April 30
Cesky Tesin, CR
Spend the day with Mel and Amy working on things for our Spring Conference. Doing well.
April 29
Cesky Tesin, CR
It seems to me that the latest trend for television is no longer the reality shows, but suspenseful, thriller, cliff-hanging ending type shows like 24, Lost, Prison Break, Invasion, Alias, and the list goes on. I must admit, these are shows that I watch and addicted to, but today as I was in prayer and reading the scripture, it came to me.
Just as much as we like to follow the story lines of those in these shows, how true is it that we watch God's masterful hand in the story lines He wrote and continues to write of His redemption and promises. As I read through the OT, I am amazed at the stories and how it is all leading up to Jesus. Too bad we cannot make the bible into a TV show. It is the most reality- thriller cliff-hanging type of show we can all be a part of and share with others. How I pray that I become more addicted to the Word daily!
Today, it is raining. We are preparing for our JV Spring Conference and will help with errands; picking up people at the airport or train stations and bringing them to the hotel.
April 28
Cesky Tesin, CR
Spent the entire day with the Ellenwoods. Worked with Mel and then spent the evening with the family. We cooked, had fondue and watched a movie. It was a great day.
April 27
Lucenec, SK
Today, four of us drove down to one of our cities that plans to do KECY, our summer camp program that the youth group can use to reach their friends for Christ. This team has done camp twice and has new leadership. So we came together to do some team building and encouraging. It was a nice visit. More importantly, it was a beautiful day to be traveling in the country-mountain side of Slovakia. I love this part of the world. Spring is here!
April 26
The report I heard just finished reading about Queen Sheba and Solomon. Here was a king who lived accordingly to the Lord's requests. Did not live a pure life, but one that honored and praised the Lord. He walked with God, lived for Him, and was a living example of Christ. Queen Sheba had heard, but until she experienced Christ through the King she could not believe. After spending time, watching him and all that the Lord had blessed him with, she believed & praised the Lord. What a true example of living for Christ?! May we all live according to the Lord's request.
Well, I turned 34 today! Still feel the same as I have the past few years. My body shows that I am aging, but my heart, well, I will always be a kid!
Looking back over the years, I am so thankful to God for the many blessings He has given me. The greatest being His presence in me! And beyond that are His extra gifts to me. I also thank Him for all that He has done, taught and provided. God- you are amazing and I love you.
Today plans to be uneventful. I have a few meetings and later today, the team in ZA plans to take me out to dinner. Last night, I had dinner with the Jones' and they sang me Happy Birthday and ate Strawberry dessert.
April 25
Slept great! Thanks for your prayers. I did a few errands around town, finished packing and took off. It was great to be back on the Slovak roads again. Lots of changes taking place with new road construction, flowers blooming, and less snow on the mountain peaks.
Arrived in ZA for some meetings and time with the team here. All is well.
April 24
Is everything ok in your heart?
What a great question to be asking each day! This question is from the new series that Andy is speaking on, and what an amazing time to be talking about it as I have been desiring to have a pure heart that reflects more of Christ and less of self. For me, dieing of self daily is a hard task and after reading Mere Christianity, it may be a life-long process where God is chiseling my self away, and restoring His kingdom in my heart.
What a beautiful day we are having! Spring is in the air, windows are open and God is amazing. Had a few meetings and then spent a few hours outdoors with Dano who is in for the weekend. We took our bikes out of the city and had a great time talking. Afterwards, unpacked and tried to get things in order.
This evening, I am repacking as I have to be in Zilina for a few days for camp meetings and then heading to CT/Malenovice for our JV Spring Conference. Thanks for your prayers as I travel these next few days. Also, please pray for an easy re-entry transition. Having a minor difficult time adapting to the time change.
April 23
Planes, Trains & Automobiles Arrived in Presov! What a very long journey, but one I will never forget.
Today, during my last leg of the train journey, I spent time looking out the window, enjoying the glorious creation of the Lord. To see how things were before I left, colorless, frozen, dark, dead, etc. to now a place full of color- greens, whites, yellows, reds, etc. To see a rebirth in life of people & animalsİall I can say is God.
I finished reading 1st Chronicles as well. To read about David1s reign encouraged me. He was a man after God's own heart, yet stumbled and fell. Yet God still used him and blessed him. There are times when I stumble and fall, yet God continues to overwhelm me with His love & blessings and allows me to do His work through those who support me in prayer, finances and encouragements. And all I can say is God.
April 22
En route to Presov
Arrived in London on a 747 with British Airways. This was the first time flying on this size of plane and had a great flight over. From London, I flew to Prague where I was a bit late and missed my train to get me to Presov. So, I visited, checked in and welcomed our guest speaker who will be speaking at our upcoming JV Spring Conference. He and his family are take a few days before the conference to tour Prague.
Afterwards, I got on a train and headed to Cesky Tesin for the night. As I type this email, Spring has definitely arrived with the flowers blooming, and people out in their gardens getting them ready for planting, etc. It is good be back in the area. It feels like home.
April 21
En route to Prague
Finishing up the MIT orientation and data gathering for my new role. I fly out this evening. Please be in prayer for me as I travel and that I make my connecting flight from Heathrow to Prague. Will be back on line next week.
April 20
Wheaton, IL
Wow, what a day! I am learning a great deal, sharing a great deal and thanking God for this great deal! Have got to know our new MITs and really encouraged by the quality God has provided for us. They are a talented and gifted group with various testimonies of Christ working in their lives.
Tonight, I spent time with my host family, the Nickerson1s and shared a southern desert. We made the Krispy Kreme Ice Cream with hot chocolate kind of desert. And, oh was it good. The kids loved it! Sorry Brenda and Gord for being a bad influence! Ha-Ha!
April 19
Wheaton, IL
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known the nations what he has done." David
Just read through 1 Chron. 16 - 17 and really experienced the love and celebration David had for the Lord. There was such a tight bond between the two of them. He got it, understood it and lived it. Oh, how I may grasp that kind of love to celebrate daily my Lord and Father.
I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing in and around my life. He has truly answered my prayers, and stretching me to new heights. I love what I am doing right now. Being able to make His name known among the nations through this new role by walking alongside & encouraging our missionaries. And, working for a great organization that wants to help Eastern European youth see the Lord, who is already there, has been there, but needs a tour guide to get them from point A to point Jesus!
Today, will spend the day with our MITs and gathering data.
April 18
Wheaton, IL
Finished Mere Christianity on the plane. It was very insightful and appreciate taking the time to read another C.S. Lewis book. I am still walking along with reading the bible as well, and into 1st Chronicles. Reading about David's reign at the moment.
I spent the day at the JV office with various staff members working on several communication items. I am so blessed to work with such talented and Christ-centered people.
In the evening, our MITs (Missionary In Training) arrived for their orientation. This week, they are in town to learn about JV, how we function, the ins and outs and for us to get to know them better. There are a married couple going to Poland, and four singles going to Latvia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Romania.
April 17
En route to Chicago, IL
Made it safe and sound to Chicago. Having a good time getting caught up with various staff members at JV.
April 16
He rose on this day!! Happy Easter!
April 15
"We are yours, O David!" Amasi, one of David's mighty men
Am reading through 1st Chronicles and reading up on David's kingdom. He had men who were loyal, fierce, brave, & strongİa brotherhood willing to fight for him and make sure he became king over Israel. Makes me wonder what kind of man David was that possessed so much loyalty and support. A man whose heart was focused on the Lord and not on himself.
Last night I spoke with my grandmother who could not believe I was home. It was too funny. She thought I was lying. Anyways, I am having a nice visit with the family. Today, we went to the park for a picnic. Had fun throwing Savana's orange toy in the water for her.
Am also enjoying Spring as I sit outside on my parents back porch; listening to the birds chirp, cool breeze hitting my face, and smelling the scents of the flower buds. I love Spring and am thankful for the Lord in all He gives us!
April 14
En route to Bristol, VA wearing shorts!
Today, we mark the death of Jesus! A death to all Sin! And because of Sin, we are all dying. Yet, there is life after death, which we will celebrate on Sunday. This is a dark-world, plagued with sinful & prideful desires. And, our Lord God, who knows this, gave us the gift of eternal life! Thank you for the cross. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your boldness. Thank you for obeying. Thank You Jesus!
Funny story! Many of you know that I slid into the back of a semi truck a few weeks ago with my car. I got it repaired and it looks great. Well, during my travels, I got an email from Peter telling me that someone hit my car in the parking lot where I live. He found out that it was my neighbor, the Bishop. It will be repaired again.
It was a success! I arrived at my parent's home with mom walking into the garage in total shock when she saw me. She was like, "what are you doing here?" "You are not supposed to be here!" "Oh my gosh!" And then the tears rolled down her cheeks. It was priceless! Check out the pictures. I am happy to be here for the weekend.
We went out for a Mexican dinner, and then celebrated mother's day, father's day and their anniversary!
April 13
En route to Atlanta, Georgia
Shh! Mom does not know, but I am on my way to make a surprise visit for Easter. I have returned to the states for a weeklong visit at our offices in Wheaton, IL.
Arrived in Atlanta safe and sound where my brother and friend, Diane, welcomed me home. I had a nice dinner with my brother's family.
I began reading 1st Chronicles with the first several chapters detailing a list of names, etc. I found it hard to read through and sought the Lord for assistance. Cool thing I noticed is that several of these names also had titles and purposes. It quickly came to my mind that we all have a role in building His Kingdom and was an encouragement to read where & with whom His kingdom building on earth began.
April 12
Canterbury & Dover, England
Today, we ventured to the English Channel and stopped on our way in Canterbury. The church was an amazing site to visit. This was the church St. Augustine built after he began to convert the English to Christianity.
Afterwards, we visited the Dover Castle and walked in the tunnels where British Admiral Ramsay led the troops during WW II. It was fascinating to see a castle that was used 2000 years ago. On the way back, I walked around the Thames and enjoyed the night scenery of London.
All and all, it was a great trip to hang out with Jason and see the sites around London. To have the time to encourage & pray for each other was a cool experience! Jason, you are a great friend, and appreciate your support. Don't forget to "mind the gap."
Reading Mere Christianity and enjoy Lewis' thoughts on loving others and God's love for man and man's love for God. Too often, and I find myself doing the same, we base our love on feelings, and we cannot, because our feelings come and go, but His love for us never does.
April 11
Oxford, England
As I learn more about the life of Josiah, I am encouraged by his actions that impacted so many others. During his reign, Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, were all born, and were influenced by Josiah1s desire to follow God wholeheartedly.
Oh may I have a heart, soul, spirit and mind that desires the Lord and not the selfish things of this world. May I become clean, holy, & righteous to be different from this world's perspective and walk with God, my father and creator.
"Following God is an adventure in learning His wisdom for every trial, experiencing His grace for all of our weaknesses, and discovering His sufficiency in all of life." Following God Series; Life Principles from the Kings of the OT.
Today, Jason and I went to Oxford and visited the school that C.S. Lewis attended. It was a cool experience to walk on the grounds where he studied. Ok, maybe I am a dork, but I actually read a chapter of Mere Christianity in the chapel on his campus. It rained the entire day, but was fun walking through the streets of old.
April 10
London, England
Since arriving, I have been in awe of the English language and being able to understand, for the most part, the conversations in its fullest taking place around me. I have used the tube (underground), used the Johnny (toilet) and keep forgetting to look RIGHT, when crossing the road.
I caught up with Jason and his friends whom we hung out with yesterday. It was fun to be around other Christ-like people from Great Britain, South Africa and America. We walked around, sat and talked at a pub, attended an evening church service and had a great South African style dinner.
The guest-speaker at the church we attended spoke on being a pioneer rather then a settler. It really encouraged me that I thought I1d share a few things from the lesson.
He focused on Abraham and his pioneering spirit. He obeyed, went and had no idea where he was going, but trusted in the Lord. Why? Because God spoke and gave a picture of a ground breaking movement or pathway. He had faith- taking a risk to go to a new place and pressed through the hard times. And, always looked forward to God rather then to man. We must be pioneers and never become settlers in His Kingdom.
Today, we did the touristy things and visited Big Ben, parliament, saw the changing of the guards, ate fish & chips and visited one of the churches mentioned in the Da Vinci Code. We walked a great deal.
April 9
En route to London, England
Taking a short Easter vacation to meet up with a friend of mine from Atlanta, GA. Jason and I plan to hang out for a few days around the "motherland," practice our "English" & spur each other on in our walks with the Lord.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Prov. 27:17
Will do my best to update you, but will have limited access to the internet. Thanks for your prayers and support.
April 8
En route to Prague, CR
I plan for the next week to study more on King Josiah to gain a better understanding of who he was and how we should reflect his Godly characteristics. As I begin to study him, I went back to his grandfather. He was a horrible, detestable king who led his people into darkness, idolatry, death and destruction. (2 Kings 21:1-18)
However, we see a man who was conquered, shackled and later turned from his evil ways because of a God who loves, cares and offers the grace only He can give and provide. (2 Chron. 33:10-17) Manasseh rebuilds, & restores what was destroyed and then destroys what was against the Lord. He even led his people to the Lord. And who was watching? His grandson.
Josiah grandfather had a huge impact on him. He saw a man turn from evil and darkness to a reformed man who was in the light walking with the Lord. And then Josiah also saw the outcome of his father who only reigned for two years. His father was evil and was killed by those close to him. What an impact!
For me, it reminds me on how it is best to walk with those who follow the Lord. Who are you following and listening too? Who is impacting you? Better yet, whom are you impacting and is your life one to be impacting?
Spending the night with Dano, one of my interns from last summer and a good friend from PO, before heading out to London in the morning.
April 7
Cesky Tesin, CR
Spent the day with Mel and his family. For me it is a total blessing to be living life & working with this amazing family. To experience what it is like to be discipled and in community- walking side by side with other fellow believers is a pure example of what community truly is as Paul describes the church as a body; rejoicing, suffering and encouraging each other. A true picture of Christ!
Funny thing, I read today an article in the March-April Edition of Relevant magazine on community. It was so encouraging after I just finished reading McNeals book. The author of this article, Cameron Conant, talks about why community is hard to define and even harder to find. In summary, he talks about how community has changed over the years. In the past, community was a matter of survival. Today, in a fast-paced, technological world, community is a word overused and difficult to understand. Because as Americans, we have become individualists. And we need to get rid of that mentality.
We need to come together, be real with each other, die of self and allow the Lord to strengthen us, His bride, the church.
April 6
Praise the Lord!
I forgot to share that as we prepare for our English camps this summer, we ask Americans and Slovaks to become part of our summer internship program. And the praise goes out to God for the following.
Our pastor's daughter, Anka, has decided to become an intern for the summer! This is a huge blessing and praise as we have worked hard these last three years gaining the trust and support for our English camps with the church.
Today, I am on a train heading for a few more meetings before I take off on a small vacation to London. One of my friends from the states is meeting me there for a few days and look forward to catching up with him.
In the meantime, please be in prayer for our summer camp preparations, meetings and my travel.
April 5
Had a busy day today, but got my internet working!
I had a meeting with MPK-SK (Youth For Christ-Slovakia) and met an American girl who is serving them for a year. She just arrived a few weeks ago and is from PA. Afterwards, I did a few errands and did some work.
In the afternoon, I had an amazing conversation with a student I have met from one of my classes. During our times to get to know each other, he and his classmates, I noticed that when I would mention God or what I do, he would light up and express that he too was a Christian. However, never got much one on one time with him until today.
We met at a café and over hot chocolate talked about God, Christianity, Jesus, etc. My heart leaped for joy as he shared his thoughts and believes. He attends a Catholic Community group in PO and loves the Lord. We talked about his friends and what it means to be a Christian and sharing the gospel. And how hard it can be to share and live our lives in front of our friends for Christ. Please pray for him.
In the evening, I hosted a celebration party for my small group and some of their class mates. They have spent the last three days on part one of their two part test to graduate from high school. This was their written test where they have to recall all of the last four years. They came over, we ate, talked, laughed, watched a futbal match and relaxed.
It was a great day with the Lord and with these students.
April 4
Please be in prayer for Peter's wife, Katka. She had surgery on her other arm yesterday and is doing well. Pray for healing, strength and comfort for her. Last night, I cooked dinner for Peter and spent some time with him working on the internet. Ugh.not working yet.
Finished 2nd Kings. Reread about Josiah.a great King who cleaned house, was strong, bold and fearless. A young king who loved the Lord. A reformer.
In the evening, the KECY team had their meeting at my flat. It was great to see them all together discussing the last KECY Klub and preparing for the upcoming outreach events over the Easter holidays. Afterwards, Peter and Jany S. had dinner with me. It was good to be with them.
April 3
Arrived in Cesky Tesin late last night. On my way now to Zilina to pick up a few things and then will return to PO for a few days. Plan to spend time with a few students, get caught up with communications work and camps for this summer. Look forward to sharing more in the upcoming prayer letter.
Arrived in Po safe and sound. Returned home to find out that my internet is not working.
April 2
The weather was perfect today. My time with Phil was great and I appreciate his friendship. He returned home as I am on a train back to Cesky Tesin. As I look out the window, I am amazed at how the rivers are all flooded and am reflecting on all that God has been sharing with me. Sorry for the blog not being current.
So I just finished The Present Future and appreciate all the comments McNeal shares. I look forward to joining a church that he envisions. A church that has a missiological perspective. He talked about how we turn members into missionaries rather then into ministers by providing venues where people can practice being missionaries.
As I read this book, I am so thankful to God for allowing me to understand what it means to be a missionary in this world. We are all called, but do we all act?
McNeal goes on to share how we need to develop followers of Jesus rather then develop church members. I could go on about this thought, but would recommend reading this for yourself. He also talks about how we should shift from our planning to preparations for the future. And, concludes with the church needing to develop leaders for the Christian movement rather then for church work.
So you may be saying, "great Mike, so what?" Well, for me, it was a confirmation of something I have been wrestling with and that is church and how church needs to be and behave. During my time in the states, I visited several churches, and attended a few that to me felt too much like a country club, where people go to be seen, or to hear a pastor who is all about himself and has to be seen, rather then going to a church that reaches people outside it1s walls and worships God with honoring lyrics that focus on Him and not on us.
Just being truthful right now. Because before I went home, I desired going to church to worship the Lord with great music, listen to encouraging sermons and taking the message out into the world. And after being in the states, and returning to Slovakia where church is very different, I guess I am getting a new taste of church. And am thankful for those whom God has placed in my life during these last three years to be the body of Christ. Even if it was experienced at my flat with the youth group, or in a car with a few brothers and sisters in Christ, or praying together with Peter at his flat. I have a new perspective of Church and look forward to the day the Church will be like Christ as He shared with us while He was on earth.
Ok, I have rambled on enough and will get off my new claimed soapbox. But seriously, would love to hear your feedback on how the church should be and behave.
April 1
Prague, CZ
Today, I got to have a bacon, egg & cheese bagel! It was amazing and am very thankful for the opportunity. Afterwards, we visited the communist museum. While I was walking through it, I saw a glimpse of brave young men and women, mostly students fighting for the cause of freedom. A 21 year old student burning himself to protest communism, students protesting every year after that incident, the velvet revolution & a 19 year old German student who flew his sports plane and landed his plane on Red Square in Moscow to show the disintegration of the communist empire.
Even as I look through the bible, especially in the OT, I see so many young brave men fighting for a revolution and a great cause that went against the ideals of the time. Moses, Josiah, David, etc.
During my time at the museum, I got an even better understanding of what it was like during the communist regime. And knowing that my mom's parents made a decision to leave before the walls went up, is just an indication of what life could have been like, had I been born to another man. I thank God for the family and life I have received and treasure all my fond memories of the past and look forward to many more to come.
