, are hungry for spiritual knowledge and answers to deep theological questions. I feel burdened to pray for old friends and new friends, especially those with inquiring minds and hungry hearts. God is definitely at work and there is such a need for spiritual growth and development! I was humbled by the Czech people. We have so many theological training tools and resources. But we don’t always take advantage of them. We have huge churches and countless ministry programs. And yet we take them for granted.

As a result of my 2011 trip to the Czech Republic I have two new goals in life: 1) to pray regularly for the salvation of both old and new Czech friends and 2) to deepen my own understanding of God and the Bible. I definitely feel moved to continue ministering to people, both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. I know that strengthening my own knowledge of God and scripture will help me to explain theology to others. I’m excited to share God’s love and truth! :)

Inka & Shena

Our English Class

Dave & Shena @ the bridge in Pisek, Czech Republic

From Dave’s heart...

I noticed two very surreal things about the Czech Republic. First, I was in awe with the antiquity of the country. Czech is decorated with small towns of old stone cottages and tall, Romanesque churches. There is nothing like it in the States. Traveling down cobblestone streets and gazing upon the tranquil Otava, one can become enveloped in the beauty and elegance of the country. So foreign and surreal. Secondly, I was astonished by the lack of religion among the people. For a country so rich in religious history, it is unfathomable how quickly the people have exchanged their faith in God for secular humanism, agnosticism, atheism, and ignorance towards the Gospel.

I was pleasantly shocked (and pleased) by the spiritual hunger in the Czechs who attended the English Camp. They asked a plethora of questions concerning God, the Bible, Jesus, and the Christian life. They were eager to learn more about these things, for they had no religious upbringing. Witnessing and engaging in these conversations allowed me to contemplate and strengthen my own faith. One man from our English class became a believer. His name is Honza. It was such a joy to hear that he accepted Jesus into his life. I could tell that he was excited to begin a new journey of faith.

Pisek, Czech Republic

My prayers especially became strong while I was in Czech. I fervently prayed for a new friend, a humble man whom I cannot wait to call my brother. He is an agnostic, but the seed of the Gospel is planted in him. I pray even now for him to accept the good news and welcome the work of salvation in his life. Through prayer, I also wrestled with the things of my future. I felt a strong beckoning toward something new in my life. I believe God wants me to prepare for a change. Even now, I am witnessing new events unfolding in my life.