Church, Sunday Afternoon
Once again the church service the day after the camp was packed with people from the camp, both Czechs and Americans alike that do not usually attend. Worship was led by teams from both the Czech church as well as our team and Jim Caley gave the message with Pastor Petr translating. There were several surprises that afternoon but none greater than one of our waitresses from the camp traveling about an hour and a half to come to the church service. This was wonderful. Several people were given their first Bibles and they were signed by many different people from the Czech church an the American Team from CEFC.
Because of the renovations of this new church building and having the facility available to the church at all times we were able to have a much larger group gathering of food and drinks after the service. Above is a picture of Dawson and Patrik singing praise songs together as people socialize.
For the vast majority of the people, this service is the last opportunity for people to say goodbye before the American team heads West for Prague and the airport. Many hugs were given and tears shed before the team left the church that Sunday evening.
Off to Prague with Several Czech Teens in Toe
For the second straight year we had some of the Czech teens come along with us as we traveled to Prague to see the city and its culture and to prepare to return home. It has been a blessing both years as they are able to take some of the weight off of Petr's shoulders as far as translating and helping people find their ways around the city. Patrik enjoying some dinner with the group after a long day of travel across the country.
Night view from atop the city of Prague
The young lady that I am with in this picture is named Annička. I like to call her my Czech daughter and she calls me Uncle Nate. I first met her when she was 9 years old. This was during my first trip to the Czech Republic with the CEFC team. She had not been able to attend the last couple of English Camps so it was a huge blessing for me to be able to have her around a little bit longer and know that I will be able to see her more often this year as it is probable that I will have Christmas with her family. Her father is a pastor of a church about an hour away from Ostrava but she going to try to attend the Ostrava church as much as possible since we met at 4:00 in the afternoon on Sundays for the service.
Off to the airport for most
Early Wednesday morning our team along with some of the Czech teens and Petr began preparing to leave for the airport. There were many heart-felt embraces by Czechs and myself as we said goodbye to the rest of the American team. It was a strange feeling watching the group walk away toward the customs gate especially since it included my mom. It was weird and difficult but we are excited that the Lord has chosen to use me to help advance His church in Ostrava and in the Czech Republic overall. After watching the team walk through the gate we left to begin our cross country drive and train ride. We arrived in Ostrava around 7:30 and once Petr, Matouš, and myself arrived at the Polách's home I was able to enjoy a meal with Petr and Petra while getting to know each other just a little better.
Things for prayer
One Thursday morning, Petr and I will be meeting with the real-estate agent who found my apartment directly across the street from the church. We will be finalizing some paper work for this. Pray that all goes well. Once that is done I will need to buy everything that is needed to furnish an apartment. This may take several days. I need patience. Pray for my family as they will be reunited without me for the first time since I was away for college. Pray for the Ostrava church's Awana program that begins next week. I will probably be somewhat involved in this. Pray that I would be in God's word and prayer as well as learning the language.
In Christ,
Nate
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