Hello all,
As many of you know, my summer plans took an unexpected twist when the
opportunity came up for me to help chaperon a trip to the Czech
Republic. This trip is considered a short-term mission trip where
high school students will be helping to foster positive relationships
between Czech Christians and Czech non-Christians. Other then the
obvious big-sister bullying rights that I will get to inflict on my
brother, B, who is one of the students going, I will also be taking
on the role of English teacher as well as a general camp counselor.
The needs are great in the Czech Republic. Still feeling the aftermath
of the decades of communism, there is a tremendous need to build up
churches and reach the Czech youth. We have a great opportunity to
come alongside an organization called Josiah Venture to help build
local youth ministries and develop youth leaders to reach their
country. I appreciate that the goal here is to ignite interest in
Christianity while supporting the efforts of Czech Christians who have
already begun a good work. One of the effective strategies has been to
have churches and Josiah missionaries invite students from the
community and schools to English camps. At the camp they will
experience a youth camp environment along with three hours of English
class. Through building relationships with the Czech students,
discussion groups, evening talks, sports time, hiking, and a lot of
fun, many of the Czech students will be exposed to Christians and
Biblical Christianity for the first time and connected with our
partner church in Hradec Kralove.
I will be leaving with a group of 12 students and 2 other adults on
June 24th and returning July 13th. I realize that I have taken on
quite a bit of responsibility with my ticket to Prague, but I am
looking forward to the opportunity to grow myself in several areas. If
you are willing and able I would appreciate much prayer; for the
ministry, for the students that I will be responsible for, for my
English lessons, for my heart which will be breaking because of the
time spent away from Mo, and for Mo.
While the financial burden does not necessarily fall on my shoulders,
because I am coming into this trip so late in the game, there is a
significant need. The cost for each person going is $1,800. This
covers all of our travel, training and living expenses. At my last
meeting with the other leaders, we had reached 80% of our total goal
for the team. We will still eat while we are there, but as a team we
may come back to some dept if we do not raise the reminder of the
money. I would like to ask you to consider being a part of my
supporting team. If you would like to support this team, you may send
a tax-deductible check to the address below. Write "Czech" and my name
on the memo line. We accept any $ amount so feel free to give big or
small. :)
If you have any questions about the trip or the team feel free to give
me a call.
God is changing lives for eternity in the Czech Republic and I am
excited to be a part of it this summer! Thanks for your support.
Buh ti zehnej (May God bless you!)
-Laura
First Presbyterian Church
114 E Jefferson St
Ottawa, IL 61350
